Geography Of Sölden
With an area of 467 km², Sölden is the most large municipality in Austria; it features a range of scenery from the rich Ötztal valley to high mountain watersheds including glaciers spanning 146km². Sölden also boasts forests covering 321km², pastures, and peaks. The municipality only has about one square kilometer of accessible development land. After World War I, Sölden bought more territory by means of border demarcation, so expanding almost 120km². At 3768 meters above sea level, the Wildspitze is the highest point in the town.
As of January 1, 2023 the municipality comprises five towns with varying populations:
- Gurgl (424 residents)
- Holy Cross (121 residents)
- Sölden (2257 residents)
- Vent (133 residents)
- Zwieselstein (152 residents)
Location and Surroundings
Geographical Position
Sölden is in a southwest part of Tyrol, a constituent state of Austria. With an elevation of 1,368 meters relative to sea level, the site covers 466.7 square kilometers over land. After Matrei in Osttirol, Sölden is the second most wide municipality in Tyrol and the most wide municipality in Austria. Sölden lies in the Ötztal Alps, a subrange of the Central Eastern Alps. Sölden neighbors the towns of Obergurgl, Vent, Längenfeld, Sautens, and Imst.
Neighboring Regions
Sölden is covered by several areas offering different attractions and experiences for tourists. North of the Ötztal Arena, a ski area connecting the resorts of Obergurgl, Hochgurgl, and Vent, Sölden is Sölden is rather close to the Pitztal valley, a highly regarded ski resort with Austria’s best glacier, the Pitztal Glacier. Sölden is situated close to the Italian border, more especially near the South Tyrolean province of Bolzano, which offers a special fusion of Mediterranean and Alpine cuisine and culture. Sölden lies westward from the Engadin valley and St. Moritz resort within the Swiss canton of Graubünden.
Access Points
There are several ways to conveniently reach Sölden: road, rail, air, bus. Sölden is connected to the Inntal Autobahn (A12), a major expressway spanning Tyrol and tying it to Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Also serving Sölden is the Ötztal railway station, located in Ötztal-Bahnhof about 35 kilometers north of Sölden. From that point, regular buses run to Sölden and several other points inside the Ötztal valley. The closest airport is Innsbruck Airport, some 80 kilometers from Sölden. It offers domestic as well as international flight services. Alternatively, guests could fly to either the Munich Airport or the Zurich Airport, both of which are about 250 kilometers from Sölden.
Physical Geography
Landforms in Sölden
Together with tectonic and volcanic activity, glacial and fluvial processes mostly shape the landforms in Sölden. Comprising an amazing 65 square kilometers, the Ötztal Glacier is the most prominent geographical feature in Sölden; it is the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps! Rettenbach Glacier, Tiefenbach Glacier, Gaislach Glacier, and Neder Glacier among several smaller glaciers make up the Ötztal Glacier’s fragmentation. Including the Ötztaler Ache, Venter Ache, Gurgler Ache, and Rofener Ache, the glaciers in Sölden form the source of several streams and rivers. The main river in Tyrol and a tributary to the Danube, the Sölden rivers join to form the Inn.
Sölden’s topography boasts several of Austria’s highest mountains and peaks. Rising 3,768 meters, the Wildspitze is the highest peak in Sölden. Only the Großglockner tops it among the mountains in Austria. Among Sölden’s several notable mountains are the Hinterer Brunnenkogel at 3,737 meters, the Schalfkogel at 3,540 meters, the Fluchtkogel at 3,500 meters, and the Schwarze Schneid at 3,340 meters. Comprising the Ötztal Alps, the mountains in Sölden fall into four subgroups: Weißkamm, Geigenkamm, Kaunergrat, and Glockturmkam.
Rivers and Lakes
Sölden’s lakes and rivers mostly get their water from glaciers and the melting of snow, so guaranteeing a fresh and pure supply for the region. The Ötztaler Ache is Sölden’s main watercourse; it runs through the Ötztal valley and meets the Inn river close to Ötztal-Bahnhof. Among the several tributaries feeding the Ötztaler Ache are the Venter Ache, Gurgler Ache, Rofener Ache, and Gaislach Ache. Renowned for their fit for rafting, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and hydroelectric power generation, Sölden’s rivers are
Mostly man-made, the lakes in Sölden were created by dam or reservoir building for use in water storage and power generation. Comprising a capacity of 1.2 million cubic meters and an elevation of 2,800 meters, the Speichersee is the biggest lake in Sölden. Apart from producing electricity for the area, the Speichersee supplies water for the ski slopes and snow cannons. Among Sölden’s other lakes are the Winkelbergsee, the Habicher See, the Stuibenfall See, and the Piburger See. Beautiful and offering chances for leisure activities including swimming, boating, sailing, and fishing.
Mountain Ranges Nearby
Many mountain ranges covering Sölden offer a range of breathtaking views and terrain. Located in the Ötztal Alps, a subrange of the Central Eastern Alps spanning Tyrol to South Tyrol and Graubünden, Sölden is Along with their varied alpine plant and animal life, the Ötztal Alps are known for their towering summits, large glaciers, and deep valleys. Among the several subgroups the Ötztal Alps fall into are the Weißkamm, Geigenkamm, Kaunergrat, and Glockturmkamm.
Sölden lies east of the Ötztal Alps and near the Stubai Alps, a separate subset of the Central Eastern Alps. The Stubai Alps stand out for their rocky, glaciated topography as well as for their plenty of huts and paths. Rising 3,506 meters, the Zuckerhütl is the highest mountain in the Stubai Alps. The largest ski area in Austria, the Stubai Glacier found in the Stubai Alps offers year-round skiing possibilities.
Sölden lies close to the Silvretta Alps, a subset of the Central Eastern Alps west of the Ötztal Alps. Famous for their beautiful and varied terrain—glacial, lake, forest, and meadow—the Silvretta Alps Alpine fauna including ibexes, chamois, marmots, and eagles is well-known from the Silvretta Alps. Rising 3,312 meters, Piz Buin is the highest summit in the Silvretta Alps. Renowned for their scenic Silvretta High Alpine Road, which links Tyrol and Vorarlberg.
Urban Development
Sölden’s tourism sector is the main driver of its economic activity and employment, thus it shapes its urban growth mostly. Sölden’s modern and utilitarian architecture, meant to provide comfort and convenience to guests as well as residents, sets apart its urban development. Sölden’s urban growth is distinguished by its dedication to protect its natural and cultural legacy as well as to environmental preservation. There are three main zones to Sölden’s urban development: the residential district, the town center, and the skiing area.
The Village Center
With most of the stores, restaurants, bars, hotels, and services housed in the village center of Sölden, this focal point is Various celebrations including the Ski Opening, the Electric Mountain Festival, and the Hannibal Show take place mostly in the village center. With large sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, and handy public transportation choices, the village center is meant to give pedestrians top priority and guarantee simple access. Vibrant lights, banners, and sculptures abound in the village center, adding to a festive and energetic atmosphere.
The Ski Area
Comprising most of the ski lifts, slopes, and facilities, Sölden’s ski area forms the main focal point. There are two sectors to the ski area: the Gaislachkogl and the Giggijoch. Comprising 150 kilometers of ski slopes under 33 ski lifts, the Giggijoch sector is the most prominent and well-known area. Comprising a total of 50 kilometers of ski slopes and 15 ski lifts, the Gaislachkogl sector is distinguished by its higher elevation and more challenging nature. Comprising the Glacier Ski Area, which stays open all year long and offers 34 kilometers of ski slopes and 10 ski lifts, the ski area Modern, very efficient infrastructure including snow cannons, gondolas, chairlifts, and cable cars powers the ski area. The ski area also features the Ice Q, a modern glass construction serving as both a dining venue and a filming location for the James Bond movie Spectre.
The Residential Area
Sölden’s residential area is known for its peace and quiet, which attracts both long-term guests and local people. The residential area comprises of several hamlets and villages including Hochsölden, Heiligkreuz, and Zwieselstein. Conventional and rural architecture unique in the residential area reflects the alpine style and culture. Natural surroundings around the residential area offer breathtaking views of the mountains and valley. By means of a bus and road network, the residential area connects the ski area with the village center.
Natural Attractions
Parks and Green Spaces
Sölden boasts many parks and lush surroundings that provide leisure and renewal for its residents as well as for visitors. Among Sölden’s several parks and green areas are:
- The Freizeit Arena: This is a leisure and sports center that features a swimming pool, a sauna, a fitness area, a tennis court, a bowling alley, and a playground. The Freizeit Arena also has a large lawn and a garden that are ideal for picnics and sunbathing.
- The Rosengarten: Near the village center, the Rosengarten is a floral show comprising a varied assortment of roses and other flowers. Apart from its natural beauty, the Rosengarten boasts a gazebo, pond, and fountain.
- The Waldcafé Stuböbele: About three kilometers from the village center, in the forest, sits the café and park known as Waldcafé Stuböbele. Along with a great assortment of cakes, pastries, and beverages, the Waldcafé Stuböbele offers a cosy and classic atmosphere. Families and kids would find the Waldcafé Stuböbele perfect since it provides conveniences including a playground, petting zoo, and hiking trail.
Nature Reserves
Sölden boasts several nature reserves meant to protect and preserve its great ecosystems and biodiversity. Among the nature reserves in Sölden are the following:
- The Ötztal Nature Park: Comprising the whole Ötztal valley, the 510 square kilometer Ötztal Nature Park Comprising almost 1,800 plant species and 4,000 animal species—including some rare and at danger of extinction species—the Ötztal Nature Park boasts a varied array of flora and fauna. Among the many educational and recreational opportunities offered by the Ötztal Nature Park are guided tours, seminars, displays, and events.
- The Gaislachalm: Situated in the Gaislachkogl section of the ski area, the 1,200 hectare Gaislachalm nature reserve is Renowned for its alpine meadows, pastures, and forests as well as for following conventional and organic farming methods, the Gaislachalm is The Almzeit, a summer festival with a variety of activities and attractions including hiking, bicycling, climbing, and cheese making, takes place at the Gaislachalm.
- The Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers: Nestled within the Glacier Ski Area, the 13 square kilometre Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glacier protected area is Renowned among skiers and snowboarders, the loftiest and most easily reachable glaciers in Austria are the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. With ice caves, crevasses, and moraines, the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers have an amazing and unique topography.
Scenic Points of Interest
Sölden has many beautiful sites with amazing, all-around views of the surroundings. Notable Sölden attractions include:
- The Big 3: Three observation sites located at the summits of the Gaislachkogl (3,058 meters), the Schwarze Schneid (3,340 meters), and the Tiefenbachkogl (3,250 meters) are known as the Big 3. Along with educational exhibits and telescopes, the Big 3 offer a complete panoramic view of the Ötztal Alps and the surrounds. Open all year long, the Big 3 can be accessed by cable cars and lifts.
- The Stuibenfall: Rising 159 meters in height and 40 meters in width, the Stuibenfall is the highest waterfall in Tyrol. About 20 kilometers from Sölden, in the neighboring municipality of Umhausen, sits the Stuibenfall. A hiking path leads to a suspension bridge and a viewing platform, so giving guests access to the Stuibenfall and the surrounding valley for appreciation of the waterfall. The Stuibenfall presents a nighttime show whereby the waterfall is lit brilliantly and accompanied by music.
- The Ötzi Village: The Ötzi Village is an outdoor museum faithfully recreating the way of life and customs of the Neolithic people living in the Ötztal valley. Ötzi, the famed mummified remains of a man who died in the Alps over 5,000 years and discovered near Sölden in 1991, gives the Ötzi Village its name. The Ötzi Village presents a range of huts, tools, animals, and activities that fairly depict the daily life of the local ancient people. Apart from the Ötzi Village, one finds a visitor center, a store, and a café.
Administrative Divisions
Along with its political and geographical framework, Sölden’s historical and cultural development shapes its administrative divisions. Sölden comprises several administrative divisions.
- The Municipality of Sölden: The body in charge of running Sölden and its environs is the Municipality of Sölden itself. Every six years, the people of Sölden democratically elect a mayor to oversee their town. Comprising fifteen members chosen by the people every five years, the Municipality of Sölden has Providing public services and facilities including education, healthcare, social welfare, security, and tourism falls to the Municipality of Sölden.
- The District of Imst: Administrative division in charge of overseeing and planning Sölden and other surrounding towns is the District of Imst. A district commissioner assigned by the Tyrol governor supervises the District of Imst. Comprising representatives from the municipalities and other interest organizations, a district council runs the District of Imst. Apart from encouraging and supporting regional development and cooperation, the District of Imst is in charge of applying and enforcing federal and state laws and policies.
- The State of Tyrol: Sölden falls within the federal state of Tyrol in Austria. Every five years, the people of Tyrol democratically elect a governor to oversee the state. Every five years, the people of Tyrol choose thirty-six members of their parliament from among themselves. Along with its own flag, coat of arms, and anthem, Tyrol has an independent constitution, laws, government, and court. Among the nine states that together form the federal republic of Austria is Tyrol.
