Nature Parks in Tirol

Ötztal Nature Park
The Ötztal Nature Park comprises the Southern Ötztal, the Venter Tal and the Gurgeltal valleys. The three famous villages of Sölden, Vent and Obergurgl form part of the Ötztal Nature Park.
Far off from the touristy areas, here you can still find a myriad of pristine and high-alpine regions which have been used as grassland and hunting areas for more than 8,000 years, respectively since the last ice age. Here you can experience authentic high-alpine nature, lush mountain pastures, stone pine forests, gorge streams and rock formations. In summer, from the beginning of June until the end of September, a guided nature park program is offered which gives you the opportunity to explore the flora, fauna, geology and history of this high-alpine region step by step.
www.natur.tirol.at

Alpenpark Karwendel: Austria’s Largest Nature Reserve
With some 920 square kilometers, the Alpenpark Karwendel is one of the East Alps’ largest nature reserves. Austria’s largest Alpine nature park boasts a Europe-wide unique primeval landscape. The Alpenpark Karwendel is a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and rock climbers. The trails are lined by numerous huts and inns inviting visitors to stop by for a break. The information centers in Hinterriß and Scharnitz provide information on the local flora and fauna as well as a weather service, description on hiking tours and a room/bed reservation service for the mountain huts.
E-mail: info@karwendel.org