If you’ve been scrolling through my Instagram page, you probably already know that last summer I shared some pictures of my trip to the breathtaking town of Sölden in Austria. A picturesque town nestled in Tyrol’s Ötztal Valley, offering a serene and almost mystical experience. The interesting thing is, that I had always envisioned Vienna as the grand starting point for my Austrian escapades. However, life has a way of surprising us, and in a delightful turn of events, Sölden took centre stage instead of Vienna, becoming the unexpected yet enchanting prologue to my Austrian adventure. Austria I’m still coming. Soon.
To reach Sölden, I first flew to Italy, where I met up with Franco, who had been there for a week participating in the thrilling Maratona Dles Dolomites cycling race with his brother. After the race, we spent a night with his family before embarking on the most unforgettable road trip of my life! The road trip took about 5 and a half hours. After a delightful homemade lunch, starting from the Northern Italian city of Bergamo. We drove through picturesque Italian towns and made a pit stop to stretch our legs and grab some coffee.
Finally, we arrived in Sölden at 7 p.m. Sölden is a town that exudes, traditional village vibes with a modern, urban touch. The town itself stretches along the bustling main road at the base of the extensive Ötz valley. Summer or winter, it really offers the same picturesque setting for seasonal adventures.
With its super-wide, nicely kept ski runs – including the famous Rettenbach Glacier – Sölden is, basically, a dream spot for a quick holiday getaway. Our big draw to this rustic town was however Franco’s go at another cycling race. The Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. Also referred to as the Ötztal Cycle Marathon, it is considered one of the toughest, most gruelling cycling events for cyclists. Every year, around 4,000 cyclists sign up to tackle this mountainous challenge; riding a 227-kilometre course with a 5500-meter elevation gain.
Apparently, the fastest cyclists cross the finish line in approximately 7 hours on average. That’s after beginning the race at the crack of dawn. Franco had to leave the hotel room at 5:00 a.m. to begin his race around 6:00 a.m. Naturally, I was there to see him off before returning to bed to continue my sleep. Having felt like a night owl at a sunrise gathering!
Hotel and Accommodation
When it comes to places to stay, Sölden has a great mix of accommodation options. You can choose from luxurious five-star hotels, comfy four-star places, or nice three-star spots to match your style and budget. Many of these places also have wellness and spa facilities—a common feature of this lovely Alpine town. If you’re not into hotels, there are plenty of Austrian pensions and apartments for rent.
During our 7-day trip, we stayed at the Bergland Wellness and Spa Hotel. It was a great place for me to relax by the pool during the day while Franco explored the cycling routes for a few hours. By the way, the Bergland has a touch of Hollywood glamour. During the filming of Spectre in 2015, James Bond star Daniel Craig stayed at this hotel.
Our whole stay was made special by the fact that we got to dine at the same table we picked on the first day. When we arrived on a quiet Monday, we had the freedom to choose a corner table, which meant we enjoyed amazing views of the mountains and cable cars. No middle-of-the-room dining for us! What added to the enjoyment was the half-board package, covering not only breakfast and dinner but also throwing in afternoon snacks. It felt like a nice bonus. Another cool thing was the 4-page newsletter they gave us each morning at breakfast. It had some interesting stuff about the hotel’s history, tips on what to see in the area, daily activity ideas, and even a weather forecast. The mountain weather can be a bit unpredictable, even in July, so it was handy.
Overall, it was a fantastic week, and the consistent dining at our chosen table, along with all the thoughtful touches, made our stay truly memorable and enjoyable.
Credit: Bergland hotel
general Ambience Solden
Alright, as I mentioned, we rolled into Sölden pretty late on a Monday. So, our first day was all about settling into the hotel and getting the lowdown on what’s what. Not much action to report on day one. The next day, we did a little tour around and headed up the mountains for some seriously epic views. I’d originally planned to hit the hiking trails while Franco hit the cycling routes, but a gym mishap threw a wrench in those plans. So, it was all about the cable cars and a more relaxed schedule for the rest of the week.
Up until Wednesday, Sölden had this sleepy village vibe going on. Super quiet, not a ton of folks around, just a handful of early-bird cyclists like Franco, eager to hit the trails. But, let me tell you, come Thursday, it was like a switch flipped. That peaceful town suddenly turned into a hive of activity. The calm was replaced by a whirlwind of cyclists as the marathon participants flooded in. And by Friday evening, Sölden was buzzing with road racers and mountain biking enthusiasts, plus their crews, all gearing up for the Ötztaler cycle marathon.
What To Do In Sölden In The Summer
Hiking: Sölden offers numerous trails, like the Ötztal Trek, for all levels. Enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery.
Biking: Explore the mountains on bike trails suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Rent bikes locally.
Ötztal Valley: Don’t miss exploring Ötztal Valley, with its charming villages, culture, and history.
Scenic Drives: Drive along the Ötztal High Alpine Road for stunning vistas of the Ötztal Alps.
Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and hearty Tyrolean specialities in local restaurants.
Road Cycling: Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, Sölden has routes suitable for all skill levels. From challenging mountain climbs to leisurely rides along the valley floor, there’s something for everyone.
Although Sölden is one compact town with not so much to do if you’re staying for a full week, it still offers an unforgettable experience, with both tranquillity and excitement, making it a destination worth revisiting. We’re already plotting our return to this magnificent town as we’ve got some unfinished adventures!
Please note, that Sölden, generally, can be moderately expensive for tourists. Costs fluctuate depending on when you visit, so smart planning can help manage your expenses more effectively.
Winter is the peak season, with higher costs for accommodations, skiing, and related services. So try to plan and budget accordingly for a more enjoyable winter experience. However, in the summer, Sölden experiences a drop in winter-related expenses, making accommodation and recreational options more affordable. This allows you to indulge in a variety of activities while maintaining a budget-friendly approach.
Remember, whether you’re an adrenaline junky or a spa lover, Sölden is the perfect place for you to create unforgettable memories and find your ideal balance between adventure and relaxation.
Until then, tschüss!