Ischgl

Ischgl offers lots of winter sports, hiking possibilities and mountainbike trails.

Altitude: 1,377 m asl

The Rhaetians, who settled down in this area about 1,000 years ago, gave the mountain village the name “Yscla” or “Ischia”, which means “island”. This is how the name “Ischgl” developed. The farmers’ museum in the neighbouring Mathon provides an insight into these times. Also the artworks of Mathias Schmid, a local artisit, focus on mountain farmers and his works can be admired along a cultural hiking path…

Ischgl (see pic) is located in the Paznauntal valley and is surrounded by the Silvretta and Samnaun mountain chains and the Verwall mountain. However, this village is above all popular with mountainbikers, as its route network of 1,200 km is one of the largest in the alpine area. One of the highlights in summer is the “Ischgl Ironbike”, a mountainbike race with three levels of difficulty. If you want, you can also participate! However, if you prefer hiking you can choose from a variety of 300 km of hiking trails as well as 18 mountain lodges, perfect to stop off for bite to eat. And if you were a very diligent hiker, at the end of your holidays you can take back home a so called “Wanderbutz”, a badge for outstanding hiking performance.

Winter sport freaks might look forward to the Silvretta Arena, the skiing area of Ischgl. However, Ischgl attracts also a large number of après-ski fans, who simply enjoy skiing before they go in one of the numerous après-ski establishments. About 400 km of ski slopes and 40 lift facilities take you into the Swiss resort of Samnaun. If you would like to relax, the “Silvretta Center” is a perfect place for you, as you can enjoy numerous services under one umbrella: adventure pool, ski hut, billiard table, internet station, sports events live on a big screen and much more is expecting you.

Our tip: In every winter season, there are three “Top of the Mountain Concerts”, held as opening event of the winter season in November, at the end of May as well as on Easter. Celebs like the Pussycat Dolls or Elton John provide an international flair to the alpine village. No need to mention that it’s always a great feeling!