The global village from above

Updated on 29.05.2024

From the mountain summit or from the air: the best views of St. Anton am Arlberg, Tyrol

Anyone who views St. Anton am Arlberg from the air immediately feels a sense of tranquillity. Deep breaths solidify the impression that this Tyrolean charm is not tangible, but must be experienced from head to toe, from your sunglasses down to your mountain boots. Whether hiking, climbing, cycling or paragliding, under your own steam or comfortably by gondola - many paths lead holidaymakers to the top. www.stantonamarlberg.com

Combine, combine, combine!

You don't get summit moments for free. The view of St. Anton am Arlberg and the Stanzertal valley from the Zwölferkopf (2,556 metres) also requires you to pedal hard and lace up your mountain boots. The combined (e-)bike & hike tour starts on two wheels at the information office of the Tyrolean municipality heading east and initially leads along the Stanzertal cycle path. Outdoor fans continue past alpine roses on a forest path towards Rendlalm. Those who wish can take a short break before the real challenge begins. From there, the route becomes steeper through the northern flank of the mountain to the bike parking area at 2,050 metres - don't forget your lock! If you are sure-footed and have a head for heights, you can hike along the western ridge for around one and a half hours towards the Zwölferkopf. The summit cross only appears in the last few metres. Alpine combiners can conquer the 23.4 kilometres (1,076 metres in altitude) of the moderately difficult route in around five hours without stopping.

Rock solid at 3,056 metres

Harnesses tightened, equipment checked, courage plucked - the adventure to the 3,056 metre-high Patteriol begins. The route to the striking summit of the Verwall group is a must for experienced climbers visiting St. Anton am Arlberg. The tourism association's experts only recommend the challenging north-east ridge to experienced alpinists. The high-alpine tour with a difficulty level of 4+ comprises a full 26 pitches on stable rock and 1,085 metres of ascent and descent. The route back to the starting point is particularly challenging. It is not possible to turn back, but safety is guaranteed. The state-certified mountain guides of the Tyrolean region provide alpinists and climbers with the necessary equipment and supervise every metre. Despite having competent companions, the route requires a high level of technical ability, physical fitness and practice. The guided excursion is available for up to two people and costs from €200/person.

The art of gliding

Take a deep breath, feel the last stones under your soles, off into the lightness: in St. Anton am Arlberg, altitude-loving Alpine enthusiasts can admire the Tyrolean village and the entire region not only from the peaks, but also above them. While the municipality and its surrounding mountain landscape is an extensive training area for experienced paragliders, the experience is not just reserved for them. Accompanied by experienced pilots, tandem flights give holidaymakers of all ages a bird's eye view - in both summer and winter. What to bring: sturdy shoes, gloves, long trousers and a warm jacket. The adventure starts near the Kapall mountain station. In around 35 minutes, brave souls can easily reach the meeting point at 2,328 metres using the Gampen and Kapall cable cars. After the start, there are 10 to 15 minutes of pure adrenalin and the world at your feet. Skywalkers land with both feet on the ground again on a green area in the Nasserein district. The landing site may vary depending on the wind. The excursion, which can be booked all year round, lasts approx. 1.5 hours and costs €175/person.

One summit experience, please!

Whether you want to shorten a sporty tour to the viewpoint or take a leisurely gondola ride from start to finish - the Arlberg cable cars make it easy to get to the view from the top. On the Valluga summit, holidaymakers can see three thousand metre peaks in every direction. The circular platform at 2,811 metres can be reached by summit fans with a head for heights after two transfers and a descent at the Galzigbahn valley station. The first cabin change takes place on the mountain of the same name. The journey continues in the Vallugabahn I via the Steißbach valley. The last stage is a little more technical. The small blue gondolas of the Vallugabahn II take you up to the mountain station, 161 metres higher, in just two minutes, where visitors find themselves on the border between Vorarlberg and Tyrol. The view extends from the Lechtal and Allgäu Alps across the Verwall Group and the Ötztal Alps to Graubünden in Switzerland. Five countries blend into the scenery: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Lichtenstein form the so-called five-country view. The mountain lifts are in operation from 14 June to 6 October 2024.

Tip: St. Anton Summer Card. From the very first night, guests receive the "ticket to their holiday" free of charge at their accommodation. The benefits multiply depending on the length of your stay. For example, for stays of three nights or more, the use of all mountain lifts is included for one day. www.sommerkarte.at