Hidden away in the Tyrolean Alps, Ischgl is the Austrian adventure paradise.
In the winter, it’s a snowsport mecca known for its lively après-ski scene, but in the summer, it transforms into a hiking and biking utopia.
It can be hard to find quieter European summer hiking destinations away from the crowds but Ischgl provides just that!
If you want to find out more about this hidden gem and how you can hike here too, then read on!
Faraway Lucy was welcomed as a guest of Visit Austria, Visit Tyrol, and Ischgl; however, as always, all opinions are my own.
What is Ischgl?
Situated in western Austria’s Paznaun Valley, Ischgl is a ski resort village that is best accessed by flying into Innsbruck airport.
And in short, it’s the perfect place to get your adrenaline fix!
As soon as you arrive and check into your hotel, you’ll be struck by the Austrian Lebensgefühl (the unique feeling of life in Austria).
Everyone I met here, from the hiking guides to the hotel staff to restaurant servers, was so welcoming and friendly, and the village instantly felt like home.
Book a stay here and you’ll quickly understand why visitors return time and time again for the scenery, culture, cuisine, and wellness opportunities.
It’s safe to say you’ll return to normal life feeling rejuvenated!
Where to stay in Ischgl
If you’re looking for somewhere to recharge and enjoy healthy, organic cuisine, then I’d highly recommend booking a stay at Hotel Goldener Adler.
This four-star boutique hotel is set in the heart of Ischgl and is well-loved for its culinary delights, heavenly spa, and gorgeous interiors.
As the oldest inn in Ischgl, the hotel has been passed down from generation to generation, and that family spirit and tradition is clear.
The hotel rooms are immaculately appointed and the staff go out of their way to ensure you have a great time so I promise it won’t disappoint!
Things to Do in Ischgl
Bike and hike to Berglisee
By far my favourite thing I did in Ischgl was e-bike and hike to Berglisee, an idyllic mountain lake.
I did a tour with a local guide, Marc, and we were laughing for hours – you know what they say about the Austrian Lebensgefühl!
To get here, we rode our bikes 11km and 500 metres up the mountain, before doing a 5km/300-metre elevation hike through forests and past picturesque alpine meadows.
The lake is beautiful, and if you’re brave enough to face the Alpine temperatures, it’s the perfect wild swimming spot too!
Plus, if you time your trip right for summer, you’ll even see the distinctive pink Alpine roses blossoming everywhere.
This is a really special place, and I promise you’ll fall head over heels for it just as much as I did.
Relax in the spas
Ischgl knows how to play hard but it also knows how to relax just as hard.
With plenty of spas to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to wind down post-hike.
I got to try out two beautiful spas, one of which was in my hotel, Hotel Goldener Adler!
Head down to the bottom floor and you’ll be met by the most beautiful and well-equipped spa containing three different pools (including hot and cold pools), an infra-red cabin, three saunas, a steam room, and a relaxation lounge with floating water beds, swinging chairs, and more.
Alternatively, the village’s most iconic spa is Silvretta Therme Spa.
Heralded as ‘Tyrol’s top choice for alpine wellness’, this high-class spa has a spacious panoramic pool area, a state-of-the-art sauna area, and a host of professional spa treatments.
Wherever you choose to relax, you’ll be spoilt rotten, that’s for sure!
Go downhill mountain karting
Looking for a way to get your heart racing in the summer months?
Sure you may not be able to ski but have you ever tried downhill mountain karting?
If not, you need to add it to your bucket list because it’s heaps of fun!
Catch the bus to Medrig and hop on a cable car to Zeinisbahn mountain station, and you’ll soon find yourself whizzing down the mountainside.
The action-packed descent down a three-and-a-half kilometre-long forest trail will be an experience you won’t soon forget!
Enjoy the cuisine
Last but by no means least, no trip to Ischgl is complete without sampling some of the region’s finest delicacies.
The village prides itself on offering organic, healthy cuisine, and I was blown away by all the plant-based meals I got to try.
I’d particularly recommend going for dinner at Hotel Jägerhof, a four-star hotel which knocked up the most delicious vegetable curry!
No matter what you’re in the mood for, whether it’s local cuisine or something more international, you’ll be replenishing your calories in the best way possible here!