Ischgl holidays

How to reach Ischgl

Flight time:

• Flights to Innsbruck, the closest airport to Ischgl, take about 2 hours from London.

• Alternatively, there are also flights to Zurich, which takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.

Transfer time:

• From Innsbruck Airport, it’s about a 1 hour 20-minute drive to Ischgl, or just over 2 hours by train and bus.

• If you fly into Zurich, the transfer time is approximately 3 hours by car or 5 hours by train and bus.

Price:

• The train from Innsbruck to Landeck-Zams, the nearest train station to Ischgl, costs around €15–€20.

• Then a bus from Landeck-Zams to Ischgl will cost about €10.

• A taxi from Innsbruck Airport to Ischgl will cost around €150–€200.

Weather and best time to visit Ischgl

Ischgl is a year-round destination, offering fantastic experiences in both winter and summer. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best time for holidays to Ischgl:

December to March

• High season for skiing and snowboarding.

• The resort is bustling with winter sports enthusiasts, and snow conditions are ideal.

• Temperatures range between -10 and 5°C.

April to May

• Tail end of the ski season, transitioning into spring.

• Temperatures rise from 0 to 15°C, with melting snow and blooming flowers.

• It’s a quieter time, perfect for those who enjoy both winter and spring activities.

June to August

• Ideal for hiking, mountain biking and enjoying the beautiful alpine scenery.

• Average temperatures are between 15 and 25°C, with occasional rain and usually plenty of sunshine.

September to November

• Offers a peaceful retreat with fewer tourists.

• Temperatures drop from 15 to 5°C, with stunning autumn colours, and it’s a great time for hiking and enjoying the crisp, fresh air.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: German is the official language, but English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases is appreciated.

• Local habits and customs: Austrians value punctuality and politeness. When greeting people, a friendly Grüss Gott (hello) is appreciated. Remember to thank your host (danke) when leaving.

• Currency: Austria uses the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available, with debit and credit cards accepted in most establishments.

• Getting around: Ischgl is compact and walkable. For trips in the surrounding area, buses and taxis are available. Bike-sharing services are also available in summer.

• Electricity and plug types: Austria's supply is 230V and uses the standard European plug types C and F with two round pins. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Austria is on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Ischgl

Ischgl, a picturesque alpine resort in the Paznaun Valley, offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities, relaxation and stunning natural beauty. Here’s the best of what Ischgl holidays have to offer:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Paznauner Taja: Take the cable car to this scenic terrace for breathtaking views of the Paznaun Valley and surrounding peaks, which is the perfect place for panoramic photos.

• Idalp: Located at the top of several lifts, the various restaurants and bars at 2,300m are the hub of Ischgl’s ski area and offer stunning vistas of the mountains all around, including across into Switzerland or back down into the valley.

Day trips in the area

• Landeck: A short drive away, the ancient Schloss Landeck castle overlooks the town of Landeck and is home to a museum showcasing the region’s history and culture.

• Silvretta High Alpine Road: This scenic drive connects the Paznaun Valley with Montafon in Vorarlberg and offers breathtaking views. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

• Innsbruck: Nestled in the Alps, Innsbruck offers a blend of historical sights and outdoor activities, including the iconic Golden Roof and the Bergisel Ski Jump.

Activities for families in Ischgl

Ischgl is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages. Here’s a roundup of what families can enjoy:

• Playgrounds: There are several playgrounds around Ischgl where kids can run, climb and play in a safe environment. The Vider Truja adventure playground up on the Idalp is especially popular and has a spectacular setting.

• Museums: The Alpinarium in nearby Galtür is an interactive museum in a striking structure designed to protect the town from a repeat of the 1999 avalanche disaster. This fun and educational experience features several state-of-the-art displays and a bouldering wall.

Wellness in Ischgl

• Spas and thermal baths: The Silvretta Therme Ischgl provides a luxurious spa experience with an indoor pool, saunas, steam baths and a variety of treatments designed to soothe tired muscles after a day on the slopes or trails.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Several wellness centres and hotels in Innsbruck offer yoga and meditation classes. Practising yoga amidst the tranquil alpine scenery adds a unique element of relaxation and connection to nature.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking and trekking: An extensive network of trails, suitable for all levels of hikers, includes everything from the long-distance Paznaun High Route to the 16km Smuggler’s Trail. All offer breathtaking views and are perfect for exploring the area's natural beauty.

• Mountain biking: With numerous trails ranging from low-level valley routes to challenging mountain-top singletrack, Ischgl is a fantastic destination for mountain biking.

• Paragliding: Experience the thrill of paragliding over the Alps. Tandem flights are available for beginners, offering a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape and the opportunity to soar above the majestic peaks.

• Climbing: As well as multiple areas for climbing and via ferrata routes, Silvapark Galtür is home to a popular bouldering park suitable for everyone from kids to elite climbers, with stunning panoramic views.

• Wildlife watching: The Silvretta Wildlife Park in nearby Mathon is home to a variety of alpine wildlife, including ibex, deer, goats, marmots and golden eagles. Guided tours allow visitors to observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about the local ecosystem.

• Canyoning: For an adventurous day out, try canyoning in the nearby gorges. This activity involves descending into a canyon and navigating through its various obstacles, including waterfalls and rock pools, by abseiling, jumping and sliding.

• Ziplining: Experience the thrill of ziplining over the alpine landscape. The high ropes courses and zipline parks in the region offer an exciting way to enjoy the scenery from above.

Local dishes in Ischgl

One of the great delights of holidays to Ischgl is indulging in the hearty and delicious culinary offerings that reflect the alpine traditions of Austria. Here’s what you should look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Käsespätzle: A traditional dish of soft egg noodles layered with melted cheese and topped with crispy onions. Austria’s answer to macaroni cheese is perfect for warming up after a day in the snow.

• Tafelspitz: Slow-boiled beef served with horseradish and apple sauce. It’s a comforting dish often accompanied by vegetables and potatoes.

• Wiener Schnitzel: Although originally from Vienna, this breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet is a favourite throughout Austria, including Ischgl.

• Kasnocken: Small dumplings served with melted cheese and crispy onions, often considered comfort food in the alpine regions.

Meat dishes

• Gröstl: A hearty Tyrolean dish made from fried potatoes, onions and leftover pork or beef, topped with a fried egg. It’s a great choice for a filling meal after a day of skiing.

• Tiroler Speckknödel: Bacon dumplings served in a rich beef broth. These dumplings are packed with flavour and are a staple in alpine cuisine.

Sweets and desserts

• Apfelstrudel: A classic Austrian dessert of apples, cinnamon, raisins and sugar, all wrapped in a thin pastry and baked until golden.

• Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy shredded pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with a side of fruit compote. It’s a popular dessert that’s also great for breakfast.

• Sachertorte: A rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate icing. Originally from Vienna, it’s a favourite across Austria.

Local drinks

• Glühwein: Warm yourself up with a mug of this spiced mulled wine, which is especially popular in winter.

• Schnapps: Try the local fruit brandies, which come in various flavours like pear, apricot and plum.

• Beer: Austria has a strong beer culture, and in Innsbruck, you’ll find plenty of local brews to enjoy. A pint of Märzen or Dunkel is a perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal.

Sports activities in Ischgl for your holiday

Ischgl, located in the heart of the Austrian Alps, is a premier destination for sports enthusiasts. Whether you visit during the winter or summer, there’s a plethora of activities to keep you engaged and exhilarated.

Winter Sports

Skiing and Snowboarding The Silvretta Arena is Ischgl’s crown jewel, offering over 238 kilometres of impeccably groomed slopes that connect with the Swiss town of Samnaun. This vast ski area caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the thrill of the slopes. The state-of-the-art lift facilities make accessing the slopes seamless and convenient.

Freeriding and Snow Parks For those seeking more adventurous terrain, Ischgl offers excellent freeriding opportunities and a well-equipped snow park. The Silvretta Arena’s varied terrain is perfect for those looking to experience off-piste skiing in powder snow.

Night Tobogganing Experience the fun of night tobogganing on Ischgl’s 7-kilometre run, which covers an altitude difference of 950 metres. This activity is ideal for families and groups, offering a unique and exhilarating way to enjoy the snowy landscape after dark.

Cross-Country Skiing and Ski Touring Ischgl is also a haven for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with a 77-kilometre network of trails in the Paznaun valley. For those who prefer ski touring, the region offers numerous routes that take you through breathtaking alpine scenery, perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers.

Ice Skating and Bavarian Curling At the Silvretta Therme’s ice rink, you can glide across the ice in a picturesque setting. Additionally, you can try your hand at Bavarian curling, adding a traditional twist to your winter sports activities.

Summer Sports

Mountain Biking In summer, Ischgl transforms into a mountain biking paradise. The Ischgl Iron Bike Festival, held every August, features the Iron Bike Marathon, one of the toughest mountain bike races in Europe. The event attracts professional riders and ambitious amateurs alike, with various races and a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Hiking and Trail Running Ischgl offers an extensive network of hiking and trail running paths, ranging from gentle walks to challenging trails. The stunning alpine scenery makes these activities a must for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Paragliding and Skyfly For those looking for a bird’s-eye view of the Alps, paragliding and the Skyfly zipline are perfect choices. Soar over the beautiful landscapes and enjoy a unique perspective of Ischgl’s natural beauty.

Ultra Trail Running The Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail (PIUT) is a highlight for trail running fans. This event, held in July, features multiple routes that take runners through some of the most scenic parts of the Paznaun valley, offering both challenging terrain and breathtaking views.

By engaging in these diverse sports activities, visitors to Ischgl can enjoy an active and fulfilling holiday, whether they prefer the thrill of winter sports or the adventure of summer activities.