From Vernago to Passo Giogo

Where the legendary ice mummy Ötzi was found...

- estimated hiking time: 4-5 hours (upwards)
- altitude difference: 1,500 m
- difficulty: challenging

To reach the “tomb” of legendary Ötzi there are actually two starting points: the place of Vernago at 1,711 metres or the Tiesenhof farm at 1,814 (few parking sites).

From Vernago you hike along a broad road to the parking site near to the reservoir dam and further on marked trails towards the Tiesenhof farm. The archaeological trail no. 2 takes you further across pastures and woods the Valle di Tisa. Slightly above the last trees, at an altitude of 2,300 m, you will see a hut called “Schneckenhütte” and an archaeological site referred to as “Labyrinth”. The fairly ancient trail takes you to a mountain pass named “Giogo di Tisa”, where in 1991 the body of the legendary iceman was found. But watch out: the last part before reaching the Similaunhütte refuge is slightly steep and rocky. Already at this stage you can watch the mighty white Similaun glacier (3,600 m).

Right after the Similaunhütte refuge it goes further upwards, following the signs “RW”. Now you have to climb; ropes will help. Once you have reached the top, you can enjoy a breath-taking view. To your right there is a well-visible path taking you downwards to the tomb of Ötzi (3,208 m). By the way: Nowadays, the body of Ötzi is exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Bolzano.

As for the way back you may follow the same trail used for the way up.