Umhausen (Austria)

Since the Erlanger Hütte was built by the Erlanger section of the German Alpine Club in 1930 and 1931, the Franconians have been closely associated with the valley town of Umhausen in the Tyrolean Ötztal.

Even if you are not very experienced, you can reach the Erlanger Hütte at an altitude of 2,550 m without any danger. The view is worth the effort. It extends far beyond the valley town of Umhausen to the three thousand meter peaks of the Ötztal and Stubai.

Depending on the weather, the hut is open from the end of June to mid-September and offers 48 beds in dormitories and mattress dormitories. A winter room with four dormitories is open all year round.

Not only hikers and mountaineers know the cozy atmosphere and like to break their tours here for a night's sleep, professors and students of the University of Erlangen also appreciate the comfortable hut as a base for excursions. It is also an ideal place for families and small groups to relax in the mountains - not least because of the excellent and award-winning cuisine.

But it is not just the hut that makes Umhausen, a partner municipality of Erlangen since 2006, so attractive. There is much more to discover, such as the "Ötzi village". Although there is no archaeological evidence of a direct connection between the glacier mummy Ötzi and the "Ötzi Village", the open-air museum dedicated to the history of the Ice Age hunter belongs in the "capital" of the Ötztal. Constantly changing programs give visitors a lively insight into life in the Neolithic Age - from the beginnings of animal husbandry to handicrafts. Children especially enjoy a visit to the "Ötzi Village", where they can do everything themselves that was part of Stone Age life. A lasting experience.

The "Ötzi Village" is located at the foot of Tyrol's highest waterfall at 150 meters. A unique feature is the recently created opportunity to experience the Stuiben Falls from the inside via harmoniously landscaped steps and passages. An impressive natural spectacle with guaranteed refreshment.

However, the village of just under 3,000 inhabitants at 1,000 m above sea level also leaves nothing to be desired for holidaymakers who are not looking for a Halligalli. The church of St. Vitus, which was first mentioned in 1220 and has retained its Gothic character to this day, is particularly worth a visit. Incidentally, the organ has been renovated this year and Michael Vetter, director of the St. Matthäus choir, is soon to give a concert on it after performing with his choir in the church in May 2008.

And that brings us to the many contacts with Umhausen - from the Alterlang fire department to the Thomizil in the southern part of the town - which are becoming more intensive from year to year.

Umhausen is the only place in Ötztal where Assumption Day is still celebrated with a large procession. A colorful festival for the heart and senses that always attracts many visitors - also and especially from Erlangen.

The sports authority has been organizing the town ski championships in Umhausen for two years now, and many schools have held their ski camps there. Just a few kilometers further and you are in the "Aquadom" in Längenfeld, a fantastic swimming area in the middle of the mountains.

Whether winter or summer, spring or fall, you will always find many beautiful and undiscovered things to do in the partner community, whether skiing or climbing, hiking or swimming. Tyrolean cuisine shows its best side with its wealth of traditions and excellent Austrian wines.
Since the Erlanger Hütte was built in 1930 and 1931, there has been a regular connection with the valley town of Umhausen in the Tyrolean Ötztal.

The Erlangen section of the German Alpine Club has been in charge of this.

Umhausen's contribution to the procession on the occasion of Erlangen's 1000-year anniversary is unforgotten. It testified to the close civic ties between the two communities, in which schools and various organizations are already involved.