Ötzi Discovery Site
The Iceman of the Similaun glacier on the Hauslabjoch
Lying at an altitude of 3,200 metres, the Ötzi Iceman is considered the oldest European hunter ever found.
On 19 September 1991 German tourists accidentally came across a mummified corpse in the ice of the Similaun glacier on the Hauslabjoch. “Ötzi”, the man in the ice, lay at 3,200 metres above sea level and since his discovery has been considered the oldest European hunter ever found. With radiocarbon dating, it was determined that the find belongs to south-alpine Copper Age culture.
The man presumably trekked from Vinschgau in South Tyrol into the mountains about 5,000 years ago. Pollen analysis shows that 6,000 years ago the rearmost Ötztal Valley was typical pastureland. The dead man was equipped with an unstrung yew bow, a fur quiver with 14 arrows, bone tools with tips of stag antlers tied together with bast, a flint knife with flint blades, as well as copper arrows, a backpack and various food residue of animal origin.
Hike:
From Vent (1,900 m) through the Niedertal valley to the Similaunhütte (3,019 m - 4.5 hours walking time). The last half hour takes you over the Niederjoch-Ferner glacier - please stay on the trail. From the Similaunhütte a hiking trail runs along the ridge to the find site (3,200 m - 1 hour walking time).
Equipment:
Ankle-high hiking boots with treaded sole, rain and sun protection, warm clothing.
