Seven days in the Ötztal by camper – water, nature and plenty of time

Your journey starts here. You'll hitch up the rig and head south towards the Ötztal at a leisurely pace.

A well-kept, year-round campsite right in the middle of the valley, ideal as a fixed base for the whole week. It offers a family-friendly setting, good sanitary facilities and short distances to the village and the Aqua Dome. The trailer stays put here all week, while you take day trips using just the California.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A large thermal spa and sauna complex with warm thermal water, several pools and its own children's area with shallow water for splashing about. For a two-year-old, there's a family-friendly Alpine bathing paradise complete with slides and warmth. It's only a few minutes' drive from your base, making it an ideal gentle start.

An idyllic, warm mountain lake within a nature reserve, one of the warmest bathing lakes in the region. A short, largely flat circular path with lovely views is also manageable with a toddler in a carrier or a sturdy pushchair. There are calm, shallow spots for splashing about at the shore.

Tyrol's highest waterfall plunges spectacularly downwards, and the roar and spray delight even small children. From the car park, there are short, child-friendly stretches, so you don't need to walk the whole, more strenuous circular route. Even the first viewpoint is worth it and quick to reach.

A large outdoor and water park at the entrance to the Ötztal with a bathing lake, water slides and play areas. Small children will find shallow water zones and plenty of room to romp about, while older kids can find more action if they fancy it. A varied, relaxed day centred around water.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A peaceful natural bathing lake right in Längenfeld with a shallow shore and grassy area for lying out, ideal for relaxed splashing about. It's only a short distance from your base, so you can pop by in the afternoon without any stress. A gentle way to round off the morning at AREA 47.

A spectacular panoramic road climbing up to the main Alpine ridge, with sweeping views and several short viewing stops. The Erlebniswelt stations and the pass area can be explored via short walks, turning the drive itself into an experience. Ideal for a toddler, as you see plenty from the car and only get out briefly at selected points.

The highest paved road in the Alps, leading up to the Rettenbachferner, with breathtaking views over the glacier world. Here too, you'll experience the high mountains mainly from the car, with short stops at the viewpoints. An impressive panorama without a long hike.

A peaceful starting point for an easy valley walking trail in Zwieselstein, where the two upper Ötztal valleys meet. The flat section of path along the stream is easily manageable with a pushchair or carrier and invites some water play. A quiet contrast to the high-Alpine morning drive.

To round things off, enjoy one more peaceful morning at the natural bathing lake with its shallow shore, with no driving involved. The little one can splash about at leisure while you enjoy the last few hours in the valley. A relaxed way to close out the week in the Ötztal.