Ötzi – The Iceman

A Journey to the Neolithic Era at the Tisenjoch

On September 19, 1991, a German mountaineering couple discovered one of the most significant archaeological finds of modern times: Ötzi, the over 5,000-year-old glacier mummy. His discovery site at the Tisenjoch, below the Similaun at an altitude of 3,210 m, marks a milestone in Neolithic research.

Thanks to the eternal ice, Ötzi’s body remained exceptionally well-preserved and provides valuable insights into the lives of our ancestors. The find proves that the Alpine passes already served as an important link between different cultural regions back then.

By the way: Ötzi almost went down in history as an Austrian! His discovery site is located just 93 meters from the Italian-Austrian border. Today, a stone pyramid commemorates the discovery of this fascinating witness to the past.

Hikes to the Site Where Ötzi Was Found

In the Footsteps of the Iceman

Experience the mountain world of the Schnalstal valley and follow in Ötzi’s footsteps to the site where he was discovered at the Tisenjoch. Various hiking trails lead through the high-alpine landscape up to the marked spot at an elevation of 3,210 meters, where the Iceman lay hidden for over 5,000 years.

Whether you choose a challenging mountain tour or a guided hike, impressive views of glaciers, majestic peaks, and historic sites await you along the way. A hike to Ötzi’s discovery site is not only a physical challenge but also a fascinating journey into the past!

10 Facts About Ötzi

Secrets of a Fascinating Neolithic Discovery

1. The name “Ötzi” was coined by Austrian journalist Karl Wendl, who was looking for a memorable name for the site where the body was found in the Ötztal Alps.

2. Ötzi is over 5,000 years old, making him older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge—his preservation is the result of extraordinary coincidences.

3. He lived during the transition period between the Stone Age and the Copper Age. Although Ötzi still used stone tools, he also possessed a valuable copper axe.

4. As a natural glacier mummy, Ötzi was exceptionally well-preserved due to the unique climatic conditions of the Alps.

5. To protect the mummy, Ötzi is now kept in a specially designed cold chamber at the Archaeology Museum in Bozen/Bolzano, which allows visitors to view him through a small window.

6. The mummy measures 1.54 m and weighs about 13 kg.

7. Sixty-one tattoos consisting of simple lines and cross patterns were discovered on his body—they may have served therapeutic purposes.

8. Ötzi is one of the most intensively studied humans in history. Thanks to modern technology, his remains provide valuable insights into life during the Neolithic period.

9. Initially, it was assumed that he had died in an accident in the Alps.

10. However, later investigations revealed that Ötzi was most likely murdered—an arrow fatally struck him in the shoulder.