Neustift Stubai Alps 2017

Transcription

1 Neustift Stubai Alps 2017

2 Welcome to Neustift Neustift is about 15 miles from Innsbruck and is located in the Stubaital or Stubai Valley. This broad valley is one of the most scenic in Tyrol and at the entrance of this valley stands massive limestone formations. Mountain peaks rise to 10,000ft and the region has five glaciers including the Stubai Glacier. There are many cable cars and ski lifts and we use some of them to access some of our walks using the Stubai Supacard. This area has evidence of early bronze-age settlements and their names originate from Pre-Roman times. It was eventually was settled by the Romans when Caesar Augustus and his legions pushed north in 15BCE. The emblem of the town consists of a red shield with a white band like the Austrian flag and there is a crossbow with black arrows reminiscent of the hunting trips of Emperor Maximillian who hunted deer, chamois and boar in the Upper Stubaital. The Emperor built a chapel in Neustift in 1505 and the first church was built in 1516 dedicated to St George. This church is well known for its decorated frescos by wellknown masters. 2 Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

3 Accommodation Hotel Sonnhof A-6167 Neustift im Stubaital, Tirrol, Austria Tel: The 4-star Hotel Sonnhof is owned and run by Peter Pfurtschellerand his wife, Daniela. The family own quite a few other hotels in the region and have a long history with Austrian hotel hospitality. This hotel is a traditional Alpine chalet-style hotel, located right in the centre of the attractive village of Neustift which is near the end of the lush Stubai valley in the heart of the Austrian Tyrol. This area is an area of spectacular beauty. Bedrooms: There are 38 comfortable rooms, some with attractive wood panelled walls. All rooms are en-suite, with TV, small safety deposit box, telephone, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and balconies offering mountain views. Facilities: As well as comfortable seating areas on landings and in the bar area, the hotel has outside seating on a terrace that offers panoramic mountain views. There is a Roman-style Spa area with a wellness centre, spa pool, sauna and steam room. As with Austrian tradition, guests do not normally wear any bathing costumes except a towel for modesty Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. This hotel caters for most dietary requirements and if you have noted this on your booking it is still recommended that you discuss your requirements with the restaurant manager or chef on arrival. Breakfast: Is a self-service buffet from 7am until 10am which includes cold meats, cheeses, fruits, cereals and breads/ pastries, as well as hot dishes. There is an amazing variety of teas available to our guests plus coffee and hot chocolate. Evening meal: The hotel dining area is furnished in a traditional Tirolean style with lots of wood. The meal is 4-course served to the table and pre-ordered from a group menu which is left on your breakfast table with a copy of the Sonnhof Morning News (English). There is also a self-service salad bar. Lunch: You can purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops; your leaders will advise you of the options. To book online visit 3

4 Holiday itinerary A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Neustift you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Easier Walks: 5 to 9 miles (8-14.5km) on good paths with some rough sections. Up to 1,800ft (540m) of ascent in a day. Harder Walks: 6 to 11 miles ( km) with some steep and rough ascents to summits and cols. Up to 3,500ft (1,050m) of ascent in a day. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. Sightseeing costs are included in the cost of your holiday. Day 1: Arrival day For those arriving on the HF Holidays flight to Munich airport, the onward journey is by coach. You should arrive in time to settle in and maybe take a stroll round the village before the evening meal. On the first evening your guides will explain more about the walks. Day 2: The Elfer: Neustift s house mountain An opportunity for local orientation and a taster for the terrain and views we will be experiencing this week! Easier Walks: We take a cable car from the village to the slopes of the Elfer, then ascend to a high hut for coffee before following a delightful balcony path through flower meadows and up to a col with superb views of the Stubai valley and its surrounds. We return initially by the same route, then take another pretty path back to the cable car. 7 miles (11km) with 1,700ft (510m) of ascent and descent. Harder Walk: We take the same cable car but ascend beyond the hut to traverse right across the top of the Elferspitze (one of the Stubai Seven Summits ) through magnificent rock scenery, giving an immediate taste of our walking for the week. We descend to the col and pick up the easier group s return route to the cable car. 8 miles (13km) with 2,600ft (780m) of ascent and descent. Day 3: Around Mutterberg Today we travel all the way to Mutterberg to explore the remote areas at the head of this dramatic valley. Easier Walk: We have time to take a cable car to the Gamsgarten station to view the stunning glaciers. Then we return to the middle station and walk first up to a pretty lake, then on to a high pass, all in majestic surroundings. From here, we pick up a track which winds down through meadows and leads back to the bus stop at Mutterberg. 4 miles (6.5km) with 600ft (180m) of ascent and 2,500ft (750m) of descent. 4 Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

5 Harder Walk: We begin at the middle station and ascend past a small lake up to a summit which gives fine 360 degree views of the area. Descending to the pass, we then take a high level route which passes another beautifully situated lake before descending to the valley floor for the bus home. 7.5 miles (11km) with 2,00ft (600m) of ascent and 4,000ft (1,200m) descent. Day 4: Under Serles We head north down the valley to Mieders where we walk under the slopes of King Serles, another of Stubai s seven summits. Easier walk: We take the cable car, then a good forest track to the impressive monastery of Maria Waldrast. After coffee, we walk through alpine meadows and forestry on trails which help to explain the ecology and geology of the area. Back at the cable car, we can descend sedately -- or try the summer toboggan run! 8 miles (13km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent and descent. Harder walk: We also head to the monastery and then continue to ascend across the rough slopes of Serles, with increasingly stunning views, until we reach the pass of the Serlesjochl, our high point. Our return is by the outward route, enjoying the views to the east, back to the cable car where we have the same choice of downward transport as the easier group! 9 miles (14.5km) with 2,900ft (870m) ascent and descent. Day 5: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, maybe use the leisure facilities, walk independently (making use of the free travel afforded by the Stubai Card), or visit local places of interest. Some options may include: Innsbruck The capital of the Tyrol offers an interesting day out via bus or train. Places to visit include the Imperial Palace, Royal Gardens, Cathedral and the Golden Roof, or enjoy a stroll around the Old Town. Mutterberg Glacier Using the Stubai Card, it is possible to ascend to the top stations above Mutterberg for wonderful views, and even to walk on the glacier with optional visits to the Ice Cave. For local information please visit Day 6: Glaciers and Wild Water! We go south again towards the head of the valley to see at close quarters the incredible transition from snowflakes to cascading waterfalls. Easier walk: We start in the valley and take a path up to a beautiful alpine meadow with a rustic hut dominated by a ring of crags and a waterfall. Retracing our steps, we can follow the Wild Water Way downstream passing other impressive waterfalls and cataracts, finishing at a hut to wait for the bus. 6 miles (9.5km) with 800ft (270m) of ascent and 1,600ft (480m) descent. Harder walk: We take the Mutterberg cable car and then ascend a rough mountain trail, with some short sections of fixed ropes, to the Peiljoch, a truly dramatic pass with amazing views over the glacier and lake. Descending past the lake, we follow the Wild Water Way through rocky cascades and quiet meadows all the way back to the valley. 8 miles (13km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent and 4,000ft (1,200m) descent. Day 7: The hidden Schlick valley Our final day s walks take us onto the mountains northwest of Neustift, to the beautiful Schlickeralm meadows and the airy summit of the Hoher Burgstall. Easier walk: Using the Schlick 2000 cable car, we ascend to an amazing viewpoint above the Stubai, then we walk further up to a welcoming hut for coffee. Our descent path takes us under towering crags and through flower meadows, using a new informative heritage trail, to the Schlickeralm hut, and then on down to the middle cable car station for refreshments before our return to the valley. 6 miles (9.5km) with 400ft (120m) of ascent and 2,900ft (8700m) descent. To book online visit 5

6 Harder walk: An opportunity to ascend another of the Stubai s seven summits. From the top station we traverse and then ascend steeply, reaching a rocky pass with increasingly fine views and then traversing again across scree to gain our final ascent route, via a short fixed rope section, to the airy cross of the Hoher Burgstall. We descend to complete our circuit to the cable car and maybe a celebratory drink! 6 miles (9.5km) with 2,700ft (810m) of ascent and descent. Day 8: Departure day In the evenings The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continues into the evening. We ll enjoy a leisurely meal and then you may also like to join your leader for an evening stroll, listen to local musicians, relax with a book in a quiet lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar with your fellow walkers talking about your day. 6 Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

7 Transfer information If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Munich Airport. From the UK, we offer flights from London Heathrow and Manchester. Please note that meals are not provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may already be at the airport. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. The onward journey to Neustift by coach takes approximately 2 hours. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Munich airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional HF Holidays flight times can be found on or call (1) ). Cost per single journey is 35. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer please call +44 (0) Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at Two Centre holidays: If you have booked a two weeks or more holiday, the transfer between resorts is included. To book online visit 7

8 Walking information Your walking leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest en route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions for things that they might do differently are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied with any element of your holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local interest guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The maps available for this area are 1:100,000 scale Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map Shop, tel: or visit Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. 8 Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

9 Walking safely We are committed to running our Guided Walking holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders instructions, your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety on the walks we would ask everyone to attend. Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and will show more caution over potential risks (such as bad or exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or couple might make on a private outing. Walks may be modified or cancelled following the leaders assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is considered unsuitable, and where it could affect the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the leader s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party size of two guests in addition to the leader. First aid: In line with current practice, each leader carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply any medication, including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. Your health: It is essential that you describe on your guest registration form any health condition or disability you may have. The leaders will treat this confidentially and may be able to take it into account on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if they know they have someone with diabetes in their party. EU citizens should ensure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday. There can be problems with medical authorities and insurance companies if you cannot produce this when you require treatment details are available at www. dh.gov.uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry date please check yours is valid before you travel Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of two litres of water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from additional water sources as required. Your leader will inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your water during the walks. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for pre-existing illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on or holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. Money: Access to emergency money, preferably via a credit card, is very important as you never know when an emergency may arise. To book online visit 9

10 What to wear and bring To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. Please note that some of our Atlantic island and Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous areas and at high altitudes (up to 4,000ft). The temperatures can be as low as 0 C. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing waterproof jacket and overtrousers ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses In addition to the above, the following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents camera personal first aid kit Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. Holiday tips Language: German Currency: Euro Changing money: There are several ATM machines in Neustift where you can obtain money. Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial an Austrian number Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

11 Where next? If you enjoyed your holiday in Neustift, we recommend our new destination in Sicily. Walk in the foothills of Mt Etna and enjoy Sicilian hospitality in our family run hotel in Zafferana Etnea. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as San Quirico in Tuscany and Bonassola on the Liqurian coastline. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, on our Self-guided Walking holidays, in selected European destinations, you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Guided Trail holidays Discover a great sense of achievement on a Guided Trail holiday. We have a great collection of trails on famous routes and outstanding locations across Britain and Europe. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. Cycling With a wealth of exciting European destinations, we have a range of guided and self-guided holidays to suit all abilities. We also offer guided cycling tours based at some of our UK Country Houses. If you prefer to plan your own itinerary, our UK Country House Escapes also cater for cyclists. Save on outdoor clothing From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit to see the current offers. To book online visit 11

12 About HF Holidays We have been organising outdoor holidays for over 100 years and we are the only holiday provider that is a co-operative. We are owned by our 36,000+ members and have no big corporate shareholders. Responsible tourism We have always been committed to acting as a responsible tour operator, and community is at the heart of everything we do. HF Holidays supports a range of projects helping to protect our environment and improving access to the countryside for future generations to enjoy. We support the work of the Ramblers, air ambulances, and mountain rescue teams. To find out more about our policy and commitment to the environment visit hfholidays.co.uk/responsibletourism On returning from your trip, we would like to hear your thoughts on any best practices that you observed and considered positive. Please sarahdavis@hfholidays.co.uk Pathways Fund Last year guests donated 30,000 to our Pathways Fund. Find more information on our website hfholidays.co.uk/pathways Holiday feedback We value feedback from our guests. All holiday surveys are read by the team that plans our holidays and it plays a valuable part in helping us plan future holidays. If there is any information we have not provided that you feel would be useful for future guests, please do let us know. If we have your address you will be sent a survey after your holiday; alternatively you can go to hfholidays.co.uk/surveys. Membership of HF Holidays If you have enjoyed your holiday and would like to help support our objectives, call for details of membership (standard rate +44 (0) ). For the latest news and special offers register for our e-newsletter at hfholidays.co.uk/register Social media Contact details HF Holidays contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY Call For any questions before your holiday, we re here to help, so please contact us on: (local rate) 0044 (0) (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday 9am-7pm info@hfholidays.co.uk Emergency contact details In all instances during your holiday,your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as above or: Friday 7pm to Monday 9am +44 (0)