Omaela Story: 10 Summer Highlights in St. Anton am Arlberg

Omaela Story

10 Summer Highlights in St. Anton am Arlberg

St. Anton in summer is a completely different world. If you only know this place as a ski mecca, you'll be surprised: in summer, the mountains belong to hikers, bikers and those who simply want to soak it all in. Fewer people, more nature, and a tranquillity you won't find in winter. We – Lisa & Martin – grew up here and spend every free summer day in the mountains around St. Anton. Here are our 10 personal highlights for your summer holiday at the Arlberg.

1. Hiking to the most beautiful alpine huts

The hiking network around St. Anton covers over 300 km of marked trails. But the real highlights are the huts – up there, where you're rewarded after the climb with a hearty meal and a panorama you won't forget in a hurry.

Our favourites: 

  • Konstanzer Hütte in the Moostal – One of our absolute favourite tours. The trail leads into the remote Moostal valley with views of the remnant glaciers of the Verwall range.
  • Fritzhütte via Schnanner Klamm – First through the wild, legendary gorge, then steeply up to the hut, perched like an eagle's nest above the Stanzer valley.
  • Darmstädter Hütte – The big tour for experienced mountain hikers, and a starting point for high alpine routes.
  • Wagner Hütte in the Verwall – Cosier, shorter and perfect for families.
  • Malfon Alm – Situated in the quietest side valley at the Arlberg. If you still have energy, continue up to the small mountain lake above the alm.

Omaela tip: With the Mobility Card, you can use the Verwall bus for free, saving you the approach walk. With the Premium Summer Card, all cable cars are included daily – perfect for hikes starting from the mountain stations.

Sommerfrische St. Anton am Arlberg Sommerfrische St. Anton am Arlberg

2. Mountain lakes – crystal-clear and (almost) all yours

Around St. Anton, some of Tyrol's most beautiful and peaceful mountain lakes await. Far from the tourist crowds, nestled among rock and alpine meadows.

  • Verwallsee – The best known and easiest to reach. Ideal for families.
  • Langer See in Schönverwall – One of the most beautiful spots we know. The hike is long, but that's exactly what makes it special: you'll truly be on your own here.
  • Mountain lake above Malfon Alm – Small, hidden and wonderful. An insider's tip.

Omaela tip: On hot days, a plunge into the cold mountain water is the ultimate contrast programme – and your private sauna awaits in the evening. 

3. Mountain biking & e-biking

Over 200 km of signposted bike trails make the Arlberg one of Tyrol's finest biking areas. From relaxed e-bike tours through the Stanzer valley to technical downhill runs from the Rendl – there's something for every level.

Omaela tip: Our bike room has an e-bike charging station – charge your battery overnight, roll out in the morning. E-bikes are available for hire at the sports shops in St. Anton. 

4. The Arlberg Via Ferrata

Our personal highlight for anyone with alpine climbing experience: the Arlberg Klettersteig (grade C/D) is demanding, exposed and absolutely stunning. The route traverses the rock faces high above St. Anton – the views across the Lechtal Alps and Verwall range are breathtaking.

Access via the Kapall or Valluga cable car. Only in stable weather and with full equipment. When in doubt, book a local mountain guide.

Our story about the via ferrata

Omaela tip: After a day on the via ferrata, there's nothing better than your own private sauna. Trust us.

5. The St. Anton Mobility Card

You'll receive the Mobility Card at the Omaela free from your very first night. It includes:

  • Unlimited bus travel (local, hiking and Verwall buses)
  • 1× Museum St. Anton
  • 1× Bergbau Gand mine tour
  • 1× Tyrolean Evening
  • 1× Torchlight hike
  • 1× Guided hike
  • Children's programme

Want even more? The Premium Summer Card with daily cable car access, swimming pool, golf and more is available as an upgrade for 3, 5 or 7 days – online or at the tourist office. 

6. The Alpenrosenweg on the Rendl

One of the most beautiful high-altitude walks in the region and perfect in combination with the cable car. From the Rendl cable car summit station (2,100 m), the trail runs largely flat through the slopes above the Stanzer valley. Mid-June to mid-July, countless alpine roses bloom in pink and red – a natural spectacle.

Descent via the Rendlalm back to St. Anton. Total duration approx. 4 hours, 850 m of descent. 

Omaela tip: The Gampen gondola – only 5 minutes walking – operates as a hiking lift in summer, taking you directly to the Gampen (with the option to go even higher with Kapall Bahn). From there, more high-altitude hikes are possible.

7. The Verwall valley with children

For families, the Verwall is the perfect day out. The loop trail around the Verwall lake is pushchair-friendly, and the "Sagenhaftes Verwall" adventure programme makes the walk exciting even for the littlest ones: along the way, interactive stations tell the myths and legends of the region – from the "Schnanner Draher" to the "Witch of Stubenegg".

Stop at the Wagner Hütte with its terrace and playground. Return by Verwall bus (free with Mobility Card).

Omaela tip: Our Apartment #3 (93 sqm, 2 bedrooms, its own wellness area with sauna) is the ideal family apartment. The kids are asleep, you're unwinding in the sauna.

8. Sunrise in the mountains

Once you've got up for a sunrise in the mountains, you'll be hooked. When the first rays break over the peaks and the Stanzer valley slowly fills with light, you understand why we'd never want to live anywhere else.

The tourist board offers regular sunrise hikes as part of the Mobility Card programme – with a breakfast pack at the summit. 

Our story about the sunrise hike on the Zwölferkopf

9. Alpine cuisine on the mountain pastures

A summer day at the Arlberg isn't complete without stopping at an alpine hut. The Tyrolean Jause (cured ham, cheese, fresh bread) simply tastes different at 2,000 m. Our favourite summer stops:

  • Sennhütte – Accessible via the Maienweg, cosy and with a valley view
  • Rendlalm – Sun terrace after the alpine rose walk
  • Nessler Alm & Thaja – Quieter, off the main paths, honest cooking 

Omaela tip: Each apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen. If you prefer cooking at home to dining out, you'll find everything you need in St. Anton. And in the morning, we deliver fresh rolls to your door.

10. Simply doing nothing

Doesn't sound spectacular, but it's one of the best things about a summer holiday at the Omaela: sleeping in, coffee on the balcony, gazing at the mountains. Heating up the sauna in the afternoon, reading a book, letting the children play. A glass of wine on the terrace in the evening as the sun disappears behind the peaks.

Sometimes the best holiday is one where you plan nothing at all. Our apartments are built for exactly that: a retreat where you simply arrive. 

View all apartments
Check availability & book

Lisa & Martin

Apartments with private Sauna St. Anton Summer Holidays