Hochoetz-Kuhtai Offers Hikers New Audio Guide For Knappenweg
The Hochoetz-Kühtai alpine region now offers hikers a stimulating search for clues in the natural jewel of the Wörgetal with the Knappenweg audio guide. In 13 chapters, the acoustic tour guide takes you into the exciting mining history of the idyllic high valley.
The Wörge Valley is a popular hiking destination for many locals and guests from all over the world. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the alpine landscape was characterized by busy mining activity: up to 400 miners dug for coveted ores such as chalcopyrite, phyrite and lead at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level - under extremely difficult conditions. This historical scenery in the midst of towering peaks is perfect for a narrative representation. Almost two decades after its opening in 2005, the Miners' Trail is now being presented for the first time in the form of a modern audio guide. "Distributing physical playback devices to hikers was a logistical hurdle 20 years ago. The technology was considered sensitive, and distributing and returning players and headphones was complicated in a vast mountain landscape. In the era of smartphones, opportunities are opening up that we can make available to our guests easily and, above all, free of charge via the app store," explains Michaela Burger, Managing Director of Bergbahnen Hochoetz.
Award-winning audio guide producers
The project initiator has won over a proven authority in the company "Hearonymus" for the design of the new audio guide. The provider, which specializes in tourist and cultural themed guides, has so far produced around 1,500 productions. Hearonymus has already been successful in this country with the guide for the Ötztaler Heimatmuseum under the direction of Edith Hessenberger; the work was awarded the 2023 Museum Prize by the state of Tyrol. The Austrians were thus the first port of call for the design of the digital guide around the Knappenweg.
Cooperation is a matter close to Hochoetz and Kühtai’s heart
With this joint project, the Hochoetz cable cars and the Kühtai cable cars are setting a new tone in their long-standing collaboration. "In addition to being good neighbors, we have many attractive offers in common. We offer our guests a joint ski pass in winter, and a ski bus runs regularly between the ski areas. During the summer months, we share the wonderful hiking and alpine pasture region with synergies in marketing and product design. Improving the Knappenweg with a professionally designed audio guide was a matter close to our hearts," says Philip Haslwanter, Managing Director of the Kühtai cable cars.
Contribution to a well-kept landscape
Christoph Rauch, Destination Manager for the Upper Ötztal at Ötztal Tourism and also responsible for infrastructure, points out the positive side effect of the new audio guide for the landscape. "This offer has the side effect of counteracting the proliferation of information boards and signs. The information prepared via the app is informative and educational, but does not put a strain on the natural scenery in this form. We are very supportive of this," says Rauch. The employees of the Ötztal Tourism construction team have been looking after the preservation of the Knappenweg for years. Including all feeder hiking trails, the corresponding route network amounts to around 30 km. The employees of Ötztal Tourism invest around 200 to 300 working hours every year in the maintenance and repair work.
Entertaining guided tour on the hike to the Knappenhaus
Once downloaded, the brand new digital guide describes the central route of the Knappenweg. The closest entry point to the described route is at the Issbrücke. There are alternative starting points in Hochoetz, Ochsengarten and Kühtai. Depending on the starting point, the route varies in length and altitude. The obligatory destination of all variants is the Knappenhaus, which is located at an altitude of around 2,000 meters on Lake Pucher. As a faithful reconstruction, it gives a vivid impression of the lost mining world. Miner figures, mine carts, tools, pictures and a small museum area are united under the roof of this building, which also functions as a shelter. The Knappenhaus also includes replicas of long-abandoned processing plants in the form of a screening plant and a stamping mill. The sonorous speaker voice of the electronic companion tells you everything you need to know. In addition to details on the history of mining and the reconstructed historical facilities, listeners gain insights into the region's flora and fauna and its world of legends. What's particularly appealing is that among the various languages of the audio guide there is also a version spoken in the Ötztal dialect. The hiking guide, which is written in narrative form, is very easy to install on your smartphone: the Hearonymus app - available in all common app stores - has the Knappenweg guide available for free download. In addition, the listening stations along the Knappenweg are equipped with information signs including QR codes.
