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Geocaching: Treasure Hunting in Ötztal

Does it sound familiar to you: you leave your mobile phone or key ring somewhere and can’t even remember where you saw or used it the last time? Searching for something is unnerving … in most cases. But there is also a totally different kind of search called “Geocaching” – a modern paperchase! Never heard about it? Just keep on reading and we will tell you everything about this fun-filled activity. What’s best, the Ötztal makes a real heaven for small and big treasure hunters.

What is geocaching?

The name “geocaching” derives from the Greek word for earth (geo) and the English term “cache” (hiding place). Action-packed geocaching is a modern, GPS assisted treasure hunt or paperchase.

The hidden spots (geocaches) are published in the internet only via geographic coordinates and can be discovered with the help of a GPS receiver. Normally, a cache is a waterproof box containing a logbook and items to swap. Those who find a geocache enter their name in the logbook by documenting their successful mission.

Vater und Tochter blicken auf Schatzkarte - Geocaching Schatzsuche Ötztal
© Armin Kuprian / Ötztal Tourismus

On the geocaching.com website you meet all members of the geocaching community online. After a quick registration, users can download the respective GPS coordinates of all hidden spots. There are more than 3 million activated geocaches world-wide at the moment. Even the ISS International Space Station features a geocache which may be reserved to the astronauts! In Austria you can search for about 46,000 geocaches spread all over the country – some of them at the heart of Ötztal!

Geocaching in Ötztal

Vater und Tochter mit Schatzkarte - Geocaching Schatzsuche Ötztal
© Armin Kuprian / Ötztal Tourismus

There are two different types of geocaching routes in Ötztal. For the “Geocaching Treasure Hunt” you don’t need a GPS device as it is also suitable for young children. You simply collect a special Treasure Map from one of the Ötztal Tourismus information offices. All route details and useful hints how to find the cache boxes are already written down in the Treasure Map.

The little boxes contain secret letters or numbers or colors which must be written into the respective field of the Treasure Map. Only if you have found all secret codes you can solve the riddle. After collecting all secret codes, little explorers receive a small surprise present at the Ötztal Tourismus information offices!

This is a wonderful way to explore Ötztal’s most scenic spots for active families. Children will love walking around and strolling through forests and meadows in search of all the little secrets. “Geocaching Treasure Hunt” routes of different lengths are available in the holiday villages of Ochsengarten, Sautens, Oetz, Niederthai, Längenfeld, Sölden, Vent and Obergurgl.

The second geocaching option in Ötztal is called “9for5 & 5for1” – a quite cryptic name indeed. For this type of treasure hunt you absolutely need a GPS receiver in order to discover the nine hidden spots spread over the entire Ötztal. The main aim is to find at least five geocaches out of nine and to collect the highly coveted “Ötz-Taler” coin as a reward. The exact coordinates and route descriptions for all 9 geocaches can be downloaded directly to your GPS device HERE or from the geocaching.com website.

No matter which geocaching adventure you choose in Ötztal, loads of fun and heaps of action are almost guaranteed. Thank God it’s not your own key ring you are searching for…

Facts

  • Details about “Geocaching Treasure Hunt” available HERE
  • More information on “9for5 & 5for1 Treasure Hunt” can be found HERE

Which item do you search for most often?

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Benni

Author Benni

When it comes to activity and motion, Benni pricks up his ears! He is a passionate snowboarder, mountain biker, climber & hiker and he knows no better playground for outdoor sports than the Ötztal. He is not the type to sit still - therefore Benni can be often found on the valley's most exciting bike trails and pristine powder snow slopes.

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