Galtür Alpinarium

In 1999, Galtür was hit by a massive avalanche that claimed several lives. Since then, a 345-meter-long and 19-meter-high wall has protected the Tyrolean community. A central component of this protective wall is the Alpinarium: serving as both a memorial and a symbol of a new beginning, the museum processes the disaster in its own unique way.

The symbiosis of protective wall and museum makes the Alpinarium a unique exhibition center in Europe, dedicated to the relationship between humans and nature in the Alpine region. Despite its massive structure—the construction required more than 7,000 cubic meters of concrete and 800 tons of steel—the modern architecture impresses with its understated symbolism.

The interior design is also impressive. The entrance area of the Alpinarium is adorned with an alabaster façade. The white stones symbolize winter and snow and bathe the foyer in different colors depending on the lighting. Another interior design highlight is the stone circle. Like the mobile of a mountain giant, it swings down from the ceiling of the entrance hall, consisting of 1,200 stones suspended on 32 chains. The light of the stone circle transports guests into a snow cave, yet without having to endure the icy cold.

From Galtür to World History

In the permanent exhibition “At the Top – Stories About Galtür and the World,” visitors listen to stories of connections. Stories of people who set out from Galtür into the world. Stories of those who discovered the village in the valley from far away. Is Galtür the beginning, the end, or the middle? This perspective lies in the eye of the beholder: The “Interstitial Space,” where the exhibition begins, is itself a space without beginning or end. Accompanied by strings of lights, guests of the Alpinarium explore five different thematic capsules that examine Galtür’s location in relation to the rest of the world. Particularly moving is an image of a gravestone on the Italian island of Stromboli, listing the deceased’s ten favorite places. Alongside Paris, Antarctica, and Bou Saada, Galtür is also commemorated here.

The memory lives on

The triptych “Memento” is dedicated to the 31 lives lost in the avalanche disaster. Thirty-one fates that connect the people in the valley with one another and with many families from outside. The “Memento” by artist Arthur Salner serves as a visual message and a source of spiritual strength for the space of remembrance. In the cinema, the film “Berge in Bewegung” (Mountains in Motion) by director Lutz Maurer is shown, sensitively depicting how the event of February 23, 1999, changed Galtür and its people.

Bouldering Hall and Skywalk

Since climbing is part of Tyrol’s traditional culture, visitors to the Alpinarium can venture onto the steep walls in the bouldering hall themselves and hone their climbing skills. Those who don’t feel confident enough to try it themselves can watch the brave souls on the climbing wall from the “Gefrorene Wasser” café and refuel with some tasty treats. On sunny days, the large sun terrace also invites you to enjoy a cup of coffee with an impressive view of the surrounding mountains. The rooftop terrace is, of course, accessible to all visitors to the Alpinarium. Anyone without a fear of heights can walk along the Skywalk here and view the protective wall in its full grandeur.

On February 23, 1999, Galtür gained notoriety when a massive avalanche swept through the remote village of 800 residents. The avalanche, 30 to 40 meters high, broke loose on the ridge of the Grießkogel and swept 31 people to their deaths. Due to the massive amounts of snow, rescuers were initially unable to reach the village, and the residents, along with 3,000 vacationers, were cut off from the outside world.

Since 2003, the Alpinarium has stood at the site where the avalanche caused the most damage, serving as a central component of the protective wall. The interactive museum was nominated for the European Museum Prize in 2015 and awarded the Austrian Museum Seal of Quality. 

By Car
Route via Vorarlberg (only possible in summer)
Bludenz - Schruns (Montafon) to Partenen - Silvretta-Hochalpenstraße toll booth - Bielerhöhe (2,040 m) - Galtür
Take the highway to Bludenz
Take the train to Bludenz - then the bus to Galtür

Route via Tyrol
Landeck – Pians (Paznaun) – See – Kappl – Ischgl – Galtür
Take the highway to Pians
Take the train to Landeck – then the bus to Galtür

By public transportation
If traveling from Vorarlberg, take the train from Bludenz station via Landeck-Zams and then continue on bus line 4240.