Kitzbühel
At the Bikepark & Bergbahn St. Johann • only 20 minutes to Kitzbühel • Hiking and climbing at the Wilder Kaiser • SuperSki Card ski pass with 2,750 km of slopes
At the Bikepark & Bergbahn St. Johann • only 20 minutes to Kitzbühel • Hiking and climbing at the Wilder Kaiser • SuperSki Card ski pass with 2,750 km of slopes
Zillertal
1,300 km of bike tours • Top bike destination in the Alps • Hiking & climbing • 179 lifts / 508 km of slopes • Only 600 m to the Hochzillertal ski area • 10 min to the Zillertal Arena
1,300 km of bike tours • Top bike destination in the Alps • Hiking & climbing • 179 lifts / 508 km of slopes • Only 600 m to the Hochzillertal ski area • 10 min to the Zillertal Arena
Bad Kleinkirchheim / Carinthia
In town: St. Kathrein Thermal Spa & Römerbad • 15 minutes from the most beautiful bathing lakes in Carinthia • incl. Sunshine Card • September & October including Carinthia Card with free cable car & more
In town: St. Kathrein Thermal Spa & Römerbad • 15 minutes from the most beautiful bathing lakes in Carinthia • incl. Sunshine Card • September & October including Carinthia Card with free cable car & more
Garmisch
Great location in the Kuhflucht nature and recreation park with views of the Zugspitze and Alpspitze • 5km to Garmisch-Partenkirchen • Eibsee • Partnachklamm • Near the hotel: heated outdoor pool, sports center
Great location in the Kuhflucht nature and recreation park with views of the Zugspitze and Alpspitze • 5km to Garmisch-Partenkirchen • Eibsee • Partnachklamm • Near the hotel: heated outdoor pool, sports center
Stubai Valley / NEW: now open
Open since November 15, 2024 • Skiing at over 3,000 m • Austria's largest glacier • 4 ski areas • Alpine pastures and mountain lakes • Stubai High Trail • Schlick 2000 Bike Park
Open since November 15, 2024 • Skiing at over 3,000 m • Austria's largest glacier • 4 ski areas • Alpine pastures and mountain lakes • Stubai High Trail • Schlick 2000 Bike Park
Oberstdorf
Germany's southernmost holiday resort • perfect starting point for mountain hikes and bike tours • 200 km of hiking trails at all altitudes • Germany's largest and highest ski area
Germany's southernmost holiday resort • perfect starting point for mountain hikes and bike tours • 200 km of hiking trails at all altitudes • Germany's largest and highest ski area
Montafon
Piz Buin, Silvretta-Montafon with 300km of ski slopes • Silvretta High Alpine Road • directly at the Mountain Beach, 270km of bike trails
Piz Buin, Silvretta-Montafon with 300km of ski slopes • Silvretta High Alpine Road • directly at the Mountain Beach, 270km of bike trails
Hinterstoder
Ideal location at the valley station of the Hinterstoder cable car • Just a few steps from the village center • Active Card: 40 free and 20 bonus services daily
Ideal location at the valley station of the Hinterstoder cable car • Just a few steps from the village center • Active Card: 40 free and 20 bonus services daily
Neuschwanstein
At the Alpspitzbahn in Nesselwang with summer tobogganing & Alpspitzkick • only 20 minutes to the royal castles • slopes, ski school, children's ski area & daily night skiing directly at the hotel
At the Alpspitzbahn in Nesselwang with summer tobogganing & Alpspitzkick • only 20 minutes to the royal castles • slopes, ski school, children's ski area & daily night skiing directly at the hotel
Berchtesgaden
A few minutes from the famous Königssee • Berchtesgaden National Park • Watzmann • Kehlsteinhaus • Berchtesgaden Salt Mine • Outdoor pool only 200 m away • NEW: Jenner cable car
A few minutes from the famous Königssee • Berchtesgaden National Park • Watzmann • Kehlsteinhaus • Berchtesgaden Salt Mine • Outdoor pool only 200 m away • NEW: Jenner cable car
Ötztal
AREA 47 • 1,600 km of hiking trails • 870 km of mountain bike routes • WIDIVERSUM • Ötzi Village • Umhausen Birds of Prey Park • Stuibenfall
AREA 47 • 1,600 km of hiking trails • 870 km of mountain bike routes • WIDIVERSUM • Ötzi Village • Umhausen Birds of Prey Park • Stuibenfall
Elixir of life water
The world's most precious resource - the water of the Alps is so important
Do you actually realize how important water really is? We're talking about the world's most precious resource. Here you can learn everything about the importance of water, what the Alps have to do with it, our measures, and tips on how you can make your contribution.
Water = wet gold 💧
What is the most important food in the world? That's right, water, of course! Water is the basis of all life. Without water, you and we wouldn't be here! Only with water is the life of animals, plants, and humans possible.
Groundwater is both a source of drinking water and a habitat. For Explorer Hotels, water is liquid blue gold that must be protected.
Why is the water of the Alps so important for life on Earth?
The Alps are full of rivers, streams, lakes, and waterfalls! According to the German Alpine Association (https://www.alpenverein.de/artikel/fluesse-seen-wasserfaelle-in-den-alpen_5fe8369d-bce9-40e2-ad3c-6012b0a45b6f), there are 3,000 to 4,000 lakes in the Alps. The exact number is very difficult to determine because the lakes are subject to constant change. Some of Central Europe's most important rivers, such as the Rhine, the Rhone, and the Po, also originate in the Alps. This makes the Alps the largest freshwater reservoir in Europe, according to the German Nature Conservation Association (Bund Naturschutz): https://www.bund-naturschutz.de/alpen/wasser-in-den-alpen. The high mountains meet the drinking and industrial water needs of large parts of Europe.
The water cycle
The four seasons play a major role in the Alps. During the winter, water accumulates in the mountains in the form of snow and ice. The water is stored in the Alps until the snow melts. The "Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management": https://www.generationblue.at/wasserwissen/naturgefahrwasser/schneeschmelze.html confirms: meltwater is important for groundwater recharge and therefore for the water supply. A winter with little snow can lead to bottlenecks at regional water suppliers.
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As spring approaches, the snow begins to melt. The warmer it gets, the faster the snow melts. Spring depends on sufficient snowmelt, as it provides soil moisture for seeding and transports nutrients through seepage into the soil. According to the "Bund Naturschutz": https://www.bund-naturschutz.de/alpen/wasser-in-den-alpen, the Alpine region's annual average of 1,450 mm of precipitation carries a runoff volume of 216 billion cubic meters of water into the Alpine foothills. This water flows into rivers and later into the sea.
Climate change
The "Federal Environment Agency": https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/klima-energie/klimafolgen-anpassung/folgen-des-klimawandels/klimafolgen-deutschland/klimafolgen-handlungsfeld-wasser-hochwasser also says that climate change is changing our planet's water balance. In the long term, there will be less snow in winter. This will increasingly lead to dry periods in summer and autumn. Winters will be milder, meaning that precipitation in the form of snow will occur less frequently. The risk of flooding will also increase due to snowmelt and the warmer and wetter springs on average.
Climate change is causing the Earth's water balance to go haywire. This makes it all the more important to use the world's most precious resource consciously.
For us, every drop counts – we care.
Our hearts beat green! Explorer Hotels are actively committed to sustainability. We want to protect the world's most precious resource as best we can.
To ensure we never run out of liquid gold, we at Explorer Hotels take great care of it: We haven't built any pools yet, all shower heads, sinks, and flush valves have water-saving devices. You decide when linens are changed during your stay.
Ecological & economic sustainability at the Explorer Hotel
Less is more! The Explorer Hotels focus on the essentials, or rather, on their core competency: sportive exploration of the Alps. After all, swimming in a hotel pool certainly wouldn't compare to a dip in a crystal-clear mountain lake, would it? Around the Explorer Hotels, you'll find a plethora of leisure pools that already exist. And utilizing the existing leisure infrastructure creates added value in the respective region.
Saving resources
Need numbers? Gladly! If you were to install a pool, more space would be required for construction, and water consumption would naturally be immense.
The water consumption becomes clear when you consider a single fill of an average swimming pool: 10m x 7m x 1.5m = 105m³ (volume in cubic meters). One cubic meter corresponds to one thousand liters of water. So: 105 × 1000 = 105,000 liters of water.
Pure nature! Experience the water around the Explorer Hotels
OberstdorfFreibergsee
Lake Freiberg is located at 931 meters above sea level and is an absolute highlight in both summer and winter. It also offers a fantastic view of the famous Heini-Klopfer ski jump in Oberstdorf (which you should definitely visit).
BerchtesgadenHintersee near Ramsau
How about a trip to one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Berchtesgaden, surrounded by peaks, forests, and the legendary Enchanted Forest? It may sound a bit cheesy, but that's just what the Hintersee near Ramsau in Berchtesgaden is.
BerchtesgadenWimbach Gorge in Ramsau
At the entrance to the high valley between Watzmann and Hochkalter in the mountaineering village of Ramsau there is a narrow gorge - the Wimbachklamm.
GarmischKuhflucht Waterfalls Farchant
The Kuhflucht Waterfalls in Farchant are several consecutive waterfalls and are among the highest waterfalls in Germany.
GarmischEibsee
Lake Eibsee at the foot of the Zugspitze is one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria. But besides the view, there's much more to discover on your summer vacation in Garmisch!
BerchtesgadenKönigssee
The Königssee is the landmark of the Berchtesgadener Land and is one of the most fascinating natural beauties in the region, or even in all of Germany!
BerchtesgadenAlmbach Gorge
The Almbachklamm is a gorge at the foot of the Untersberg. The path along the rushing water takes you over numerous bridges, walkways, stairs, and tunnels.
ÖtztalPiburger Lake
No matter how long or short your holiday in the Ötztal is, a trip to Lake Piburger See MUST be included ;) Lake Piburger See is the only natural bathing lake in the Ötztal and one of the warmest bathing lakes in Tyrol and just looks so beautiful.
GarmischBarmsee in Krün
The best way to experience Lake Barmsee is on the Three Lakes Hike. But this lake near Garmisch Partenkirchen has a lot to offer in both summer and winter.
NeuschwansteinGrüntensee in the Allgäu
The Grüntensee near Nessselwang in the Allgäu is located at the foot of the Grünten mountain (oh wonder) and has a length of 2.5 km.
ZillertalKrimml Waterfalls
The Krimml Waterfalls are among the largest waterfalls in Europe and are a unique natural spectacle that should be on your "must-see" list during your holiday in the Zillertal.
MontafonSeetal Montafon
The Seetal valley in Montafon is a long basin with three natural lakes: Kälbersee, Schwarzsee, and Herzsee. A true summer highlight of the Silvretta Montafon.
MontafonMountain Beach Montafon
The Mountain Beach is perfect for a refreshing dip and some action. It's located right next to the Explorer Hotel in Gaschurn. From May to August, you can swim in the fresh spring water here.
ÖtztalStuibenfall
We have THE excursion tip for your holiday in the Ötztal: A walk to the largest waterfall in Tyrol, the Stuibenfall.
GarmischPartnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Whether summer or winter - a hike through the Partnach Gorge is a must during your holiday in Garmisch-Partenkirchen!
GarmischRiessersee in Garmisch Partenkirchen
Perhaps you know the Riessersee near the Zugspitze because of its historic bobsleigh run? If not, you'll now learn some exciting facts about the Riessersee in Gatmisch Partenkirchen.
OberstdorfBreitach Gorge
The Breitachklamm near Oberstdorf is the deepest rock gorge in Central Europe, accessible all year round and a must-see on the bucket list.
BerchtesgadenRöthbach Falls
Admittedly, the region around Berchtesgaden has some highlights to offer. But did you know that Germany's highest waterfall, the Röthbachfall, is also located here?
HinterstoderDr. Vogelgesang-Klamm
Temporarily closed!
The Dr. Vogelgesang Gorge is the longest gorge in Upper Austria and is a great destination for your vacation in Hinterstoder.
HinterstoderPyhrn Priel Water Trail
The water trail is a hike along the Phyrnbach to the valley station of the Wurzeralm. 11 information boards tell you about the flora and fauna.
HinterstoderSchiederweiher in Hinterstoder
Did you know that the Schiederweiher in Hinterstoder is one of the most beautiful places in Austria?
HinterstoderNatural jewel Gleinkersee
The Gleinkersee, a small Alpine lake in Windischgarsten, is a mountain bathing lake and a true paradise for all bathing enthusiasts!
MontafonLünersee in the Eastern Alps
The Lünersee in Montafon isn't called the "Pearl of the Alps" for nothing. Located at the end of the Brandnertal Valley, the lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the Eastern Alps—and depending on your perspective, it's heart-shaped ❤
KitzbuehelGriesbach Gorge
The Griesbachklamm in Erpfendorf is one of the most beautiful natural experiences and is one of the TOP 10 attractions in Tyrol for families.
NeuschwansteinWeissensee Füssen
In the middle of the lake landscape around Füssen in the Ostallgäu region lies the Weißensee, which is particularly suitable for swimming during your holiday in Nesselwang.
NeuschwansteinForggensee in the Allgäu
Did you know that Lake Forggensee in Füssen is the fifth largest lake in Bavaria? The 15.2 km² Forggensee is also famous for its magnificent view of the royal castles.
ÖtztalUmhausen bathing lake
One of Austria's most beautiful bathing lakes, the Umhausen bathing lake in the Ötztal, is just a few minutes away from the Explorer Hotel and guarantees you bathing fun and a cooling off on hot summer days in Tyrol.
ZillertalNatural Ice Palace in Hintertux
How about a boat tour on a glacial lake 30 meters below the ski slope? Okay, it might sound a bit strange at first, but it's actually possible at the Natural Ice Palace in Hintertux in the Zillertal Valley—a destination for the whole family.
NeuschwansteinHopfensee in the Allgäu
Hopfensee in the Allgäu region is located north of Füssen in the Hopfen am See district. This lake in the Eastern Allgäu is one of the warmest lakes in the Alpine foothills and is ideal for swimming as early as the end of May.
NeuschwansteinAlatsee near Füssen
The Alatsee is an idyllic bathing lake between Pfronten and Füssen and could almost give the impression of being at the sea.
NeuschwansteinAttlesee in the Allgäu
Lake Attlesee is a bathing lake in the Allgäu region, located within a nature reserve. Surrounded by green meadows and idyllic mountain scenery, it's easy to lose track of time.
ZillertalNatural bathing lake Schlitters
The town of Schlitters is located at the entrance to the Zillertal Valley. You'll pass through here when you drive to the Explorer Hotel Zillertal in Kaltenbach. The Schlitters swimming lake provides the perfect place to cool off during your summer vacation in Tyrol.
OberstdorfStarzlach Gorge
The Starzlachklamm Gorge in Burgberg in the Allgäu region is considered one of the top highlights of the region between Lake Alpsee and Grünten. The Starzlachklamm Gorge in the Allgäu is not only a natural wonder but also a starting point for great hikes and mountain bike tours.
Bad KleinkirchheimBrennsee
In the middle of the Nockberge mountains, the Brennsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria and impresses with its crystal-clear water.
Bad KleinkirchheimLake Afritz
This natural swimming lake near Villach in Carinthia offers plenty of variety for the whole family.
GarmischHöllentalklamm
The Höllentalklamm gorge near Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a must-see during your holiday in the Zugspitze region!
Bad KleinkirchheimLake Ossiach
Lake Ossiach is the largest of the nine bathing lakes in the Carinthian region. This lake is surrounded by the Gerlitzen hiking and skiing area and the Ossiacher Tauern mountains.
Bad KleinkirchheimLake Millstatt
Lake Millstatt is located in the south of Carinthia and has an almost tropical climate due to its proximity to Italy.
OberstdorfSeealpsee
The Seealpsee near Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Allgäu Mountains. It lies at almost 1,700 meters above the Oytal valley on the southeast slope of the Schattenberg mountain and offers a fantastic view of the Allgäu Alps, including 400 peaks.
HinterstoderPießling origin
The Pießling Ursprung is a great destination for your holiday in Upper Austria, especially on hot summer days!
MontafonSilvretta Reservoir
The Silvretta Reservoir is located at the highest point of the Silvretta High Alpine Road - the Bielerhöhe. As one of the most impressive reservoirs in the Alps, it delights numerous visitors.
Responsible use of water: This is what you can do!
Why should we use water sparingly?
Water, water, everywhere! No, stop! Only the fire department can call that! ;)
The Earth is 70% water, which is why it's also called "the blue planet." However, only 2.5% of this is drinkable freshwater, and most of that is trapped in glaciers. Constant water extraction often doesn't match the fluctuations in the natural water cycle. Human water consumption is high and deprives plants of water, which impacts the natural balance of the soil. Furthermore, some drinking water becomes wastewater, which is harmful to the environment.
→ Simply put: Saving water relieves the burden on the environment. Saving water also saves energy and money! 😎
Small things add up to make a big difference! You too can help preserve our drinking water with these little tips:
- Collect rainwater and use it to water the garden
- Install water-saving showerheads (By the way: You'll find water-saving devices in the bathrooms of every Explorer Hotel.)
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines when fully loaded
- Use the correct amount of detergent
- Only wash your car at a car wash
- Reuse towels for longer on vacation – at Explorer Hotels, you decide when to change your linens
- Shower instead of bath
- Consider water consumption when purchasing new appliances
Props go out to our taps!
With us, the best quality water comes straight from the tap - what a luxury! We should definitely appreciate that more!
In all Explorer Hotels, the water comes fresh, sparkling, and of drinking quality. Did you know that in most Explorer Hotels regions, the water isn't even treated? It comes straight from the source and is of impeccable quality.
Stay hydrated!
At our Water Bar in the entrance area of the lounge, you can refill your water bottle anytime for your next Alpine adventure.
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