Sautens is a fantastic base for outdoor adventures in the Tyrolean Alps. Its location offers easy access to some of Austria’s most exciting active experiences, whether you’re into water sports or mountain climbing. We particularly like the Canyoning at Alpenrosenklamm for Beginners for its safe approach to canyoning, perfect for newcomers eager to try something new without feeling overwhelmed. The guides are certified, and the environment is stunning—a true highlight for those wanting a taste of alpine adventure without needing prior experience. And for families, the Canyoning for Children offers a gentle introduction to canyoning in the beautiful Rosengarten Gorge, making it a memorable day for kids and parents alike.
If white-water rafting is more your speed, the Imster Gorge Rafting Tour with Lunch ranks high on our list for its combination of adrenaline and stunning scenery. It’s a 6-hour guided trip through Europe’s longest river in the Alps, with a delicious Tyrolean lunch included. For those looking for something more intense, the Wildwater XL Canyoning offers high jumps and long rappels that appeal to thrill-seekers. And for landscape lovers, the Guided via ferrata provides an unbeatable mix of climbing and panoramic views in the heart of the Alps.
1. Ötztal: Canyoning at Alpenrosenklamm for Beginners
Starting with a tour perfect for newcomers, this beginner-friendly canyoning experience takes you into the striking Alpenrosenklamm, part of the Tyrolean Alps. With a duration of about 4 hours, it’s designed with safety and fun in mind. Certified guides lead you through waterfalls, offering abseiling, slides, and jumps—yet all adapted to beginners’ comfort levels. The high-quality equipment provided ensures safety, and the scenery is breathtaking, making this a fantastic introduction to canyoning. What makes this tour stand out is its accessibility; no prior experience is necessary, and the environment feels both safe and exhilarating. The reviews speak volumes—”Toller Guide, Mega Tour. Abwechslungsreich und spannend. Kann man nur empfehlen”—showing how much fun visitors have had.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to try canyoning in a controlled, friendly environment, and appreciate professional guidance. The cost of $109 per person reflects good value for a well-organized, memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beginners, this tour offers excitement with safety at its core—an excellent first step into outdoor adventures in Sautens.
2. Ötztal: Imster Gorge Rafting Tour with Lunch
The Imster Gorge Rafting Tour is a standout for anyone craving an active day on the water. Spanning 6 hours, this guided trip covers 30 km of Europe’s longest river flowing through the Tyrolean Alps. The journey features exciting rapids and stunning scenery, with the guides ensuring safety at every turn. The trip is perfect for families, groups, or anyone eager to experience Austria’s natural beauty from a different perspective. A delicious Tyrolean lunch served by a campfire adds a satisfying finish to the adventure.
What makes this tour particularly special is its combination of adrenaline and culture—traditional foods, scenic pauses, and teamwork make it memorable. The reviews are glowing—travelers mention the breathtaking nature and the thrill of conquering waves, making it a top pick for active travelers.
This is a well-balanced trip that offers good value at $116 per person, and the longer duration makes it suitable for those with the whole day free.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a full-day adventure that mixes excitement with scenic beauty, this rafting tour is a fantastic choice.
3. Ötztal: Canyoning for Children
Perfect for families, the Canyoning for Children takes kids from age 8 and up into the Rosengarten Gorge for a fun, safe adventure. Lasting about 2 hours, this tour keeps safety at the forefront, with an easy to moderate route filled with slides, jumps, and abseiling. It’s a chance for young explorers to climb and splash in natural surroundings under the supervision of experienced, state-certified guides.
The environment is impressive without being intimidating, making it ideal for introducing children to outdoor adventures. Reviews emphasize how this tour creates lasting memories and encourages confidence in kids. It’s also an affordable option at $78 per person, making it accessible for families on a budget.
Bottom Line: A fantastic family outing that balances fun and safety, with plenty of opportunities for kids to get wet and have fun.
$78 per person
4. Ötztal: Canyoning “ClearWater”
For those craving action, the Canyoning “ClearWater” is a 4-hour adventure packed with jumps, slides, and swimming. This tour features cliff jumps, a white-water slide, and includes photos of your exploits—perfect for sharing afterward. The professional guide provides all equipment, so you only need to focus on having fun.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on high-energy activities like abseiling and jumping into crystal-clear pools. It’s rated 5/5, showing how much participants enjoy the mix of adrenaline and beautiful scenery. It’s suitable for active travelers comfortable with water and heights and offers great value at $102 per person.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a quick, action-packed canyoning experience with plenty of photo opportunities, this tour hits the mark.
$102 per person
5. Ötztal: Canyoning “Wildwater XL”
For adrenaline junkies, the Wildwater XL is a 3.5-hour tour with some of Tirol’s most impressive canyon features. It boasts high jumps of up to 10 meters, long rappels up to 30 meters, and long, exhilarating slides in clear water. This route is designed for fit, energetic adventurers who want a serious thrill.
Rated 4.9/5, the tour consistently delivers an intense experience in a stunning environment. The guides are known for their professionalism, and the tour’s length makes it manageable even for those with limited time. However, it’s best suited for physically capable participants, as it involves big jumps and rappels.
Bottom Line: This is the go-to for experienced canyoners or those seeking an adrenaline rush in Tirol’s most beautiful gorge.
6. Ötztal: Guided via ferrata tour with spectacular Alpine scenery
The via ferrata offers a safe but exciting way to climb steep cliffs with the help of fixed cables, rungs, and bridges. Guided by experts, you’ll ascend through spectacular alpine landscapes, with the route tailored to your group’s experience level.
The tour lasts about 3 hours and includes all necessary equipment. The highlights are stunning views and a sense of achievement without needing prior climbing experience. The guides are experienced and certified, ensuring safety and guidance throughout. The itinerary begins with a safety briefing, then the ascent, before returning to the start point.
This experience appeals to those who want a physical challenge combined with incredible scenery. The main benefits include personalized route selection and expert guidance. It’s suitable for a broad range of fitness levels, depending on the chosen route.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for active travelers who want to combine climbing with breathtaking mountain views.
$97 per person
7. Ötztal: Rafting Tour for Families (Children aged 5-10 years)
Finally, the family-friendly Rafting Tour for children offers a gentle introduction to water sports, lasting 3 hours. With a stop at a beautiful waterfall, the tour is designed for young children aged 5-10, providing a safe and enjoyable experience with mild rapids and plenty of opportunities to splash and play.
The tour includes a refreshing drink and a toast to the adventure, making it a relaxing way for families to enjoy the outdoors together. Reviewers mention how children love the experience and how it’s perfect for creating lasting memories. The modest price of $67 per person enhances its appeal for budget-conscious families.
Bottom Line: An ideal family outing that combines gentle rafting, nature, and fun—great for kids and parents alike.
$67 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Sautens
Choosing the best adventure depends on your interests, fitness level, and the kind of experience you want. If you’re new to canyoning or traveling with kids, the Ötztal: Canyoning at Alpenrosenklamm for Beginners or the Canyoning for Children are excellent options. For thrill-seekers looking for adrenaline, Wildwater XL offers jumps and rappels, while the ClearWater provides action and fun in a shorter time frame.
If you prefer combining a physical challenge with scenic views, the guided via ferrata is a superb choice. And for a full-day water adventure with a cultural touch, the Imster Gorge rafting combines thrill, scenery, and local cuisine.
Consider your fitness level, the ages of your travel companions, and your budget when selecting. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like rafting and via ferrata, to secure your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
Sautens offers a diverse range of outdoor activities that suit many interests and skill levels. For beginners or families, safe, guided adventures like canyoning in Alpenrosenklamm or family rafting are perfect. Seekers of adrenaline should head straight to Wildwater XL or the via ferrata for heart-pumping fun. Whatever your choice, these tours promise a memorable way to experience Tirol’s stunning landscapes.
If you’re eager to get outdoors and try something new, we suggest booking your tours early—these experiences fill up fast, especially in peak season. With options from gentle family outings to challenging climbs and daring canyon jumps, Sautens has something for every adventure lover.