Adrenalin and relaxation in the Ötztal Valley: A Visit to the Aqua Dome and James Bond

Some places are a true invitation to forget the daily grind. How about a dash of cool, a laid back casual attitude, and some long-needed permission to let go and enjoy yourself? In and around the Austrian state of Tyrol, and more specifically Sölden, winter and spring in particular offer a relaxing escape, culinary highlights, and spectacular views, which all combine to create an experience that will stay with you for a long time to come.

Sölden, in Austria’s Ötztal Valley, offers a surprising variety of activities that extend far beyond traditional winter sports. Whether you are looking to switch off and relax in the Aqua Dome, take a trip into the captivating world of James Bond, enjoy fine dining with a view of the summit, or go sunshine skiing on the impressive glaciers – this is where adventure, enjoyment, and relaxation come together; ideal conditions for a relaxed adventure away from the drab urban lifestyle.

Dive in and immerse yourself in the AQUA DOME

The right choice of temporary home from home is essential, especially for a short break. If you want to combine wellness, panoramic views, and that cosy winter feeling, the AQUA DOME Tirol Therme Längenfeld is the place for you. Just looking at the futuristic shell pools, which appear to be floating in the wintry mountain landscape, gives you a feeling of peace and the sense of having arrived at your promised destination. The exclusive SPA 3000, with its panorama sauna, glass façade, and central fireplace, offers even more relaxation: here, modern design meets Alpine elements such as Swiss stone pine, mountain herbs, and stone. Once you settle in, it may be difficult to leave this cosy setting. But it’s worth a try.

AQUA DOME SPA 3000

When you check into the thermal spa hotel or book the Relax! Day Holiday Deluxe, you will automatically receive an admission ticket for the exclusive SPA 3000 premium wellness area. The luxurious atmosphere spanning two floors includes a cosy bar with a fireplace lounge and an outdoor area, as well as garment-free zones – with panoramic views of the Ötztal Alps.

Highlights include a 34°C pool, surrounded by natural moss walls and comfortable loungers, a mineral bath with trace elements such as magnesium and selenium for the skin and respiratory tract, and the Längenfelder Badl’n: a thermal water pool with massage jets at 36°C.

Espionage and top cuisine

From the wellness area, a short transfer heading towards Sölden will lead you up to the Gaislachkogl. Here, the award-winning ice Q gourmet restaurant sits enthroned at an altitude of 3,048 metres – surrounded by over 250 three-thousand-metre peaks. The modern architecture with its panoramic windows creates a symbiosis of futuristic design and Alpine nature. It’s no wonder that this venue was used as a film location for James Bond ​‘Spectre’. The cuisine at ice Q is every bit as spectacular as the view: award-winning dishes from the pots and pans of head chef Klaus Holzer are paired with excellent wines, including the exclusive PINO 3000 – a Pinot Noir that matures at over 3,000 metres. Before or after indulging in the fine dining experience, why not take a detour to the ice Q Lounge and enjoy the finest patisserie, exclusive wines, and creative tapas in a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere.

A visit to the neighbouring 007 ELEMENTS exhibition is also a must. This interactive exhibition immerses visitors in the world of the famous secret agent and impresses with its futuristic architecture, designed by Tyrolean architect Johann Obermoser. The minimalist masterpiece of concrete, steel, and glass appears as if seamlessly interwoven with the summit of the Gaislachkogl; the interior itself impressively showcases the Alpine surroundings with dramatic light and dark contrasts, as well as spectacular panoramic windows. TIP: Every Wednesday evening from December to March, the Summit Dinner invites you to share in a special culinary experience, while the 007 ELEMENTS exhibition stays open until 10 pm as part of the night skiing offering.

Sunshine skiing and Alpine cuisine

No stay in Sölden would be complete without a day on the slopes. The Rettenbach and Tiefenbachferner glacier areas guarantee snow until well into the spring. For many visitors, sunshine skiing is an unmissable highlight: mild temperatures, perfectly groomed slopes, and breathtaking views ensure moments of pure joy in the snow. If in need of refreshments, swing by ​‘The Falcon’ restaurant. On the spacious sun terrace, Alpine lifestyle and modern cuisine merge to create the perfect sundowner, from the Big Green Egg® dry-aged steak to the vegetarian Falcon Bowl with salads, lentil bulgur, and vegetables. And if you fancy ending the day with a little après-ski in the valley, you can glide comfortably towards your next adventure in the modern panoramic gondola.

2025: Top events in Sölden

Moonlight bathing in the AQUA DOME: Every Friday, the thermal baths invite you to enjoy a night-time bathing experience beneath a clear starry sky.

Summit Dinner at ice Q: From December to March, the gourmet restaurant is transformed into an exclusive dining location every Wednesday evening.

007 ELEMENTS by night: the James Bond exhibition stays open until 10 pm as part of the night skiing offering.

Don’t miss a thing — we’ll keep you up to date!

Sign up for our newsletter.