Zillertal Valley | Innsbruck

Zillertal Valley is a stunning alpine valley located in the Tyrol region of Austria, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor activities, and charming villages. The valley is often called the "Zillertal Alps" due to the towering Zillertal Alps mountain range that forms its backdrop. It is one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing, hiking, cycling, and much more.

General Overview of Zillertal Valley

Location: The Zillertal Valley stretches from the town of Strass im Zillertal in the north to the village of Mayrhofen at the valley's southern end, in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps. The valley is about 30 kilometers long and runs along the Ziller River, from which the valley gets its name.

Accessibility: The Zillertal is easily accessible by car, bus, and train. The region is about an hour’s drive from Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, and has its own well-connected railway line, the Zillertal Railway, which connects several towns along the valley. The Zillertal is also known for its convenient transport options, with numerous cable cars, ski lifts, and hiking trails.

Key Attractions in Zillertal Valley

Mayrhofen:

• Mayrhofen is one of the most well-known towns in the Zillertal and is the valley’s main tourist hub. Located at the southern end of the valley, it is famous for its ski resorts, vibrant après-ski scene, and its proximity to the Penken and Ahorn mountains.
• The town also offers a lively town center with shops, restaurants, and traditional Tyrolean architecture. During the summer, it is a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.

Zillertal Arena:

• The Zillertal Arena is one of the largest ski areas in the region, spanning across Zell am Ziller, Gerlos, Königsleiten, and Hochkrimml. With over 150 kilometers of ski slopes and more than 50 ski lifts, it is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. The area offers opportunities for snowboarding, ski touring, and cross-country skiing.
• In the summer, it transforms into a popular hiking and mountain biking area, with scenic trails that offer spectacular views of the Zillertal Alps.

Hintertux Glacier:

• The Hintertux Glacier is the only year-round ski resort in Austria, located at the end of the Zillertal Valley. It is a popular destination for glacier skiing and snowboarding in the summer months when other resorts are closed. The glacier is also home to the Tuxer Fernerhaus, a mountain restaurant and viewing platform, offering incredible views of the Alps.
• The Glacier World at Hintertux is a popular attraction, providing access to the Tux Glacier via cable car, along with ice caves, snow tunnels, and spectacular panoramic views.

Zillertal Railway:

• The Zillertal Railway is a charming narrow-gauge railway that connects the valley’s towns, running from Jenbach to Mayrhofen. The scenic train ride offers beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains, making it a great way to explore the region. The railway is especially popular with visitors looking for a nostalgic and relaxed way to travel through the valley.

Krimml Waterfalls:

• Located on the southern edge of the Zillertal Valley, the Krimml Waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in Austria, with a drop of over 380 meters. The waterfalls are part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, and visitors can hike to viewing platforms along the trail to get a closer look at the falls. The area surrounding the falls is perfect for hiking and nature walks, offering an impressive display of alpine scenery.

Penken and Ahorn Mountains:

• These two mountains near Mayrhofen offer some of the best skiing and hiking opportunities in the Zillertal. The Penken is known for its steep slopes and thrilling terrain for snowboarders and advanced skiers, while the Ahorn offers gentler slopes and beautiful views.
• In the summer months, both mountains provide great hiking trails, including routes to scenic mountain lakes and panoramic viewpoints.

Gerlos Alpine Road:

• The Gerlos Alpine Road is a scenic mountain road that connects the towns of Gerlos and Krimml. The road offers stunning views of the Zillertal Alps and is a favorite among cyclists and drivers for its beautiful vistas and the opportunity to visit the Krimml Waterfalls. It’s also a great route for hiking and mountain biking.

Dornaubach Gorge (Zillertaler Strassenschlucht):

• The Dornaubach Gorge is a natural wonder located near the village of Schlitters. It is a narrow gorge with steep rock walls and waterfalls, offering a beautiful spot for hiking and nature walks. The gorge is accessible via a well-maintained trail that leads visitors through the lush landscape.

Tuxer Alps:

• The Tuxer Alps are located at the southern end of the Zillertal Valley, offering stunning hiking routes, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain landscapes. The Tuxertal valley is home to the Tux Glacier, and the surrounding areas are ideal for hiking, mountaineering, and nature walks.

Outdoor Activities in Zillertal Valley

Skiing and Snowboarding:

• The Zillertal Arena, Hintertux Glacier, and Mayrhofen offer excellent winter sports facilities. The region is ideal for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with well-maintained slopes for all levels, from beginner to expert. The Zillertal Superskipass provides access to multiple ski areas in the valley, allowing for great variety in skiing.

Hiking:

• Zillertal is a haven for hikers. The valley is filled with numerous trails suitable for all levels, including mountain paths, forest routes, and high-altitude treks. Popular hikes include the trail up to the Zillertal Glacier, as well as scenic routes around Hintertux and Mayrhofen.
• In addition to hiking, the valley is great for mountain biking, with dedicated routes and bike parks.

Cycling:

• The Zillertal is a cycling paradise, with a variety of bike paths that take visitors through idyllic alpine villages, lush meadows, and scenic mountain passes. The region is well-known for its mountain biking trails, which range from moderate to challenging, and the Zillertal Cycling Path offers a leisurely ride for cyclists of all abilities.

Paragliding:

• The Zillertal Valley offers paragliding experiences for those who want to see the region from a completely different perspective. Several companies provide tandem flights, which offer incredible views of the valley, mountains, and lakes.

Fishing and Rafting:

• The Ziller River and surrounding lakes offer excellent spots for fishing. In the summer, visitors can also enjoy white-water rafting on the river, which provides an exciting and challenging adventure through the Zillertal’s wild waters.

Cultural Attractions in Zillertal

Zillertal Museum:

• The Zillertal Museum in Fügen offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the valley. The museum features exhibits on traditional Tyrolean customs, the history of the valley, and folk art.

Tyrolean Folk Music:

• The Zillertal is known for its unique folk music, often performed with traditional instruments like the accordion and zither. Several towns host events and festivals where visitors can enjoy live music performances, especially during the summer months.

Traditional Tyrolean Cuisine:

• The Zillertal region is home to some of Austria’s best traditional cuisine, with hearty dishes that reflect the alpine environment. Visitors can enjoy dishes like Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancake), Gröstl (fried potatoes with meat), and Speck (cured ham), along with locally made cheeses and schnapps.

Conclusion

The Zillertal Valley in Tyrol is a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding in the summer. With its charming villages, dramatic alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and endless opportunities for adventure, the Zillertal is a perfect destination for anyone seeking an authentic and exciting alpine experience. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-packed vacation or a peaceful retreat in nature, Zillertal offers something for everyone.