Information
Landmark: Zillertal ValleyCity: Innsbruck
Country: Austria
Continent: Europe
Zillertal Valley, Innsbruck, Austria, Europe
Overview
Tucked in Austria’s Tyrol region, the Zillertal Valley stretches between snow-dusted peaks, famous for its postcard views, lively mountain trails, and storybook villages.People often call the valley the “Zillertal Alps” because the jagged peaks of the Zillertal range rise sharply behind it, catching the morning light.Beloved by outdoor lovers, it draws crowds for skiing in crisp mountain air, scenic hikes, thrilling bike trails, and plenty more to explore.The Zillertal Valley runs from the northern town of Strass im Zillertal down to Mayrhofen in the south, where the peaks of the Tyrolean Alps rise sharp against the sky.The valley stretches for about 30 kilometers, tracing the curve of the Ziller River, whose clear waters gave it its name.You can reach the Zillertal easily by car, hop on a bus, or take a train that winds past green meadows.It’s about an hour’s drive from Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, and the Zillertal Railway runs through the valley, linking its cluster of small towns.The Zillertal’s easy to get around, thanks to its web of cable cars, ski lifts, and winding hiking trails that smell of pine in the morning air.Mayrhofen, the lively heart of the Zillertal, is its best-known town and the valley’s main draw, where café terraces spill onto bustling streets.At the southern tip of the valley, the town draws visitors with its ski resorts, buzzing après-ski nights, and easy access to the Penken and Ahorn mountains.Its center hums with shops, cozy restaurants, and wooden Tyrolean buildings that smell faintly of pine.In summer, the area buzzes with hikers on dusty trails, mountain bikers flying past wildflowers, and paragliders drifting overhead; in winter, the Zillertal Arena-one of the region’s largest ski areas-stretches across Zell am Ziller, Gerlos, Königsleiten, and Hochkrimml.With more than 150 kilometers of slopes and over 50 lifts, this place is a dream for winter sports lovers, where fresh powder crunches under your boots.You can snowboard, ski tour, or glide through cross-country trails here in winter.When summer warms the slopes, the hills turn into a favorite spot for hikers and mountain bikers, with winding paths that open to sweeping views of the Zillertal Alps.At the valley’s end, the Hintertux Glacier stands as Austria’s only ski resort open all year.When other resorts shut down for the season, this spot draws crowds for summer glacier skiing and snowboarding, where you can hear the crunch of fresh snow under your boots.Perched on the glacier, the Tuxer Fernerhaus mountain restaurant doubles as a viewing platform, where you can sip hot chocolate while gazing at the Alps.Nearby, Glacier World at Hintertux draws crowds with its cable car rides to the Tux Glacier, winding ice caves, snow tunnels, and sweeping panoramas.Down in the valley, the Zillertal Railway-a quaint narrow-gauge line-links Jenbach to Mayrhofen, passing through a chain of alpine towns.The train winds through the valley, past pine-covered slopes and distant peaks, offering a stunning way to see the region.Tourists flock to the railway for its slow, nostalgic ride through the valley, the scent of wood smoke drifting from the engine.At the valley’s southern edge, the Krimml Waterfalls plunge more than 380 meters, the tallest in all of Austria.These waterfalls lie within Hohe Tauern National Park, and hikers can follow the trail to wooden platforms where the roar of the water fills the air.The trails around the falls make it a great spot for hiking or slow nature walks, with alpine peaks rising sharp against the sky.Nearby, the Penken and Ahorn mountains offer some of Zillertal’s finest slopes and highland paths.The Penken draws snowboarders and expert skiers with its steep runs and adrenaline-packed terrain, while the Ahorn tempts visitors with softer slopes and sweeping views.In summer, both mountains open to trails that wind past alpine lakes and lead to broad, airy viewpoints.The Gerlos Alpine Road, a winding route between Gerlos and Krimml, offers vistas where pine-scented air rushes through your open window.Winding through the Zillertal Alps, the road treats travelers to sweeping mountain views and draws both cyclists and drivers eager to take in the scenery and stop at the roaring Krimml Waterfalls.This trail is perfect for hiking or mountain biking, winding through the dramatic Dornaubach Gorge, a natural wonder just outside the village of Schlitters.The gorge winds tightly between sheer rock walls, where waterfalls tumble into cool, clear pools-a perfect place for a quiet hike or an unhurried walk in nature.A well-kept trail winds through the gorge, drawing visitors past mossy rocks and into the lush scenery.At the valley’s southern tip, the Tuxer Alps rise high, with alpine meadows, striking peaks, and hiking paths that seem to stretch forever.The Tuxertal Valley shelters the Tux Glacier, with trails that wind through alpine meadows perfect for hiking, mountaineering, or quiet nature walks.In winter, head to the Zillertal Arena, Hintertux Glacier, or Mayrhofen for crisp slopes and top-notch skiing or snowboarding.This area’s perfect for anyone who loves skiing or snowboarding, offering smooth, well-groomed runs that range from gentle beginner hills to steep expert trails.With a Zillertal Superskipass in your pocket, you can carve through several ski areas across the valley, from wide, sunlit slopes to steep, powdery runs.Come summer, the same hills turn into a hiker’s paradise.The valley offers trails for every kind of hiker, from shaded forest paths to rugged mountain climbs and thin-air treks high above the tree line.You can hike up to the Zillertal Glacier or wander the scenic trails around Hintertux and Mayrhofen, where cowbells echo across the hills.The valley’s also a dream for mountain bikers, with marked routes and bike parks ready to explore.And if you’re cycling, you’ll find paths winding through quiet alpine villages, bright green meadows, and mountain passes that open to sweeping views.The region’s famous for its mountain biking trails, from steady climbs to heart-pounding descents, and the Zillertal Cycling Path gives riders of any skill a slow, scenic roll past wildflower meadows.For a totally different view, you can lift off in a paraglider and drift high above the valley floor.Several companies offer tandem flights, letting you soar above the valley with snow-dusted peaks and shimmering blue lakes below.The Ziller River and nearby lakes are also perfect for casting a line or drifting downstream on a raft.In summer, you can tackle the river’s foaming rapids on a white-water raft, an exhilarating challenge through the Zillertal’s wild currents.Afterward, step into the Zillertal Museum in Fügen for a vivid look at the valley’s rich history and culture.The museum showcases displays on traditional Tyrolean customs, the valley’s history, and colorful folk art.In the Zillertal, you’ll hear the region’s distinctive folk music-often played on an accordion that fills the air with a bright, warm hum.
