The Zillertal offers a wide variety of leisure activities. The number of accommodations and offers in the various locations is just as extensive. But how do I find the right starting point for me? Here we give you an overview of the most important places in the Zillertal and show you their highlights.
Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen is the unofficial capital of the Zillertal and a perfect starting point that leaves nothing to be desired. The main street is well worth seeing and invites you to take a leisurely stroll. There are numerous bars and restaurants, several supermarkets, souvenir shops, liquor and wine boutiques, butchers, sports shops, drugstores, a gas station and much more.
Bekannt ist Mayrhofen für sein südliches gelegenes Skigebiet am Ahorn. Im Westen hingegen bietet der Penken die Steilpiste “Harakiri” mit unglaublichen 78 (!) Prozent Gefälle. Damit ist sie auch die steilste Skipiste Österreichs! Mit insgesamt 133 Pistenkilometer gehört die Region zu den größten zusammenhängenden Skigebieten Österreichs.
Penken Cable Car
Von der Hauptstraße in Mayrhofen (Ahornstraße 853, 6290 Mayrhofen) führt sie weg. Die Berg- und Talfahrt kostet 22,50€.
Die Gondeln sind riesig und schon die Fahrt hinauf ist ein echtes Erlebnis. Übrigens kann man am Penken nicht nur wandern (sogar mit Kinderwagen), sondern Paragleiten, Klettern, Bergsteigen, Mountainbiken und im Winter sogar hinunter Rodeln. Die Aussicht ins Zillertal ist jedenfalls überwältigend.
Zell in the Zillertal
With a total of 215 kilometers of slopes, 67 lifts and 88 hectares of snow-covered slopes, the Zillertal Arena is the largest ski area in the Zillertal. Everything a ski tourist needs is available here: bars, après-ski opportunities and various accommodations in all price ranges.
In summer the area is ideal for hiking, cycling or mountaineering. Paragliding is also possible here. If that is not enough, you can indulge in various sporting activities in the 45,000 m² Zillertal leisure park. There is an outdoor adventure pool with two giant slides, several tennis courts, a bowling alley, a beach volleyball court and even a mini golf course.
Finkenberg, Tux and Hintertux
Towards the end of the Zillertal it gets a bit quieter, even if one of the highlights is here, namely the Hintertux Glacier with the Nature Ice Palace.
The Hintertux Glacier is the only year-round ski area in Austria. Accordingly, various ski schools and ski and snowboard rentals have set up shop here. The slopes are suitable for every ability level.
Another highlight is the natural ice palace (on the glacier). Here you can go down into a crevasse and even take a boat on a glacial lake. If you want, you can even dive into the cold water. To do this, however, you need to register in advance.
We definitely recommend a visit!
You can find a detailed report on the Hintertux Glacier and Nature Ice Palace HERE. (to come)
In winter, the three illuminated natural toboggan runs are very popular in Tux. You can also go ice stock sport here. Ice climbing tours or snowshoe hikes also offer variety.
Winter canyoning tours are also offered in the Spannagel Cave for the more adventurous.
Im Sommer sorgen Wanderwege und auch Mountainbike Strecken von Tux für allerlei Abwechslung. Auch sollte man unbedingt eine Fahrt mit den Zillertaler Sommerbergbahnen einplanen. Die 11 Bergbahnen bringen die Touristen vom Tal auf nahezu jeden Gipfel.
Fügen
Fügen is the first holiday region in the lower Zillertal and is equally popular with summer and winter guests. The Spieljochbahn valley station provides direct access to the ski area. The area is particularly suitable for family vacations, as there is a practice meadow for children directly below the valley station.
Incidentally, a free ski bus takes you comfortably to the après-ski bars in the Hochfügen-Hochzillertal ski area.
But in Fügen you can not only ski wonderfully, but also experience winter hikes, tobogganing, ice skating or cross-country skiing.
In summer you can take the Spieljochbahn up the mountain, where you can walk to the Kellerjoch or visit a climbing garden with children.
Gerlos
Mit 139 Pistenkilometern und 51 Liftanlagen ist Gerlos der Traum für jeden Skifahrer, da man hier hundertprozentige Schneesicherheit garantiert.
There is a fun park for snowboarders, a 7km long toboggan run that is illuminated until 1am, the “Arena Coaster” alpine rollercoaster and various cross-country ski trails and winter hiking trails.
The place has numerous restaurants and accommodations of all categories and price ranges.
In summer you can find peace and seclusion here. Gerlos is a perfect starting point for all hikers and cyclists.
Incidentally, you don’t have to go far to the Krimml Waterfalls in Salzburg, the highest waterfalls in Austria.
Schlitters
This family-friendly holiday village is a place to slow down. There is a natural swimming lake here, which offers refreshment, especially on hot summer days. Cyclists also like to come here. The Spieljoch adventure mountain with numerous hiking opportunities can be found just a few kilometers from the village.
