The most important places in the Zillertal: Highlights in Tyrol's famous valley
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 worth a visit and invites you to take a leisurely stroll. There are numerous bars and restaurants, several supermarkets, souvenir shops, liquor stores and wine boutiques, butchers, sports shops, drugstores, a gas station and much more.
Mayrhofen is known for its southern ski area on the Ahorn. To the west, however, the Penken offers the steep slope “Harakiri” with an incredible 78 (!) percent gradient. This makes it the steepest ski slope in Austria! With a total of 133 kilometers of slopes, the region is one of the largest connected ski areas in Austria.
Penken cable car
It leads from the main street in Mayrhofen (Ahornstraße 853, 6290 Mayrhofen). The round trip costs 22.50€.
The gondolas are huge and the ride up is a real experience in itself. Incidentally, you can not only hike on the Penken (even with a stroller), but also paraglide, climb, mountaineer, mountain bike and even sled down in winter. The view of the Zillertal is overwhelming.
Zell im 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. Here you will find everything a ski tourist needs: bars, après-ski options and a variety of accommodations in all price ranges.
In summer, the area is ideal for hiking, cycling or mountain climbing. Paragliding is also possible here. If that's not enough for you, 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 valley it becomes a little quieter, even though one of the highlights is located here, namely the Hintertux Glacier with the Natural Ice Palace.
The Hintertux Glacier is the only year-round ski area in Austria. Accordingly, various ski schools and ski and snowboard rental shops 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 ride on a glacial lake. If you want, you can even dive into the cold water. However, you must register in advance.
We definitely recommend a visit!
A detailed report on the Hintertux Glacier and Natural Ice Palace can be found HERE.
In winter, the three illuminated natural toboggan runs in Tux are very popular. You can also go curling here. Ice climbing tours or snowshoe hikes also offer variety.
The Spannagel Cave also offers winter canyoning tours for those who are more adventurous.
In summer, hiking trails and mountain bike routes in Tux provide all kinds of variety. You should also definitely plan a ride on the Zillertal summer cable cars. The 11 cable cars take tourists from the valley to almost every peak.
Fügen
Fügen is the first holiday region in the front Zillertal and is equally popular with summer and winter guests. Here you will find the valley station of the Spieljochbahn direct access to the ski area. The area is particularly suitable for family holidays, as there is a practice area for children directly below the valley station.
By the way, 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 enjoy wonderful skiing, but also go winter hiking, tobogganing, ice skating or cross-country skiing.
In summer you can take the Spieljochbahn up the mountain and can hike to the Kellerjoch or visit a climbing garden with children.
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Gerlos
With 139 kilometers of slopes and 51 lifts, Gerlos is every skier's dream, as 100 percent snow reliability is guaranteed here.
There is a fun park for snowboarders, a 7km long toboggan run that is illuminated until 1am, the Alpine roller coaster “Arena Coaster” as well as various cross-country ski trails and winter hiking trails.
The town has numerous restaurants and accommodations of all categories and price ranges.
In summer you will find peace and seclusion here. Gerlos is a perfect starting point for all hikers and cyclists.
By the way, it is not far to the Krimml Waterfalls in Salzburg, the highest waterfalls in Austria.
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Schlitters
This family-friendly holiday village is a place to slow down. There is a natural bathing lake here, which offers refreshment especially on hot summer days. Cycling enthusiasts also like to come here. Just a few kilometers from the village you will find the Spieljoch adventure mountain with numerous hiking opportunities.
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