Mountainbikers enjoy a scenic view atop a hill, surrounded by majestic mountains in Zillertal.
Skiing - Zillertal, Tyrol

Holidays in the Zillertal

Alpine natural beauty & living tradition

In the Zillertal, you’ll spend your holiday in one of Tyrol’s most diverse Alpine valleys: multiple ski resorts, a glacier open all year round, short distances within the valley and a strong Alpine identity characterise the region. Set amidst gentle valley villages and alpine landscapes, you’ll enjoy a holiday full of variety. It’s no coincidence that the Zillertal calls itself the “most active valley in the world” – the range of summer and winter experiences is unrivalled.

Nestled between the Zillertal Alps and the Tux Alps, the valley stretches from the Inn Valley up to the Hintertux Glacier. Towns such as Fügen, Kaltenbach, Zell am Ziller and Mayrhofen combine Tyrolean tradition with modern infrastructure. The clear layout of the valley, short distances and a dense network of mountain railways make the Zillertal one of the most versatile year-round destinations in the Alps.

Our resorts in this region

Useful information

How do I get to the Zillertal?
  • By car: From the north, you can reach the Zillertal via the A12 Inntal motorway. From the Salzburg region, the route takes you over the Gerlos Pass; alternatively, you can also reach the valley via Lake Achensee.
  • By public transport: Via Jenbach, you can take the Zillertalbahn railway or the Regiobussen buses to the various villages in the valley. For easy planning, we recommend the free VVT-Tickets app.

The Zillertal is one of Austria’s most popular holiday regions. On busy travel days, there may therefore be increased traffic. It is worth allowing a little extra time.

Which mountains are particularly well-known in the Zillertal?
  • Hintertux Glacier (3,250 m): accessible all year round
  • Olperer (3,476 m): famous for the suspension bridge near the Olperer Hut
  • Hochfeiler (3,510 m): the highest peak in the Zillertal Alps
  • Ahornspitze (2,973 m): popular with experienced mountaineers
  • Spieljoch (1,998 m): family-friendly adventure mountain above Fügen

Top excursions in the Zillertal

From glaciers to sunny mountain trails and peaceful retreats: these are the places where the Zillertal shows itself at its best.

Visitors explore the stunning blue ice formations inside the Natur Eis Palast ice cave.
Tyrol

Nature Ice Palace

Discover the interior of the Hintertux Glacier on a guided tour. Ice palaces, frozen lakes and crevasses offer a rare glimpse into a world of ice. Available all year round, whatever the weather.

A person sits on a suspension bridge overlooking the stunning Olperer Huette and turquoise lake below. | © TVB Zillertal
Tyrol

Olperer & Suspension Bridge

While you’re at the Schlegeisspeicher, it’s well worth making the trip up to the Olperer. The famous suspension bridge, with its view of the reservoir, is one of the most photographed sights in the Zillertal.

The turquoise Schlegeis reservoir is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery in the Zillertal Alps. | © TVB Zillertal
Tyrol

Schlegeis Reservoir

The Schlegeis Reservoir is certainly one of the top destinations for a day out. The reservoir is situated in the High Mountain Nature Park Zillertal Alps and is renowned for its scenic trails, waterfalls and the surrounding mountain scenery.

Explorers in yellow jackets examine the stunning rock formations inside the Hintertux cave.
Tyrol

Spannagel Cave

Also situated right next to the Hintertux Glacier: the largest show cave in the Central Alps. On a guided tour, you’ll explore the impressive underground landscape of rock, water and formations dating back thousands of years.

A cyclist rides along the scenic Zillertaler Höhenstraße with majestic mountains in the background. | © Joe Wörgetter
Tyrol

Zillertal High Road

From this scenic Alpine road, you have a superb view of the entire Zillertal valley. Along the route, alpine pastures and viewpoints invite you to take a leisurely break and enjoy some local delicacies.

Useful information

What are some interesting places for children to visit?
  • Spieljoch in Fügen: An adventure mountain featuring a water play area, short panoramic trails, a barefoot path, and play and rest areas around the mountain station.
  • Fichtensee on the Rosenalm near Zell am Ziller: Mountain lake with a bathing jetty and close proximity to the Fichtenschloss, a large adventure park featuring play, climbing and water features.
  • Aufenfeld Adventure Park in Aschau im Zillertal: Spacious complex with a swimming lake and waterfall, adventure playgrounds and leisure activities such as go-karting, trampolining and a gold panning camp.
What can I do in the region if the weather is bad?
  • Spa "Erlebnistherme Zillertal" in Fügen: Swimming and sauna area with slides, children’s areas and wellness facilities – ideal for families and those looking to relax.
  • Zillertal Show Dairy in Mayrhofen: Insights into traditional cheese-making with tasting opportunities and a farm shop – well-suited for short, weather-independent excursions.
  • Bowling, billiards and escape room in Fügen: Indoor leisure activities at BAWA for families, couples or groups of friends – ideal for an active break on rainy days.

Your winter holiday in the Zillertal

Active & varied

The Zillertal is one of the largest winter sports regions in the Alps. Several extensive ski areas, as well as the Hintertux Glacier, offer a wide variety of skiing experiences – from family-friendly to challenging for the more experienced. Numerous cosy mountain huts provide the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat. Active holidaymakers will also find plenty to keep them busy away from the slopes: around 110 km of cross-country trails, some 460 km of winter hiking trails, 15 toboggan runs and 10 ice rinks ensure your winter holiday in the Zillertal is varied and full of adventure.

Two skiers admire the snowy Hochzillertal mountains under a bright sun.

Skiing in the Zillertal

The ski resorts in the Zillertal offer more than 540 km of slopes and 180 modern lifts. You can look forward to clearly laid-out areas for families and beginners, as well as extensive slopes with challenging runs for experienced skiers.

Skiers carve through fresh powder on pristine slopes at Hochzillertal, surrounded by majestic mountains.

Hochzillertal – Hochfügen

Ideal for active skiers, with wide runs, guaranteed snow and varied slopes for experienced skiers.

The wide ski slopes of the Spieljoch stretch across the snow-covered Alps beneath a brilliantly blue sky.

Spieljoch

A well-organised and peaceful resort above Fügen, with plenty of gentle slopes for families and beginners.

Friends enjoy a meal and drinks with stunning mountain views after a day of skiing in Zell.

Zillertal Arena

Stretching from Zell am Ziller to Gerlos, with a variety of runs to suit all ability levels.

A skier in a yellow jacket enjoys Skifahren am Penken, surrounded by stunning snowy mountains and a bright sky.

Mayrhofner Bergbahnen

The challenging slopes on the Penken and the sunny, leisurely runs on the Ahorn offer plenty of variety.

A panoramic view of the snowy slopes at Hintertuxer Gletscher, perfect for skifahren enthusiasts.

Ski- & Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000

Situated at high altitude with excellent snow conditions – ideal for skiing in the early and late seasons.

Special winter experiences in the Zillertal

Useful information

Is there guaranteed snow in the Zillertal?

The Zillertal is one of the regions in the Alps where snow is guaranteed. Several ski resorts, as well as the Hintertux Glacier, which is open all year round, mean that skiing is possible from autumn right through to spring. Modern snow-making systems also ensure consistent conditions.

Is a skiing holiday in the Zillertal suitable for families?

The Zillertal offers many family-friendly ski resorts with clearly laid-out slopes, practice areas and ski schools. The Spieljoch in particular, as well as parts of the Zillertal Arena, are considered ideal for beginners and families.

A scenic view of Zillergrund with mountains, a wooden hut, and a shimmering lake under a bright sun.

Your summer holiday in the Zillertal

Between peaks & valleys

From the valley floor to the high mountains, you’ll find extensive hiking areas, scenic mountain walks and plenty of family-friendly adventure trails. Over 1,400 km of hiking trails and varied cycling routes offer the perfect setting for active summer days in the great outdoors. Mountain lakes, outdoor swimming pools and peaceful spots along the River Ziller provide a refreshing escape.

Hiking in the Zillertal

The perfect tour for every preference: from leisurely walks and family-friendly themed trails to challenging summit hikes. Mountain railways make it easier to get started and open up a wide range of leisure activities.

A hiker out walking in the Zillertal, with the Ahornspitze visible in the background.

Summit & mountain tours

The Olperer, Hochfeiler and Ahornspitze, as well as high-altitude trails in the nature park for experienced mountain walkers.

A family enjoys the scenic views along the Erlebnisweg Zillertal, with one child pointing at a distant mountain peak.

Family & Adventure Trails

Putzi searches for the "Magic Nut", Fichtenschloss, themed trails and activity areas around the mountain railways.

A couple enjoys a joyful Herbstwanderung am Penken im Zillertal, surrounded by majestic mountains and clear skies.

Easy walking routes

Easy trails along the Ziller, to alpine pastures and through peaceful side valleys throughout the Zillertal.

A family enjoys a day hiking near the stunning Schleierwasserfall in Hart im Zillertal, surrounded by lush greenery.

Nature & Water

Schlegeis Reservoir, Schleier Waterfall and mountain lakes like Lake Fichtensee for varied nature experiences.

Special summer experiences in the Zillertal

Useful information

What lakes and swimming spots are there in the region?

In the Zillertal, there are plenty of ways to cool off: swimming lakes and outdoor pools in Stumm, Fügen and Schlitters offer hassle-free swimming fun on warm days. These are complemented by the swimming lake at the Aufenfeld Adventure Park and selected mountain lakes such as the Fichtensee.

Which mountain railways are open in summer?

Many mountain railways in the Zillertal are also open in summer, making it easier to access hiking and cycling areas. These include the Spieljochbahn in Fügen, the Zillertal Arena mountain railways around Zell am Ziller, and the Mayrhofner Bergbahnen serving Ahorn and Penken.

A picturesque view of Golf Uderns features lush greens, a serene pond, and majestic mountains in the background.

A golf holiday with a view

In the Zillertal, the Zillertal-Uderns Golf Club offers a first-class 18-hole course. The course features varied fairways, a spacious practice area and views of the surrounding peaks. There are further golf courses in the immediate vicinity, such as at Lake Achensee or in the Innsbruck area.

A girl joyfully interacts with a sheep while hiking in the scenic Zillertal mountains.

Guest card for the region

As a guest at the Zillertal Suites Fügen, you will receive the Fügen-Kaltenbach guest card. You’ll enjoy a range of benefits during your stay, including discounts on mountain railways such as the Spieljochbahn, free use of the hiking bus, and special offers at attractions such as the Aufenfeld Leisure Park, the golf course in Uderns, and guided hikes.

Local delicacies

The Zillertal also has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine. Hearty dishes include Zillertal Krapfen (stuffed dumplings filled with potatoes, grey cheese and chives), as well as savoury Groiggn (fried pork belly). Melchermuas, on the other hand, is a popular dessert made from flour, butter and milk.

Frying Zillertaler Krapfen in a pan, revealing golden pastry and bubbling oil, with cooked ones nearby. | © Tirol Werbung

Events in the Zillertal

From traditional festivals to modern event formats: the Zillertal offers special events all year round. Customs, music, culture and extraordinary productions turn the region into a vibrant stage in the mountains.

A festive man in a blue outfit and crown joyfully celebrates on a decorated cart at Gauder Fest in Zell am Ziller.

Gauder Fest

A traditional festival in Zell am Ziller featuring music, traditional costume, a parade and regional cuisine.

A festive Alpine cattle drive parade features a girl leading decorated cows along a scenic road in the Zillertal Alps.

Cattle drive in the Zillertal

Decorated in festive colours, the cows return from the mountain pastures to the valley in autumn, accompanied by traditional customs and music.

Fireworks illuminate a snowy landscape as a colorful paraglider soars in Hochfügen, Zillertal during winter festivities.

Fire meets Snow

Aerobatic helicopter displays, fire shows, a snow groomer show and fireworks in Hochfügen.

Three men happily pose with banknotes for the “Stummer Schrei” theatre festival.

Stummer Schrei

Theatre festival in Stumm, featuring performances at various venues and a unique atmosphere.

A lively crowd celebrates at Snowbombing, surrounded by stunning snowy mountains and colorful banners in the sky.

Snowbombing

International music festival in Mayrhofen featuring concerts, parties and unique venues in the mountains.