Zillertal Arena

The Austrian Zillertal prides itself on being the “most active valley in the world”. Walkers will be in their element here, with more than 1,000 km of walking trails, ranging from easy down in the valley to challenging higher up in the mountains. There are 31 cycle tracks, some of which run alongside the river and are not that hard. Higher up, you will find 23 mountain bike routes which require greater stamina. You can go paragliding, climbing in the rugged world above the Zillertal and rafting on the river that gives that valley its name: the Ziller. In short, the Zillertal offers opportunities galore for an active holiday.

Active

Hiking tours with overnight stay at a mountain hut
The breathtakingly beautiful Zillertal has been a popular holiday destination with tourists for decades. The area offers vast opportunities to spend the day walking in the mountains, with walks ranging from easy to very hard. There is also the option to go on a hiking tour and stay overnight at one of the many huts. The Sterngucker provides hiking tours, organised for you on request. Contact us to find out more about this..

Walking
This is a walkers’ paradise with over 1,000 km of walking trails, with walks ranging from easy down in the valley to challenging higher up in the mountains. During your walks soak up the summer sun and enjoy the stunning views and beautiful countryside.

Every year, mountain hikers and climbers from across the world descend on this beautiful valley to be surrounded by three-thousand-metre-high giants and enjoy the imposing Alps with their steep rock formations, glaciers and permanent snow.

Mountain biking and cycling
There are 31 cycle tracks, some of which run alongside the river and are not that hard. Higher up, you will find 23 mountain bike routes which require greater stamina. All cycle tracks will take you all over the wonderful mountain world of the Zillertal.

Leisure park in Zell am Ziller
Don’t miss out on a visit to the leisure park in Zell am Ziller. This park is 45,000 m2 of pure fun for young and old. Facilities include: beach volleyball court, outdoor swimming pool, fun court, football field, skittle alley, playground, skating rink (winter only), mini-golf and an outdoor and indoor tennis court. www.freizeitparkzell.at

Tennis & Squash
Those who enjoy a game of tennis or squash can hire a tennis or squash court at the tennis centre in Gerlos. The centre is situated right next to the “Fürstalmbahn” valley station. It has 3 tennis courts and 2 squash courts.

Arena Coaster
You can also go tobogganing in the Zillertal. Get ready for some high-speed fun down the Arena Coaster tobogganing run! Excitement, action and speed are guaranteed on this 1,450 m Alpine roller coaster. The fun already begins at the valley station of the Zillertaler Arena in Zell and there are an abundance of curves, tight twisty bends and jumps. Add to this two loops of respectively 360° and 540°and your adrenaline levels are bound to shoot through the roof. www.zillertalarena.at

Golf
Enjoy the beautiful countryside and stunning mountain scenery as you play a round of golf on the 18-hole golf course in Mittersill. www.golfclub-mittersill.at

Paragliding
Take to the skies and go paragliding with the Pinzgauer flying school on the training airfield in Neukirchen and Bramberg. You can take lessons or go on a tandem paragliding flight with one of the experienced instructors. www.flugschule-pinzgau.at

Places of interest

Zillertaler Höhenstraße
One of Austria’s most beautiful Alpine roads runs through the Zillertal, the “Zillertaler Höhenstraße”. This road climbs up to an altitude of 2,020 m and offers fabulous views of the Zillertal. The Zillertaler Höhenstraße is 37 km long and runs from Ried/Kaltenbach to the tollbooth at Hippach. The Zillertaler Höhenstraße can be used by car drivers, motorbike riders and cyclists.

In addition to exploring the stunning Tyrolean mountain countryside, you could also take a trip into Innsbruck, Mittersill, Mayrhofen, Kitzbühel and Kufstein. All these places, with their sunny terraces and cosy mountain huts, are simply brimming with culture and history.

Hintertuxer Glacier
At the end of the Austrian Zillertal in Tyrol lies the Hintertux Glacier where you can find permanent snow. Even during the summer months, you can still ski and snowboard to your hearts’ content at an altitude of 2,660 m to 3,250 m. During the summer season, there are ten chair and tow lifts in operation along 18 km of piste. Grab yourself some winter fun in the permanent snow in the summer! www.hintertuxergletscher.at

Swarovski Museum
The Swarovski museum is situated in Wattens. The museum was opened in 1995 to celebrate the centenary of the family business. On display in the entrance hall, in all its sparkling splendour, is the biggest cut crystal in the world. This ‘rock’ has 100 facets, weighs 62 kg and is 300,000 carats. Each separate area in the entrance hall displays the work of a famous artist. www.swarovski.com/kristallwelten

Alpenzoo
The highest zoo in Europe can be found in Innsbruck. Situated at an altitude of 727 m above sea level, it is home to over 2,000 animals, representing more than 150 animal species. This themed zoo offers an interesting look at the Alpine animal world. www.alpenzoo.at

Nationaal Park Centre
The National Park Centre provides information about the key natural history moments of the Hohe Tauern National Park. At the centre, you can go from one wildlife area to the next, as you would during an actual walk through the Hohe Tauern National Park. From the formation of the Alps, flying with eagles, to exploring glaciers; all fascinating experiences just waiting to be discovered by you. www.nationalparkzentrum.at

Mineralienmuseum

Marvel at the mineral finds of Kurt Nowak at his mineral museum which displays his unique collection of mineral finds from the Hohe Tauern National Park, as well as minerals from neighbouring valleys and areas. The museum is open from June to September, Monday to Friday 13:00 – 17:00.

Ice caves
The Eisriesenwelt is a large mountain cave system near Werfen. The opening to these ice caves can be seen from far away. The cave system is 20 m wide, 18 m high and about 42 km long in total, about 1 km of which is covered in ice. www.eisriesenwelt.at

Events

Gauder Fest
Austria is a country rich in traditions and wonderful festivals. Take for instance the Gauder Fest. This spring festival takes place during the first week of May to celebrate the fact that the cows are swapping their stables for the beautiful meadows. As part of this festival, a whole host of festivities are organised, including parades in Austrian traditional dress and various other attractions, with the entire region taking part.

Almabtrieb
Every year, during the last weekend of September, you can enjoy the Almabrieb in Gerlos – Zillertal. The Almabtrieb is a harvest festival celebrating the safe return of cattle and shepherds after a long summer. Cows are adorned with festive decorations and shepherds are treated to schnaps everywhere along the way. Definitely a fun tourist attraction not to be missed! The Almabtrieb is always a huge celebration with lots of music and dance performances.