Excursion destinations
Zillertal
The unique natural surroundings of the Zillertal Alps
Worth seeing in the Zillertal. Simply with the nostalgic steam train of the Zillertal cable car along the bottom of the Zillertal valley, or the wonders of the alpine wildlife at the bird of prey show on the Ahornbühne, or simply barrier-free at 3,250 meters on the Hintertux Glacier - a diverse range of recommended sights and excursion destinations is offered in the Zillertal, especially for rainy days!
ZILLERTAL MOUNTAIN ROAD
- You get to experience unforgettably beautiful views and moments during a journey on one of the loveliest Alpine roads in Austria up to an altitude of 2.000 m and 35 km
- Gives you an impression of the marvellously beautiful panorma of the Zillertal Alps
- Murmelland at Kaltenbacher Skihütte, where you get to see marmots up close
- leads to still serviced mountain pasture huts
The starting point of the Zillertal mountain road is in Kaltenbach, 500 metres from the Hotel Kaltenbach
EAGLES STAGE IN MAYRHOFEN
Enthusiasm becomes noticeable. Animal fans should not miss the highest bird of prey station in Europe at 2,000 meters altitude. The kings of the skies (eagle, eagle owl and co.) with spectacular aerial acrobatics in front of the fantastic backdrop of the Zillertal Alps hover over the visitors, while the falconers tell interesting facts about the life habits of the animals. The Eagel's Stage is is a 10-minute walk from the Ahornbahn summit station and takes place from mid-June to October, daily afternoons (except Friday). The village of Mayrhofen with the Ahornbahn is about 17 km from Kaltenbach.
NATURE PARK ZILLERTAL ALPS
The high mountain nature park Zillertal Alps extends with an extent of 422 km ² of 1.000 m in the mountaineering village Ginzling to 3.509 m at the Hochfeiler. In 2015, the Zillertal Nature Park was voted the most beautiful natural park in Austria. Highlights in the Zillertal Alps Nature Park include the Zillergrund Reservoir and the Schlegeiss Reservoir south of Mayrhofen.
- On the Schlegeis Alpine Road with 13.3 km long route, waterfalls, natural stone tunnels and many a glacier lookout
- Dam wall guidance - explore the inner workings of the 725 m long and 131 m high Schlegeis dam wall
- Permanent exhibitions Gletscher.Welten in the nature park house in Ginzling
The center of the Zillertal Alps Nature Park is the mountaineering village of Ginzling, which is about 38 km from Kaltenbach.
HINTERTUX GLACIER
Completely barrier-free and effortless, visitors from the valley station Hintertux float up to incredible 3,250m. Whether with a stroller, wheelchair & Co. - an incredible sense of freedom above the clouds with fantastic views! The Hintertux Glacier, a natural jewel of Tyrol, is about 30 km away from "Das Kaltenbach". Further highlights in the only year-round ski area in Tyrol are:
- Spannagelhöhle as the highest show cave in Europe with a cave museum
- Glacier safari with glacier flea Luis as an adventure course with tricky puzzles
- The nature ice palace is a worldwide unique natural jewel
- Culinary diversity with the Tuxer Fernerhaus and the Spannagelhaus
SHOW DAIRY WITH MUSEUM
- Cuisine has always been culturally important in the Zillertal valley.
- Pay a visit to the cheese making museum and sample the various speciality cheeses from the Zillertal valley.
- Pasture milk from our farm, the „Kornerhof“, is used here!
- From hearty and zesty, to traditional and ribald, to fine and mild – every cheese lover's heart will race here, where there is something to suit every palate.
- The show cheese-making dairy is in Fügen, around 6 km from the hotel.
SHOW DISTELLERY STIEGENHAUSHOF
The Schaubrennerei Stiegenhaushof offers you the opportunity to experience the myth of burning up close. After the successful conversion of a former cow barn into a show distillery, both the distillery itself and the resulting noble drops have found a new home. With more than 100 award-winning spirits and liqueurs, the Stiegenhaushof was awarded the prestigious World Class Destillery Award.
BRAUKUNSTHAUS ZILLERTAL
The new BrauKunstHaus by Zillertal Bier - on an exhibition area of more than 5,000 m², visitors can look forward to an exciting multimedia tour and an insight into the oldest private brewery in Tyrol. From the right selection of ingredients to the brewing process and bottling, the BrauKunstHaus offers experiences for the senses on three floors. Of course, the tasting of the beer specialties is the crowning conclusion.
CAPELLA GRANATA IN MOUNTOPOLIS
The Capella Granata in Mayrhofen - Penken, surrounded by the majestic Zillertal mountain landscape, is regarded by some as an architectural masterpiece, while others value it as a place of peace and contemplation. The chapel is a popular destination for excursions and is connected with a scenic circular walk along the reservoir, which offers a unique mountain backdrop.
The Capella Granata was designed by the renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta and completed in autumn 2013. Its shape reflects the characteristic shape of the garnet, a rock often found in the Zillertal and which gives the chapel its name.
MUSEUM ZILLERTAL
The museum in the Widumspfiste Fügen in the Ziller Valley houses a fascinating collection of past times on four floors. Numerous exhibits provide insights into the life of our local ancestors and give visitors a multifaceted picture of the Zillertal traditions. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of the song "Silent Night", which is part of Austria's intangible cultural heritage.
A varied holiday program is guaranteed in the Zillertal. In addition to numerous excursion destinations for rainy days, there are plenty of attractions for families and culture enthusiasts throughout Tyrol.
Where is the Zillertal?
The Zillertal is located in the state of Tyrol, Austria, and is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it offers a wide valley floor with plenty of sunshine, forested mountain slopes, meadows, and numerous side valleys and mountain lakes. The Zillertal's spectacular and diverse alpine landscape rises up to 3,500 meters above sea level, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
What are the Top 5 attractions and excursion destinations in the Zillertal?
The most popular excursion destinations in the Zillertal include:
- Fichtenwelt with the Fichtenschloss in the Zillertal Arena
- Hintertux Glacier at 3,250 meters above sea level, featuring the Nature Ice Palace
- Adlerbühne at the Ahorn in Mayrhofen, known for its impressive bird of prey show
- Olperer Bridge at Schlegeis Reservoir, a popular Instagram hotspot in the Zillertal Alps
- Zillertal High Road (Zillertaler Höhenstraße), a scenic 40 km alpine road
Which museums are located in the Zillertal?
The most popular museums in the Zillertal include:
- Zillertaler Regionalmuseum in Zell am Ziller - A museum showcasing the region’s cultural history and heritage.
- Heimatmuseum in Fügen (Widmupfiste) - Focuses on local history, including the famous song "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night).
- Naturdenkmal Spannagelhöhle at the Hintertuxer Gletscher - A unique marble cave, offering a fascinating natural spectacle.
These museums provide a great alternative program for rainy days and are perfect for exploring the local culture and history in the Zillertal region.
Where can you shop in the Zillertal?
The Zillertal is characterized by its charming village structure, especially in the well-known towns of Mayrhofen and Fügen. While these towns do not offer large shopping centers, they invite visitors to stroll through their picturesque streets and explore local farmers' markets, where regional agricultural products can be discovered. For those seeking larger shopping opportunities, the nearby shopping cities of Schwaz, with its city galleries, and Innsbruck, the Olympic city of Tyrol, are easily accessible. In Innsbruck, shopping options include the DEZ, the largest shopping mall in Tyrol, Cyta in Völs, and Kaufhaus Tyrol, which is located near the historic old town, offering a variety of choices for a comprehensive shopping experience.