Why is the Zillertal one of the most beautiful destinations in Tyrol?
The Zillertal, also known as the “Valley of 1,000 Peaks,” is a popular vacation destination in Austria. With its spectacular mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, extensive hiking trails, and world-class ski resorts, it attracts thousands of visitors every year. The entrance to the Zillertal is just a 10-minute drive from Haus Casimir in Reith im Alpbachtal—an ideal base for all the activities this breathtaking valley has to offer.
Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, culture, or simply taking in the natural scenery, the Zillertal has something for everyone.
How do you get from Haus Casimir in the Zillertal?
The Zillertal is perfectly accessible from Haus Casimir in Reith im Alpbachtal.
By car (10 minutes)
- Directions: Take Brixlegger Straße (L211) toward Aschau im Zillertal or Fügen.
- Parking: Free or paid parking is available at most villages and attractions. At popular locations such as ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal or the Earth Pyramids in Rauris, there are often parking lots right at the entrance.
By public transport
- Jenbach Train Station: From Reith im Alpbachtal, you can take the bus to Jenbach (approx. 20 minutes), where you can transfer to the Zillertalbahn (train bound for Mayrhofen, Aschau, or Fügen).
- Bus: Routes 4000 and 4001 connect Reith im Alpbachtal with the main villages in the Zillertal.
By bike
- Bicycle routes: From Haus Casimir, you can cycle to the Zillertal via various bicycle routes (e.g., along the Zillertal Radweg) (approx. 20–30 minutes).
Cycle routes
- Zillertal Cycle Route (R1): A flat route along the Ziller River, suitable for families and recreational cyclists.
- Tuxer Höhenweg: A challenging mountain route to Tux and Vorderlanersbach.
- Mayrhofen – Zemmgrund: A mountainous route with views of glaciers.
Skiing and winter sports: World-class ski resorts
The Zillertal is one of Austria’s top winter sports destinations, with 147 km of slopes in the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau and the Zillertal Arena.
Popular ski resorts
| Ski resort | Villages | Pist (km) | Height | Who is this for? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ski Juwel Alpbachtal | Alpbach, Reith | 97 km | 650–2.050 m | Families, beginners | Reitherkogelbahn, snowshoe hikes, family-friendly |
| Zillertal Arena | Mayrhofen, Fügen | 147 km | 630–2.500 m | Advanced riders, freeriders | Mayrhofen, Fügen, Kaltenbach, and Vanspenbahn Ski Area |
| Hochzillertal | Hochzillertal | 55 km | 1.000–2.300 m | Families, cross-country skiers | Hochzillertal Ski Resort, Hochzillertal Arena |
| Hintertuxer Gletscher | Tux | 20 km | 1.500–3.250 m | Advanced, glacier | Year-round ski resort, glacier ski resort |
| Gerlos | Zell am Ziller | 70 km | 1.250–2.000 m | Families, freeriders | Gerlos Ski Resort, snowshoe hikes |
Winter activities besides skiing
- Snowshoeing: Popular in Hochzillertal and Mayrhofen.
- Tobogganing: At ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal and Mayrhofen.
- Ice climbing: In Mayrhofen and Tux.
Tip: Buy your ski pass in advance (you can often save money by purchasing it online) and check the snow conditions at zillertal.at.
Culture and attractions: Discover the traditions of the Zillertal Valley.
The Zillertal is not only home to stunning natural beauty, but also boasts a rich culture and traditions.
Top attractions
| Point of interest | Location | Description | Hours of Operation (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal | Jenbach | A tourist-friendly cheese farm offering cheese tastings, guided tours, and a restaurant serving local dishes. | Daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Erdpyramiden Rauris | Rauris | Unique rock formations that change with the wind and rain. A child-friendly hiking trail. | May–October, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Schlegeisstausee | Schlegeis | A reservoir with turquoise water, surrounded by mountains. Ideal for hiking and photography. | Open year-round, free admission |
| Spannagelhaus | Mayrhofen | In the heart of the Zillertal Nature Park, accessible via a hike from Mayrhofen. | May–October, daily |
| Schloss Matzen | Bruck am Ziller | Medieval castle with a museum, guided tours, and events. | May–September, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Hochfügen | Fügen | Cable car offering views of the Zillertal and the Zillertal Alps. | May–October (summer), December–April (winter) |
4. Watersports in the sea and lakes: swimming, boating, and relaxing
In addition to mountain sports, you can also enjoy water activities in the Zillertal:
Swimming pools and lakes
| Location | Type | Facilities | Admission fee (2026) | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal | Swimming pool | Indoor and outdoor pool, sauna | €10–€15 | May–October, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Aquarena Fügen | Swimming pool | Wave pool, water slides, sauna | €8–€12 | May–September, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Schlegeisstausee | Mountain lake | Swimming, picnicking | Gratis | May–October |
| Mayrhofner Wasserwelt | Thermal Bath | Hot springs, saunas, outdoor pool | €15–€25 | Year-round, 9:00 AM–10:00 PM |
Family activities: Fun for all ages
The Zillertal is a paradise for families, offering countless activities for children:
Best family attractions
| Attraction | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Juppi Zauberwald | Alpbach | An enchanted forest with gnomes, a cable car, and playgrounds. |
| ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal | Jenbach | Watch cheese being made, taste some cheese, and play in the playground. |
| Alpbach Kinderland | Alpbach | Playgrounds, farm animals, and interactive exhibits. |
| Mayrhofen Indoor | Mayrhofen | Bowling, an indoor climbing gym, and laser tag for when the weather isn’t cooperating. |
| Zillertal Arena Kids Park | Mayrhofen/Fügen | Ski and snowboard lessons for children, a toboggan run, and a snowshoe trail. |
Tips for booking
- Zillertal Card: Many accommodations offer this card for free, allowing you to use cable cars, swimming pools, and attractions at no cost.
- Seasonal rates: Book during the off-season (May, June, September) to get lower rates.
- Ski-in/Ski-out: Choose accommodations near the ski area for maximum convenience.
Practical tips for your visit to the Zillertal
The best time to go
- Summer (May–September): Ideal for hiking, biking, and swimming.
- Winter (December–April): Perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.
- Fall (October): Peaceful and beautiful colors in the mountains.
What are you bringing?
- Summer: Sturdy hiking boots, raincoat, sunscreen, swimwear.
- Winter: Snow boots, thermal clothing, gloves, ski boots (if needed).
- Year-round: Cash (some small shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards).
Local transport
- Ski bus: Free bus services between villages and ski resorts (e.g., Zillertal Arena Ski Bus).
- Bike rental: Available in Jenbach, Aschau, and Mayrhofen.
The Zillertal is waiting for you!
The Zillertal is one of Austria’s most beautiful and diverse vacation destinations, with something for everyone. Whether you’re coming for:
- Hiking along breathtaking trails,
- Skiing in world-class ski resorts,
- Exploring culture in historic villages,
- Family activities for the kids,
- Or simply enjoying nature by one of the lakes,
The Zillertal has it all.
Plan your visit carefully.
- Combine a hike with a visit to the ErlebnisSennerei.
- Go skiing in the Zillertal Arena or the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal.
- Discover the Earth Pyramids in Rauris or the Schlegeis Reservoir.
The Zillertal is just 10 minutes from Haus Casimir – what are you waiting for?