Zillertal — Tyrol's most popular holiday paradise★★★
The Zillertal is Tyrol's most visited valley — and for good reason. Over 32 kilometers in length, it offers four ski areas with a total of 542 kilometers of slopes (Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofen/Hippach, Spieljoch, Hochzillertal-Hochfügen-Kaltenbach), in summer 1,400 km of hiking trails, and the spectacular Zillertal High Road. Added to this are the legendary après-ski parties, the Zillertalbahn (historic steam locomotive), and the Zillertal Alps Nature Park.
Mayrhofen at the end of the valley is the most famous place: young, loud, party-ready — with Austria's steepest slope (the "Harakiri," 78% gradient on the Penken). Those who prefer it quieter will find more relaxing alternatives in Fügen, Zell am Ziller, or Gerlos. In summer, the Hintertux Glacier world at the end of the valley is a highlight: glacier crevasse tours, natural ice palace, and skiing until midsummer.
The Zillertal High Road (toll €16 per car) winds up to 2,020 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views over the entire valley to the Großglockner on clear days.
💡 Tipp
The Zillertal Superskipass covers all four ski areas: 542 kilometers of slopes, 180 lifts. 6-day pass: approx. €330 (adults). The Zillertalbahn (historic steam train, May–October) runs from Jenbach to Mayrhofen — a nostalgic experience, journey approx. 55 minutes, €18 return.
Mayrhofen & Hintertux
Mayrhofen (3,900 inhabitants) is the vibrant heart of the Zillertal. In winter, skiers and snowboarders come for the Penken-Rastkogel-Eggalm ski area (142 kilometers of slopes) — including the notorious "Harakiri" (78% gradient, the steepest slope in Austria). The après-ski is legendary: The "Brücke" directly at the valley station and "Scotland Yard" are institutions.
At the end of the valley lies Hintertux with Austria's only year-round glacier ski area: The Hintertux Glacier offers 60 kilometers of slopes up to 3,250 meters — skiing 365 days a year. The Nature Ice Palace at 3,200 m (a natural ice cave in the glacier with an underground lake) is a unique experience: Guided tours daily, €26 per person, about 1 hour.
Mayrhofen's Europabrücke in summer: The 200 m long suspension bridge spans the Stillup Gorge at a height of 100 m — not for the faint-hearted, but an adrenaline rush. Free access.
