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Excursion in 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!
Zillertaler Höhenstrasse - Alpine Road in Austria
Experience one of Austria’s most beautiful alpine roads at over 2,000 meters in elevation and stretching 35 km in length. The Zillertal High Alpine Road offers breathtaking panoramic views of the impressive Zillertal mountain landscape:
- Murmelland at the Kaltenbach Ski Hut – A fantastic playground, petting zoo, and the chance to see marmots up close
- Scenic hiking on the Hubertus Wildlife Trail – Perfect for families
- Legendary mountain huts – Including the famous Kristallhütte and Wedelhütte
- Zillertal High Alpine Road hiking bus – Direct service from Kaltenbach to the Hochzillertal - Hochfügen hiking region
The best part? The ascent to the Zillertal High Alpine Road starts right in Kaltenbach, just a stone’s throw from our family hotel—perfect for those looking to combine nature, indulgence, and adventure in the Zillertal!
Eagle's Stage Ahorn
Face to Face with the Kings of the Skies – An Unforgettable Experience for Nature Lovers and Families! Europe’s highest birds of prey station, located at 2,000 meters above sea level, is an absolute must-see. Even the journey to the AdlerBühne Ahorn is a highlight in itself: Austria’s largest cable car, the Ahornbahn, takes you on a spectacular ride to the top. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Zillertal Alps, eagles, eagle owls, and other majestic birds showcase their impressive flight maneuvers. The AdlerBühne Ahorn is just a 15-minute walk from the Ahornbahn mountain station. Bird of prey demonstrations take place from mid-June to October, daily (except Fridays) at 2:00 PM.
TIP! Watch the falconers at work and experience these magnificent birds up close! The AdlerBühne Backstage tour, held every Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM (registration required), offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look – a true highlight for nature enthusiasts!
Instagram Hotspot - Olperer bridge
The Suspension Bridge at the Olpererhütte | The spectacular suspension bridge at the Olpererhütte attracts photographers and Instagrammers from all over the world. The hype around this famous Alpine photo spot remains unbroken – capturing the perfect shot is simply a must during a trip to the Zillertal. But this location offers far more than just breathtaking views. A true highlight for any summer and active holiday in the Zillertal is the Schlegeis Reservoir – a natural gem that makes even the journey an unforgettable experience:
- A spectacular ascent along the 13.3 km Schlegeis Alpine Road, passing through four impressive natural stone tunnels into the high alpine landscape.
- An engineering marvel – The 131-meter-high and 725-meter-long dam wall dominates the scenery, with the emerald-green reservoir holding 126.5 million m³ of water, surrounded by the highest three-thousand-meter peaks of the Zillertal Alps.
- A perfect starting point for hikes – One of the most popular routes is the family-friendly hike to the Pfitscherjochhaus, which crosses the border into Italy.
The Best Family Excursions in the Zillertal
The Zillertal offers families with children and teenagers not only a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and cycling but also a variety of exciting excursion destinations that guarantee plenty of action and unforgettable nature experiences!
For teenagers, a family vacation needs to be thrilling – and here you’ll find the coolest spots and adventure-filled activities in the heart of the stunning Tyrolean mountains. Whether it's an active holiday or exploring the best family-friendly hotspots in nature, the Zillertal has everything you could wish for.
And what if rain tries to spoil your vacation? No worries! With our top tips for rainy-day excursions, even gray skies turn into an adventure. Boredom is simply not an option on a family holiday in the Zillertal!
Glacier adventure in Hintertux
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
Cheese Museum in Fügen
Traditional Cheese Delights at the Zillertal Heumilch Dairy | The Zillertal Heumilch Dairy with its Cheese Museum in Fügen takes visitors on a journey into the rich tradition of cheese-making. Here, you can experience how delicious cheese was crafted over 100 years ago using the simplest methods.
A special highlight: Tasting a variety of Zillertal cheese specialties, which are also featured at our vital breakfast buffet. Made from pure hay milk from the family farm, these cheeses offer an authentic taste of home – from robust to mild, there’s something for everyone. If you find a favorite, you can take it home straight from the farm shop.
Experience World with Show Dairy and Farm
For an interactive alternative, visit the ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal in Mayrhofen. Here, visitors can watch the cheese-making process up close and enjoy hands-on animal encounters at the petting zoo – a special highlight for families!
Show destellery 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 Beer Experience World is the perfect excursion destination in the Zillertal, especially on rainy days! The BrauKunstHaus offers a sensory journey into Tyrolean beer culture – spanning over 5,000 m², visitors can enjoy an exciting multimedia-guided tour and gain insight into Tyrol’s oldest private brewery.
From selecting the finest ingredients to the brewing process and bottling, the BrauKunstHaus offers a hands-on experience across three floors. And, of course, the highlight of the visit is the tasting of specialty beers, providing the perfect finishing touch to this unique experience.
Zillertal steam train
Pure Emotion – The Zillertal Steam Train | A sensory experience like no other – step back in time and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a bygone era! Feel the charm of the “wooden class”, hear the crackling fire that brings the powerful steam locomotives to life, and take in the distinct scent of coal. Witness how crystal-clear mountain water fuels the engines and listen to the rhythmic hissing of the cylinders.
TIP! A ride on the Zillertalbahn is the perfect family excursion, especially for young children. It pairs wonderfully with a visit to some of the most beautiful playgrounds in the Zillertal, making for an unforgettable family advent
Nature Park House Ginzling
After an extensive renovation, the Nature Park House Ginzling shines in new splendor. One of its most impressive features is the spacious 500 m² exhibition area, spread over two floors, showcasing the fascinating "Hidden Treasures" of the region. But that's not all! Look forward to an inviting nature garden, a play and bouldering area, a large terrace, and much more.
Small but special: The new “Rast” offers refreshing drinks and snacks, inviting visitors to take a relaxing break – perfect for unwinding on the sunny terrace. The nature garden, complete with a bouldering area and play and adventure zones, provides plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy.
Located in the picturesque mountaineering village of Ginzling, the Nature Park House Ginzling is a central meeting point for hiking and nature enthusiasts and the heart of one of Austria’s most beautiful nature parks – the High Alpine Nature Park Zillertal Alps.
Granatkapelle - Chapel at Penkenjoch
Architectural Highlight in Tyrol | The Capella Granata was designed by the renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta and completed in the fall of 2013. Its distinctive shape is inspired by the garnet – a rock commonly found in the Zillertal, which also gives the chapel its name.
Nestled in the impressive Zillertal mountain landscape, the Granatkapelle on Penken is appreciated both as an architectural masterpiece and a place of peace and reflection. It is a popular destination that can be easily combined with a scenic loop hike around the reservoir, offering breathtaking mountain views.
TIP! The Winter Hiking Trail Penken starts at the Penkenbahn mountain station and leads along the Bergwaldweg to the Finkenberger Almbahn middle station. From there, take the cable car up to Penkenjoch with the Granatkapelle. The return trip is via the Penken Kombi cable car back to Mayrhofen. With the Penkenjoch Round Trip Ticket, you can use four cable cars in one day – an unforgettable experience amidst the winter mountain landscape!
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.
What are the excursion options in the Zillertal?
The Zillertal offers numerous destinations for families, nature lovers, and adventurers, both in the valley and in the mountains. Thanks to well-developed roads, the Zillertal Railway, the bus network, and modern cable cars, visitors can easily explore the region in both summer and winter. Popular active holiday excursions in the Zillertal include:
- Zillertal High Road – One of the most beautiful alpine roads offering breathtaking views and nature experiences
- Schlegeis-Zemmgrund – With the Schlegeis Alpine Road and Schlegeis Reservoir in the Zillertal Main Ridge Nature Park
- Hintertux Glacier – A must-see for glacier experiences and the fascinating Nature Ice Palace
Where are the most popular excursion destinations in the Zillertal?
There's so much to discover in the Zillertal, but some of the most popular destinations include:
- Olperer Bridge with the Olperer Hut and Schlegeis Reservoir, which can be visited from the end of May to the end of October
- Fichtenwelt with the Fichtenschloss and Fichtensee in the Zillertal Arena – a real hotspot for family holidays in the summer
- Ahornbahn with the Adlerbühne – from the spectacular ride on Austria’s largest cable car, the Ahornbahn, to the mountain scenery around Ahornsee
What to do on a rainy day in the Zillertal?
Another rainy day on vacation? No need to worry! The Zillertal offers plenty of indoor activities ideal for bad weather. For culture enthusiasts, we recommend:
- The new BrauKunstHaus from Zillertal Beer with the Beer Experience World
- A true experience: The ride on the Zillertal Railway’s steam train
- Zillertal Erlebnis-Sennerei and Schaukäserei Fügen
Where are the most beautiful excursion destinations in the Zillertal?
Some of the most impressive destinations in the spectacular Zillertal mountain world are the alpine roads with untouched side valleys:
- Zillergrund as a scenic side valley with the source of the Ziller and the huge Zillergründl Reservoir
- Schlegeis Alpine Road with the Schlegeis Reservoir and the Olperer Bridge or as a family secret tip, the hike to Pfitscherjoch Haus in Italy
- Stilluptal with the deep green Stillup Reservoir – a perfect destination for cyclists and ideal for family-friendly leisurely hikes
Where are the most popular photo spots in the Zillertal?
The Zillertal offers countless destinations for beautiful vacation photos. Some of the most popular photo spots include:
- Olperer Bridge at the Olperer Hut, high above the Schlegeis Reservoir in the Zemmgrund
- The reservoir in Stilluptal with spectacular waterfalls, especially in spring with snow-covered mountains in the background
- The mountain panorama high above the Zillertal on the Zillertal High Road – countless photo points for unforgettable vacation memories in Tyrol
What are the best summer excursion tips in the Zillertal?
Excursion destinations in the Zillertal away from the mainstream and the crowds are becoming increasingly popular. Here are some local tips from a Zillertal insider:
- Zillergrund with the Zillergrund Reservoir and the hike to Valentinskapelle – a dreamy photo spot, especially for kids and teenagers on a hike
- Schlegeis High Alpine Road and Schlegeis Reservoir – the round tour of the Neumarkter Runde is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Zillertal and leads up to the famous Olperer Bridge
- Durlassboden Reservoir in Gerlos offers swimming pleasure and is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Combined with the hamlet of Finkau and the Wildgerlostal, it is a natural gem in the Hohe Tauern National Park
What are the most popular family vacation excursion destinations in the Zillertal?
The wide variety of family excursion destinations in the Zillertal makes choosing the best activities for kids and teens especially difficult:
- Fichtenwelt with the Fichtenschloss and Fichtensee in the Zillertal Arena
- AdlerBühne and Bird of Prey Shows at Ahorn with Ahornsee
- Erlebnisberg Spieljoch with Monsterrolls and Mountaincarts for action
What museums are there in the Zillertal?
The most popular museums in the Zillertal include:
- Zillertal Regional Museum in Zell am Ziller
- Heimatmuseum in the Widumspfiste in Fügen – with the history of the song "Silent Night"
- Spannagelhöhle Nature Monument at Hintertux Glacier – a unique marble cave
The Zillertal also offers a wide variety of alternative activities, especially for rainy days.
Where are the most beautiful churches and chapels in the Zillertal?
The Zillertal is home to unique churches and chapels, offering beautiful sights. For culture enthusiasts, the following chapels in the Zillertal are an absolute highlight:
- The Granatkapelle at Penkenjoch – an architectural masterpiece in the mountains
- The solitary Valentinskapelle in Zillergrund – combined with a mountain hike
- The Pilgrimage Church of St. Pankraz – an ideal destination for cycling or a bike tour with children along the valley floor of the Zillertal
Where can you spend a shopping day in the Zillertal?
In the Zillertal, the picturesque towns of Mayrhofen and Fügen offer a relaxed shopping day. These towns charm with their village structure and, although they don’t have large shopping centers, they offer inviting streets and local markets to explore. Visitors can find regional products from local farms and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.
For a more extensive shopping day, you can take a day trip to Schwaz or Innsbruck. Both cities offer not only a wide range of shopping opportunities but also numerous sights that make the day a special experience.
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Healthy breakfast
Enjoying a leisurely breakfast together is one of the loveliest things while you are on holiday. The regional breakfast buffet in the hotel 'Das Kaltenbach' provides a really delicious start to your day.
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