Hiking Tips in the Zillertal

The Neumarkter Runde in the Zillertaler Hauptkamm Nature Park, above the Schlegeis Reservoir and the mountaineering village of Ginzling, is one of the most beautiful mountain hikes in the Zillertal. The highlights of this tour are numerous and impressive. First, you’ll be captivated by the scenically stunning high moor at Unterschrammach, with its imposing rock cliffs and glaciers. This is followed by a breathtakingly beautiful high-alpine hiking trail that offers magnificent panoramic views and the majestic wayside shrine of the Holy Madonna. The next highlight is the Olperer Bridge—the Instagram hotspot of the Alps—which hovers over the Schlegeis Reservoir and is located near the Olperer Hut.

Particularly fascinating is the contrast between the tranquility and solitude of the Neumarkter Runde and the many hikers who seek out the trail to the Olperer Bridge as the perfect vacation souvenir.

For athletic mountain hikers, the hike from the Zillergründl storage facility via the Plauener Hut and along what is arguably the most beautiful high-altitude trail in the Zillertal Alps—the Hannemann Trail—is an unforgettable experience in nature. The vastness of the landscape and the solitude on the high-alpine trails make this hike something truly special.

The highlight of the tour is the Heilig-Geist-Jöchl, a magical place that rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of South Tyrol and across the Ziller Valley all the way to the source of the Ziller River. A true delight for the senses.

A true hidden gem in the Zillertal—and an absolute highlight, especially for active families with children when the weather is nice—is the Valentinskapelle in Zillergrund. Fitness-minded hikers can start the ascent directly from the Gasthof Bärenbad, while less experienced hikers can take the Zillertaler Verkehrsbetriebe bus to the Zillergründl dam and from there begin the steep, winding ascent through the avalanche barrier. The ascent covers 450 meters in elevation, and the view of the turquoise reservoir, framed by the imposing mountain backdrop, is simply unparalleled.

Soon, the beautiful St. Valentine’s Chapel, built of stone, comes into view on a mountain plateau—a true place of power in the Zillertal. The return route follows the same path. Important: This hike should be avoided in bad weather or after rain, as the trail across the mountain meadows can become slippery and dangerous. After the hike, a stop at the Adlerblick restaurant by the Zillergründl dam is highly recommended.

As a long-time mountain guide in the Zillertal, the hike from the hamlet of Finkau through the Wildgerlos Valley to the Zittauer Hut is one of the most beautiful mountain hikes for me. Even the ascent along the spectacular Wildgerlosbach stream is impressive. Soon, one of the Zillertal’s most beautiful rock massifs comes into view—the Wildgerlos Group, featuring the Gabler and the Reichenspitze.

Once you arrive at the Zittauer Hut, you can admire the picturesque reflections on the Lower Gerlossee, and the view of the Upper Gerlossee is a true feast for the eyes, nestled in a breathtaking mountain backdrop. A special highlight is the ascent to the Rosskopf (2,845 m), which is well within the capabilities of experienced and well-trained mountain hikers. The panoramic view over the Hohe Tauern is unique and well worth the effort of the climb. The descent follows the same route, and the total walking time is about 7 hours from the Finkau parking lot.

Insider tip: The hike in the Wildgerlostal is one of the most beautiful bike-and-hike tours in the Zillertal!