Zillertal Alps in South Tyrol

Accordingly, the offer is huge nowadays. The Via Alpina, the 5,000 kilometer long long-distance hiking trail from Monaco to Trieste, also crosses the Zillertal Alps on its cross-border route.
The Pfunderer High Trail runs from Sterzing over the still rarely frequented Pfunderer Mountains to the area of Bruneck. Approximately four to six days are needed for its 70 kilometers. Although no glaciers are crossed, high alpine terrain prevails, and one should be physically accustomed to this altitude.

Considerably shorter is the Lausitzer High Trail (14 km). It connects the Birnlücke (a border pass at the western end of the High Tauern) with the Hundskehljoch and runs below the peaks of the Zillertal main ridge at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters. There are opportunities to stop at the Kehrer Alm or the Birnlückenhütte.

The Hochfeiler, the highest peak of the Zillertal Alps (3,509 meters), is located on the border between Tyrol and South Tyrol. Abundantly glaciated, the Hochfeiler ice wall is one of the most famous routes of classical alpinism. Around the Hochfeiler shines the Schlegeiskees, the largest glacier in the region. The easy ascent normal route leads from the Pfitschertal to the Hochfeilerhütte (2,710 meters, closed in winter), then in a northwesterly direction along the southwest ridge (secured with wire ropes, scree and rock terrain), and finally along a firn ridge to the summit. Allow about 3.5 hours for the ascent.

Another representative among the highest peaks is the Hochfernerspitze (3,463 meters) on Italian territory. Classic alpine ice routes lead through its glaciated north face. Even the normal route to the summit (the easiest route) requires experience and good equipment. The starting point for the approximately three-hour ascent high tour, which leads through rock and ice, is also at the Hochfeilerhütte. In a northeasterly direction, you go to the Weißkarnerferner, which you eventually cross and then climb the summit along the east ridge.

The Wilde Kreuzspitze (3,135 meters), on the other hand, is a double peak and is considered the main elevation of the Pfunderer Mountains. The alpine village of Fane Alm, one of the most beautiful alpine villages in South Tyrol, with alpine taverns, residential huts, and a small church, offers a heartwarming introduction to the summit hiking tour. The hard life that prevailed here in the past has now given way to a relaxed, archaic nostalgic atmosphere, where everything runs calmly and leisurely. In winter, the village becomes a base for nature-loving ski tourers. From the Fane Alm, take trail No. 18 to the Labesebenhütte and the Wilden See, then continue to the Rumbaljoch and up the southeast flank to the summit (approx. 4 to 5 hours). At the summit, you are captivated by the awe-inspiring view of the Dolomites and the Garda Lake mountains, the Brenta group, the Ortler group, the Wilden See, and the Eisack Valley.

On the Italian side, a small part of the Zillertal Alps is located in the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park. It has the highest glacier proportion among the nature parks in South Tyrol. In the middle lies the Antholzer See, a beautiful natural jewel that can be circumnavigated on an educational trail.