Zillertal Alps in Tyrol

In the immediate vicinity, you will find the Kitzbühel Alps, the Tux Alps, the Rieserferner Group, the Venediger Group, the Dolomites, as well as the Stubai Alps and the Sarntal Alps.

The high mountain landscape is characterized by numerous glaciers, but these are now endangered by global warming. Over a period of 150 years, their area had decreased by 60%.

It is all the more significant that the core area on the Austrian side is protected as the Zillertal Alps Nature Park.

The Zillertal Alps High Mountain Nature Park is a place of encounter, where primeval natural areas meet cultivated cultural landscapes – high alpine wilderness shares the territory with alpine pastures and flower meadows.

In the summer, park rangers lead tours through the area – including wildlife observations, herb walks, and even llama trekking tours for children.

Some mountain huts offer accommodation and meals, such as the Berliner Hut (2,042 meters, open from early June to late September), the first Alpine Club hut built in the Zillertal. It is now a protected monument.
The Berliner High Trail leads through the entire nature park in tours of up to eight days. There are also trekking packages available, which include hiking maps, vouchers for hut accommodation with meals, and bus tickets.

Other popular hiking trails include the Via Alpina, the Tyrolean High Trail, the Austrian Central Alpine Trail 02 (which runs through all of Austria from the Hungarian Gate to Feldkirch, 1,270 km), and the Dream Path Munich-Venice (550 km from Marienplatz in Munich to St. Mark's Square in Venice).

Initiatives such as the mountaineering village of Ginzling are trying to give alpine tourism sustainable structures – with an attractive offer for mountaineers (such as the Nasenwand Via Ferrata) and hikers, while at the same time preserving environmental and landscape quality.

In terms of winter sports, the Hintertux Glacier ski area is convincing. If the weather permits – and at an altitude of up to 3,250 meters, you can count on it – even all year round. 16 lifts open the door to 60 kilometers of slopes.

Mountain hikes also start from here, and even a simple cable car ride is worth considering due to the panoramic views. In the "Nature Ice Palace," visitors can dive 25 meters deep into a glacier crevasse (mountain station of the Glacier Bus 3, open all year round) and discover crystal-clear stalactites, frozen waterfalls, and a glacier lake.

The highest peak is the Hochfeiler (3,509 meters) on the border between North Tyrol and South Tyrol. Its ice wall is considered one of the most adventurous routes of classical alpinism.
The normal route for the ascent starts in the Pfitsch Valley and leads through forests and meadows to the Hochfeiler Hut (2,710 meters, closed in winter). It continues over the southwest ridge (partly secured with wire ropes) and along a firn ridge to the summit. The ascent takes about 3.5 hours.

Even the second highest mountain in the region, the Großer Möseler (3,478 meters), is a great hiking opportunity. The normal route starts at the Furtschaglhaus (2,295 meters) above the Schlegeis Reservoir and leads over the Furtschaglkees and the west ridge to the summit. Watch out for crevasses and at least secure yourself with a half rope. Even better, have an experienced mountain guide accompany you. After about 4 hours, the summit is reached and offers breathtaking views all the way to the Zugspitze and the Großglockner.