The landscapes of the Ziller Valley (Zillertal) are simply stunning, especially because it’s encircled by numerous mountain peaks, including several that rise to 3,000 meters and above. The highest peak near the Ziller Valley is called Hochfeiler, standing at an impressive 3,509 meters above sea level.
This is what the Views You’ll Encounter on a Trip through the Valley look like
In this article, we’ve gathered all the most recommended activities in the valley, whether you’re visiting in winter or summer. You’ll get a comprehensive overview of all the top things to do in this incredible area. You can navigate through the article sections by clicking on the table of contents:
- Ziller Valley (Zillertal) – History and General Information
- Recommended Accommodation in the Valley
- Weather in Ziller Valley
- The Zillertal High Road
- What to do in the Valley in Summer
- Hiking Trails
- Rafting
- Rope Parks
- Via Ferrata
- Ascending by Cable Car – 10 Cable Cars Operating in Summer
- Nature and Water Trails in Canyons
- Swimming
- Summer Skiing
- Carriage Tours and Horseback Riding
- What to do in the Valley in Winter – 4 Ski Resorts
- The Dairy Farm (ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal)
- Mountain Huts and Recommended Restaurants
- The Zillertal Activcard Discount Card
Ziller Valley (Zillertal) – History and General Information
The Zillertal has been settled since ancient times, with archaeological finds dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. It was first mentioned in written records in 889, when lands in the valley were granted to the Archbishop of Salzburg.
For centuries, the valley was divided by the Ziller River: the eastern side belonged to the Archbishopric of Salzburg, while the western side was part of Tyrol, centered in Innsbruck. This historic division is still reflected in church roof colors—green on the Salzburg side and red on the Tyrolean side. In 1504, the Tyrolean areas came fully under Habsburg rule, gradually unifying control.
Following Austria’s defeat by Napoleon, the 1805 Treaty of Pressburg transferred Tyrol to Bavaria. Bavarian rule lasted until the Congress of Vienna (1814–1815), when the region returned to Austria.
For generations, locals relied on agriculture and mineral mining. A turning point came in 1902 with the railway from Jenbach to Mayrhofen, which opened the valley to tourism. The development of the Zillertal Arena in 1953 and additional cable cars firmly established tourism as the main economic driver. Today, the valley offers seven ski areas with around 530 kilometers of slopes.
Agriculture remains part of daily life, and the valley is also known for its rich musical tradition, especially the wandering singer families who helped spread Austrian folk music across Europe.
Listen to the Famous Song about the Valley
Accommodation in Zillertal Valley
The valley is home to only about 33,500 residents across 25 picturesque towns and villages, yet it’s bustling with many tourists all year round.
If you’re looking for accommodation in the valley area, you can search for a wonderful place among the hotels and guesthouses in the region. We’ve compiled the most recommended places to stay in the Ziller Valley for you:
- Zell am Ziller – Accommodation in Zell am Ziller
- Ramsau – Hotels in Ramsau
- Ried im Zillertal – Hotels in Ried
Weather in Ziller Valley
Most activities in the Ziller Valley are outdoors, so it’s important to be prepared and check the weather before you arrive. You can see the current temperatures here.
Generally, in the winter months, there are fewer rainy/snowy days than in summer. Winter temperatures in the heart of the valley range from -1°C to -5°C. Of course, temperatures are lower on the snowy peaks. During the summer, temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 18°C to 24°C. It rains more in summer, and it’s even possible that half the month will be rainy.
It’s always a good idea to bring an umbrella and dress in layers – thinner, shorter clothing underneath, with longer clothing on top (rain and windproof recommended).
The Zillertal High Road
With magnificent landscapes, valleys, and mountains, any drive on a road can become a popular tourist attraction (this is exactly what happened with the Grossglockner Alpine Road). One of the ways to see the beauty of the Ziller Valley is by taking a scenic drive along the Zillertal High Road. The road reaches an altitude of 2,020 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the entire valley.
The road was built during the valley’s tourism development in the early 1960s, but it was primarily intended for local farmers to transport hay or to better manage the flow of the Ziller River, which often overflowed its banks.
The winding road is about 50 kilometers long, and the views from it are truly exceptional. It’s no wonder, then, that a few years after its construction, the road became a popular tourist attraction. The road is only open for a few months a year, and to enjoy it, you need to pay a toll at the entrance.
This is what a Scenic Drive on the Zillertal High Road looks like
- Operating Times: Mid-May to end of October
- Costs:
- Motorcycles – €7
- Private cars (up to 6 passengers) – €10
- Minibus – €20
- Buses – €25
- Please note: You can only pay cash.
- Road Entry: You can enter the road from the following villages: Aschau i. Z, Ried i. Z. Kaltenbach, Hippach, Zellberg.
Official website
What to do in the Valley in Summer?
While the valley is mainly known for its ski resorts, it also has a lot to offer hikers in the summer. You can enjoy many hiking trails, take cable cars up to the peaks for stunning views of the valley below, cycle, climb mountains, or simply relax and enjoy local food at one of the small huts scattered among the mountains. Popular attractions include:
1. Hiking Trails
The Ziller Valley boasts 1400 kilometers of diverse hiking trails. The trails are well-maintained and marked, suitable for everyone from children to adults. You can walk within the valley or ascend to high altitudes among the mountain peaks. Detailed information on all hiking trails in the area can be found on the valley’s official website in English.
For experienced hikers, there are also multi-day trails like the Berlin Trail, Peter Habeler Trail, and more information is available in English on the valley’s official website.
2. Rafting
If you’re looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, you can go on an exciting rafting adventure on the river. There are about 14 rafting activities throughout the valley. More information about rafting options.
This is what Rafting on the Ziller River looks like
3. Rope Parks
If you love heights and always enjoy climbing trees, you should spend a few hours at one of the Ziller Valley’s rope parks. You can traverse high rope courses, overcome obstacles, and test your fitness! There are several parks in Mayerhofen, Gerlos, and Kaltenbach. More information.
4. Via Ferrata
These are fixed rope climbing routes. These routes are suitable for hikers who want to experience the Alpine terrain of the valley. The routes are regulated, marked, and include metal cables fixed to rocks, ladders, and anchors. The wide variety of these routes suits all types of hikers, not just experienced climbers. There are easy routes for children and truly challenging routes that require excellent physical fitness and skill. Those who manage to reach the summits are rewarded with the most spectacular views – a fitting prize for the effort! More information on the various routes can be found on the valley’s official website in English. Read more about the routes here.
5. Ascending by Cable Cars – 10 Cable Cars Operating in Summer
During the summer, 10 cable cars operate along the valley, providing a convenient and easy way to enjoy the surrounding scenery and embark on high-altitude hikes. Eight out of the ten cable cars can also transport bicycles.
Here are the cable cars:
1. Spieljochbahn
- Operates in the summer season from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Last ascent at 3:30 PM. The cable car leads to an area with various hiking trails suitable even for baby strollers and can also transport bicycles.
- A round-trip cable car ride costs from €13.50 for adults and €6.5 for children. More information on the cable car’s website in English.
- Address: Hochfügener Strasse 77, 6263 Fügen
2. Rosenalmbahn
- This cable car is divided into two sections. Off-season, it operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During peak season (July-August), it operates from 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM. The cable car leads to an area with various hiking trails suitable even for baby strollers and can also transport bicycles.
- A round-trip cable car ride (for the first section) costs €15.40 for adults and €7.70 for children. A round-trip ascent to the highest peak costs €23 for adults and 10.80 for children. More information on the website in English.
- Address: Zell am Ziller
3. Gerlossteinbahn
- Operates in the summer season from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (with a 45-minute lunch break from 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM). Last ascent at 4:30 PM. The cable car can also transport bicycles.
- A round-trip cable car ride (for the first section) costs €16.90 for adults and €8.50 for children. More information on the website in English.
- Address: Dörfl 396, 6278 Hainzenberg
4. Isskogelbahn
- Operates in the summer season from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The cable car leads to an area with various hiking trails suitable even for baby strollers and can also transport bicycles.
- A round-trip cable car ride costs from €16.90 for adults and €8.50 for children. More information on the cable car’s website in English.
- Address: Gerlos 306, 6281 Gerlos
5. Dorfbahn Königsleiten
- Operates in the summer season from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Bicycles can also be transported.
- A round-trip cable car ride costs from €16.90 for adults and €8.50 for children.. More information on the cable car’s website in English.
- Address: Wald im Pinzgau 5742
6. Kombibahn Penken
- Operates in the summer season from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The cable car leads to an area with various hiking trails suitable even for baby strollers and can also transport bicycles.
- A round-trip cable car ride costs from €20.90 for adults and €10.50 for children. More information on the cable car’s website in English.
- Address: Hauptstraße 472, 6290 Mayrhofen
7. Ahornbahn
- Operates in the summer season from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The cable car leads to an area with various hiking trails suitable even for baby strollers.
- A round-trip cable car ride costs from €20.90 for adults and €10.50 for children. More information on the cable car’s website in English.
- Address: Ahornstraße 853, 6290 Mayrhofen
8. Finkenberger Almbahnen
- This cable car is divided into two sections. It operates in the summer season from 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM. Last ascent at 3:30 PM. The cable car leads to an area with various hiking trails suitable even for baby strollers and can also transport bicycles.
- A round-trip cable car ride (for the first section) costs €25 for adults and €20 for children. A round-trip ascent to the highest peak costs €34 for adults and €27 for children. More information on the website in English.
- Address: Persal 200, 6292 Finkenberg
9. Eggalmbahnen
- Operates in the summer season from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The cable car leads to an area with various hiking trails suitable even for baby strollers.
- A round-trip cable car ride costs from €25 for adults and €16 for children. More information on the cable car’s website in English.
- Address: Lanersbach 395, 6293 Tux
10. Hintertuxer Gletscher
- Open all year round from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM. The cable car leads to an area with various hiking trails suitable even for baby strollers.
- A round-trip cable car ride costs from €21 for adults and €13.50 for children. There are multiple options available. More information on the cable car’s website in English.
- Address: Hintertux 794, 6294 Hintertux
6. Nature and Water Trails in Canyons
If you want to get wet and walk among streams and huge rock formations, you can embark on a variety of canyoning routes throughout the valley. More information on the various routes.
This is what Canyoning in Ziller Valley looks like
7. Swimming
Throughout the valley, there are outdoor swimming pools and also lakes suitable for bathing. On cold and rainy days, you can go to indoor pools and spas. There are about 12 bathing facilities throughout the valley. More information on this on the valley’s official website.
8. Summer Skiing
If you’ve always wanted to go on a ski vacation, you can do it even in summer! Yes, you can ski in the Ziller Valley area 365 days a year. The Hintertux Glacier is the only place in all of Austria where you can ski all year round. The ski resort, located at an altitude of 3,200 meters, has 60 kilometers of slopes for all levels, from absolute beginners to professionals. The trails are, of course, suitable for skiers and snowboarders. More information in the extended article we prepared on the Hintertux Glacier area.
9. Carriage Tours and Horseback Riding
If you started your trip from Vienna but didn’t get a chance to take a ride in an old horse-drawn carriage, you can do so in the valley. In fact, there are many carriage tours available throughout all seasons. If you are skilled at horseback riding, or just want to try a fun ride, you can do so at several horse farms throughout the valley. More information on the valley’s official website in English.
What to do in the Valley in Winter?
The Ziller Valley is the largest valley in the world when it comes to winter sports. The area is divided into 4 main ski regions:
- Hochzillertal – Hochfügen – Spieljoch
- Zillertal Arena – This is the valley’s largest ski area. At this resort, you can ski directly from Tyrol to Salzburg. The ski resort has about 143 kilometers of diverse ski slopes.
- Mayrhofner Bergbahnen
- Ski- & Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000
This is what the Skiing Experience in Zillertal Arena looks like
These ski areas offer a wealth of slopes – 530 kilometers to be exact. Of course, there are many cable cars throughout all parts of the valley operating daily during the winter period, making it easy and convenient to get from the bottom of the valley at an altitude of 530 meters up to the high peaks at 3,350 meters.
The diverse ski slopes are suitable for all levels: there are easy slopes for beginners, challenging trails for professionals, and even trick slopes for snowboarders.
If you’re just starting, you can take some lessons at one of the ski schools and receive precise guidance from professionals on proper and safe skiing.
This is what Winter in Ziller Valley looks like
The Dairy Farm (ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal)
Whether in summer or winter, the Ziller Valley Dairy Farm offers an experiential display for the whole family about milk and its products. At the farm, children can learn how cheese and yogurt are made, play with the animals, and truly feel like farmers on a farm. As part of the admission to the farm, you can taste various yogurt and cheese products produced on-site.
This is what the World of Milk at the Farm looks like
- Operating Times: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Cost:
- Adult – €17.90. Child (7-14) – €8.90. Children under 6 years old enter free.
- Includes an audio guide in English for a tour of the small dairy factory, 8 tastings of homemade yogurt, a visit to the farm itself, and a 1 Euro voucher for purchasing products at the farm. The addition in this package is 7 tastings of homemade cheeses with homemade bread and butter.
Official Website
Address: Hollenzen 116, 6290 Mayrhofen
Map:
Mountain Huts and Recommended Restaurants
After enjoying all the different activities the park has to offer, you can sit back, relax, and refresh yourself at one of the 150 restaurants and mountain huts throughout the valley. You’ll get to taste a variety of homemade dishes.
Here are some of the recommended restaurants throughout the valley (there are many more!):
Some of the restaurants are located at the bottom of the valley, while others are nestled among the mountain peaks.
Zillertal Activcard Discount Card
If you’re planning an extended vacation in the Ziller Valley or want to combine several attractions in the valley, a discount card might save you money. The card is valid for 3, 6, 9, or 12 consecutive days from the moment of purchase.
Whenever the card is valid, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- One ride per day on any of the 10 cable cars in the valley.
- Free entry to all 6 outdoor swimming pools throughout the valley (one entry allowed per day).
- Free travel on public transport (except for the steam train).
- At least 10% discount on a variety of attractions in the valley.
Please Note:
- The card is personal and non-transferable. You must present identification when using the card.
- If the card is lost, there will be no refund or compensation.
- Toll road fees in the valley area are not included in the card.
Card Cost:
- 3 days: Adults – €95.50, Children – €48
- 6 days: Adults – €137.50, Children – €68.50
- 9 days: Adults – €186, Children – €93
- 12 days: Adults – €233, Children – €117
- Children: The child price applies to children born between 2011 and 2019. Younger children can enjoy all card benefits for free.
Where to buy the card?
- At any cable car station
- Train stations in Jenbach, Mayrhofen, Zell
- Information offices in Fügen, Kaltenbach, Zell am Ziller, Finkenberg, Tux-Lanersbach
- The main information office in Schlitters
- Partner hotels
Official Website
Additional Essential Information
One of the most popular areas in the valley is the town of Mayrhofen. You can read extensive information about this small town and its recommended activities in the detailed article we prepared.
If you haven’t found accommodation yet, you can search for recommended places to stay in the valley via Booking.com here:
