Zillertal in summer: Where high spirits are guaranteed!

Outdoor sports, natural wonders, and charming festivals: Your vacation in the delightful Zillertal region

If you're planning an Alpine vacation in grand fashion, Zillertal is certain to excite you. Extending for some 30 kilometers, it is the longest side valley in Tyrol. Majestic mountain landscapes provide the perfect setting for all kinds of outdoor sports, right on the doorstep of our Zillertal Suites Fügen.

In summer, Zillertal promises a vacation filled with hospitality and camaraderie. You'll feel the warm welcome the minute you arrive. Experience vibrant traditions, savor hearty local specialties, and revel in the captivating musical festivals.

From Cycling to Rafting – Zillertal in Summer is a Sporting Paradise!

Explore this uniquely picturesque region and indulge in various sports activities. One highlight is the Zillertal Cycle Path, winding its way 31 kilometers through the entire valley and running parallel to the Ziller River. On this family-friendly, flat cycle path, you'll encounter numerous attractions, including the Schlitters Swimming Lake, Zell Amusement Park, and the Bochra See Fishing Pond. Learn about the unique features of this region at the Mariengarten Schlitters Herb Garden and the Strasserhäusl Museum. Bicycle transportation offered on trains running on the Zillertalbahn line makes it easy for cyclists of all ages to enjoy the route.

With 1300 km of bike routes in total, Zillertal caters to cyclists, mountain bikers, and E-bike enthusiasts alike. Seven cable cars take you and your bike to lofty heights, in some cases even free of charge. The Isskogel is a top choice for mountain bikers, boasting four downhill single tracks ranging from 0.3 to 6.5 km in length with a full spectrum of difficulty levels. Take in the luxuriant panoramas alongside the Zillertaler Höhenweg, a challenging adventure covering around 53 km with 1880 meters in elevation changes.

Prefer exploring on foot? Zillertal offers 1400 km of hiking trails, inviting you to wander as far as your heart desires. Each mountain has its own highlights in store for your hiking vacation, captivating even the youngest explorers. Admire birds of prey of all kinds at Europe's highest bird-of-prey station, Adlerbühne Ahorn, located at an elevation of 2,000 m. Spieljoch Adventure Mountain near Fügen offers a host of fun activities, including a high-ropes course, trampoline, water playground, and more.

Eager to chill out? Or perhaps in the mood for a lakeside retreat? Find the refreshment you crave on hot summer days at six outdoor pools and four lake resorts nestled amid the natural beauty of Zillertal. And whether horseback riding, golf, fishing, or tennis – you will find the kind of sporting activity you are looking for along with the much-need relaxation you need!

If you are aching for an adrenaline rush, put your rafting skills to the test as you navigate rapids and gorges. Conquer the vertical axis on via ferratas, canyoning tours, high-ropes courses, paragliding, and more. One thing is certain: There will be no shortage of action awaiting you during your summer vacation in Zillertal!

Tip: After an eventful day, relax in the wellness and pool area of our Zillertal Suites Fügen.

Zillertal in Summer: Extraordinary Sights and Unforgettable Nature Experiences

Experience more than you imagined possible! One gem is the Fichtensee, a lake located on the Rosenalm, treating you to panoramic views at an elevation of 1700 meters. Here, you can swim and explore the lake via stand-up paddleboard or by kicking back and relaxing aboard a so-called "Zapfenschuppenboat" (a kind of floating wooden lounge chair). Reach higher heights in complete comfort with the help of the Rosenalmbahn cable car from the valley station in Zell am Ziller.

Tip: From Fichtensee, adults can climb even higher still. Hike to the top of the Karspitze at 2257 meters (intermediate) or the Kreuzjoch (2558 m, challenging). Families with children can walk 15 minutes to the Fichten Castle Adventure Playground, featuring an 18-meter-high lookout tower, climbing features, and slides, with plenty of space for the kids to run and play to their hearts’ content.

A snowball fight in summer? Hintertuxer Glacier makes it possible. At 3200 meters above sea level, you'll find ice and snow 365 days a year. Step out onto the airy panorama terrace and discover Europe's highest playground. From the tubing hill to the snow-tire merry-go-round, young and old alike will be able to experience countless unforgettable adventures up here.

Explore a glacier world as you tread along narrow pathways between icy masses led by an expert guide. And if that’s not enough for you, how about an invigorating dip in the icy glacial water!

Additional Highlights:

If you a soft spot for nostalgia, we most definitely recommend exploring this picturesque valley on board the Zillertal Steam Train.
Waterfalls are a must in Zillertal! The largest is the Harter Schleierwasserfall, best accessed via the Bird Theme Path. The Tuxer Waterfalls are picturesque, including “Screw Falls” accompanied by a cave. Tip: Combine several waterfalls into a single beautiful hike along the Tuxer Waterfall Trail.
One true highlight is the Zillertal Alps High Mountain Nature Park. Discover botanical diversity, gorge forests, glaciers, caves, and protected species.
To learn more about the natural landscapes of this region, visit these three museums: Glacier.Worlds at the Zillertal Alps Nature Park House, Ibex.Worlds at the Zillergrund, and the Cultural.Landscape.Worlds in Mitterstall Brandberg.
Take full advantage of our guest card discounts available at many attractions and mountain lifts.

For more tips, visit our blog post on Sightseeing Attractions in Zillertal

Clapping, Singing, Dancing, Sports: Zillertal Events and Festivals in Summer

Music is a big deal in Zillertal. No wonder, since lively tunes like the Zillertal Wedding March as well as the world-famous Christmas carol "Silent Night, Holy Night" have emanated from this very spot. In Zillertal, celebrations are joyful and filled with music. So, clap, sing, and dance along!

Highlights of the numerous local music festivals and village fairs include:

Schürzenjäger Open Air in Finkenberg
Ursprung Buam Fest in Mayrhofen
Blechlawine Brass Music Festival in Mayrhofen
“Fascination of Wind Music” concerts in Fügen
JUZIopen Air in Strass (hosted by “Die Jungen Zillertaler”)
Alpine Rock Concerts, Pop Festivals, Classical Music, and much more.

If you genuinely want to get to know this land and the people who live here, you simply have to visit the various village festivals - including Almauf- and -abtrieb fairs, Grasausläuten and local farmers’ markets – where you will be able to observe a colorful array of authentic folk customs firsthand. Not only can you sample mouthwatering culinary specialties from the surrounding region, you will also discover examples of unique artisanal crafts like the Zillertal Doggln (handmade shoes made of felt and loden).

The warm season is ushered in by the Gauder Fest in Zell am Ziller. On the first weekend in May, Austria’s largest festival of traditional folk costumes takes place here. Marvel at the artful clothing, featuring unique elements such as Ranzen embroidery.

In addition, the Zillertal in summer hosts numerous sporting events. Crowd-pullers include the Zillertal Ibex March & Run, Mayrhofer Ultraks, and the Schlegeis 3000 Skyrace.

Learn more about current and upcoming events in Zillertal here.

Delectably Delicious – Culinary Highlights in Zillertal

Regional, natural, hearty. These words best describe Zillertal cuisine. Local specialties include:

Zillertal Krapfen (dough with potatoes and a cheese-curd filling)
Zillertal Holzknechtkrapfen (pancake dough with cheese-potato filling)
Groiggn (pan-fried meat cubes)
Moosbeernocken (bilberry dumplings)
Melchermuas (a traditional dessert)
Zichner (Zillertal pine schnapps)

About 150 mountain huts and other eateries in Zillertal ensure much-needed physical sustenance. Dining opportunities range from traditional taverns to award-winning fine-dining restaurants.

The best way to appreciate these culinary delights is at their place of origin. A visit to the numerous show businesses, such as a cheese factory, is most definitely worth its while. For self-caterers who prefer lighter dishes in the summer, here are our tips: Enhance the butter on your sandwich with a few lingonberries, wild herbs, and alpine flowers.

The combination of Schlutzkrapfen with tomatoes and arugula imparts an almost Mediterranean flair. Dishes such as these can be easily prepared in your vacation apartment at Zillertal Suites Fügen.

FAQ

How warm does Zillertal get during the summer?

The average daily high temperature in July is 25 degrees Celsius (77°F), while in August it's 26 degrees (79°F). These are ideal conditions, in other words, for engaging in outdoor activities or taking a plunge into the mountain lakes and rivers! The pleasant temperatures also make the region an appealing destination for a summer holiday with your dog.

Which lakes are especially good for swimming?

In the Zillertal, besides six adventure pools and smaller lakes, four major swimming resorts with excellent infrastructure invite you to come take a dip. At an altitude of 1700 meters, the unique Fichtensee on the Rosenalm awaits you, complete with a large playground and leisurely “Zapfenschuppen” wooden boats. The Durlassboden Reservoir in Germoos is filled with spring-fresh water whilst also providing paddle boats and windsurfing schools. The swimming lake and waterfall in Aufenfeld Amusement Park also has various activities you can enjoy on shore, including go-kart rentals and a roller-skating park. Idyllic Ahornsee is perfect for relaxing amid unspoiled nature..

Which hiking trails are suitable for beginners?

Thanks to 10 different summer mountain lifts, even inexperienced hikers can explore the Zillertal mountain world effortlessly. Recommended for beginners are trails such as the Waterfall Path in Stilluptal and the hiking trail through Schönachtal. The Hubertus Wildlife Trail and the Tuxbach Adventure Trail (a valley path) offer perfect conditions during a vacation with children, not least because there are also numerous play attractions along the route.

Lisa Gruber

^{Content Marketing at ALPS RESORTS}

Gen-Z with a penchant for writing and being outdoors. Lisa enjoys discovering hikes and ski resorts for us and offers tips for the perfect vacation.
Would you like to learn more about ALPS RESORTS? Feel free to use our contact form or submit a non-binding inquiry.

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