A visual feast, wow moments and sights to marvel at. Excursions and events in the Zillertal. Insider tips from the Gardenhotel Crystal.

Nothing to do? Impossible! In addition to its reputation as the self-proclaimed most active valley in the world, the Zillertal also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Unlike other places where old customs, habits and traditions are nearly forgotten, the ‘Zillachtol’ takes pride in preserving and reviving them in a refreshing way. There is no shortage of things to see and do in the Zillertal and a trip to the nearby Inntal valley is well worth the effort.

Enjoying culture and enjoying life

The Zillertal has a weakness for cheese. You can see how it is made at the Erlebnissennerei Zillertal dairy. Be sure to try the Graukäse, a grey cheese essential for the legendary Zillertal doughnuts. These play a major role in the many festivals in the Zillertal throughout the year. Such as the Gauder festival in May and the Alpine cattle drive known as Almabtrieb. Away from the traditional folk sounds, the

FeuerWerk in Fügenprovides a treat for both the taste buds and the ears. This unusual venue, owned by timber manufacturer Binder, regularly hosts concerts and the SichtBar is a popular spot for social gatherings. For those seeking a medieval atmosphere, grand religious architecture or shopping, nearby towns such as Schwaz, Rattenberg, Hall, Innsbruck and Kufstein offer various options.

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Glittering highlights and noble treasures of the mountains

A trip to the Zillertal is not complete without a visit to the world headquarters of glitter and glamour. The Swarovski Kristallwelten Wattens crystal worlds are an impressive haven of shimmering visions and faceted, glassy dreams. Real treasures are hidden deep in the Tyrolean mountains. The Silberbergwerk Schwaz silver mine is the mother of all mines and an impressive time machine. Somewhat younger, but located in Zell am Ziller: the Goldschaubergwerk gold mine at the Hochzeller Käsealm.

The Zillertal reservoirs are like sparkling jewels. Depending on the season, the Schlegeis Reservoir, for example, is turquoise blue, emerald green or lapis lazuli. Get up close and personal with precious marble in the Spannagel cave on the Hintertux glacier. Nearby, a world of ice and darkness opens up in the Nature Ice Palace. If cruising through the perpetual ice isn’t spectacular enough, you can always try swimming through the icy waters.

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Full throttle and ahoy!

In the snow-free season, motorised transport enthusiasts can test their head for heights on the scenic Zillertaler Höhenstraße road, which has refreshment points and the Hubertus wildlife trail along the way. If you prefer to be driven and are more interested in nostalgia than thrills, take the Zillertal Railway. In the summer, it regularly steams away.

The historic Achensee Railway is also based at the same station in Jenbach. Utilising coal and cogwheels, it chugs its way towards the biggest lake in Tyrol, the Achensee. There, the Achenseeschifffahrtsgesellschaft shipping company takes care of excursions or special events on the lake.

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