Trekking in the Zillertal Alps - The Zillertal Rucksack Route

This guide describes the classic Zillertal Rucksack Route, which traverses the very best of the range located in the Austrian Tyrol spanning the Austrian–Italian border. It links together eight huts along good tracks without having to cross glaciers, providing a continuous tour of around ten days. With opportunities to climb adjacent peaks.

The Zillertal Alps are located entirely in the Austrian province of Tyrol. To the east, the Zillertal merges with the mountains of the Venediger Group and East Tyrol; to the west is the Brenner Pass into Italy and the mountains of the Stubai Alps. Southwards is Italy and the South Tyrol (mountains at the head of the Zillertal Valley which, together with its huts, was annexed to Italy at the end of the First World War). To the north is Inn Valley, which runs the length of the Tyrol; the Zillertal is its longest subsidiary valley at some 30 miles (50km) long and is headed by the picturesque and popular winter ski resort of Mayrhofen.

The road to Mayrhofen divides above the resort at the end of the valley, and follows the subsidiary valleys. Southeast from here is the Ahornspitze mountain, and thereafter the villages of Brandberg and Krimml; the latter is famed for its three-tiered waterfall.

To the south of Mayrhofen, the bulk of Grindberg dominates the scene; also visable are the adjacent peak of Dristner and the road network into Stillupgrund. Onwards to the head of the Zemmgrund Valley and Schlegeis, the charming villages of Ginzling and Breitlahner are passed.

To the west are the mountains of the Tuxer Hauptkamm and the villages of Finkenberg and Hintertux.

Above the tree line the horizon to the south is dominated by the peaks sharing the border with Italy and the South Tyrol, particularly the Grosser Moseler and Hochfeiler, names and features will become familiar during the course of this mountain excursion.

The Zillertal Rucksack Route, or its German equivalent The Zillertaler Rundtour and Berliner Hohen Weg, starts above Mayrhofen from the Karl Von Edel Hut and then visits the Kasseler, Greizer, Berliner, Furtschagl, Olperer and Friesenberg huts to end at the Gams Hut, high above the village of Ginzling.

This gives a continuous walk of about 10 days, which can be extended to include a number of peaks, rock scrambles and rest days.

As the name suggests, the Rucksack Route can be traversed entirely without having the need to cross glaciers or have specialist climbing skills. However, that is not to say you will not have to negotiate steep ground, cross late-summer snow and make use of fixed wire ropes here and there that are installed to aid your stability.

The Zillertal’s highest peak is the Hochfeiler (3510m), with a further 40 peaks over 3000m – many of which are glaciated or have permanent snow cover.

The Zillertal provides opportunities for all mountain enthusiasts. It is ideal for first-time visitors to the Alps, particularly family groups with children, and for aspiring alpinists. However, it should be remembered that the Zillertal is not necessarily a tame area in comparison with the higher mountains of the western Alps; this area can challenge even the most experienced.

You will not be disappointed whatever you ambitions.