Experience the wild beauty of Austria’s Zillertal Alps, where dramatic snowcapped peaks, sweeping ridges, and lush alpine valleys form the backdrop to some of Europe’s finest hut-to-hut trekking. Highlights include the crossing of high passes, panoramic views from the Berliner Höhenweg, and the chance to summit the mighty Hochfeiler, the region’s highest peak at 3510m. Charming Mayrhofen, welcoming mountain huts, and a network of scenic trails make the Zillertal a true classic for mountain lovers.

Ideal for experienced trekkers with good fitness, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features four outstanding multi-day hut-to-hut routes: the iconic 80km Zillertal Rucksack Route (also known as the Berliner Höhenweg), the 54km Peter Habeler Runde, the 45km Olperer Runde, and the 61km Zillertal South Tirol Tour. Each trek reveals the region’s spectacular mountain scenery and offers optional ascents to neighbouring peaks, some of which involve glacier travel and require mountaineering skills.

• Includes four classic hut-to-hut treks in the Zillertal Alps, with routes ranging from 45km to 80km, suitable for those able to walk 6–7 hours per day carrying a full rucksack.
• The Zillertal Rucksack Route is presented in 9 stages, the Peter Habeler Runde in 7, the Olperer Runde in 6, and the Zillertal South Tirol Tour in 7.
• Also included are optional ascents of neighbouring peaks, including the region’s highest, Hochfeiler (3510m), some of which may require specialist equipment, mountaineering skills, and experience of glacier crossing.
• Explore highlights such as the Hochfeiler and Grosser Möseler, and enjoy overnight stays in more than a dozen quality mountain huts.
• Each trek in the Zillertal Alps is accompanied by clear 1:50,000 mapping, downloadable GPX files, elevation profiles, and at-a-glance information summarising daily challenges and potential hazards.
• Comprehensive hut directory with details of facilities and season dates for the Zillertal Alps’ mountain huts (mid-June to late September), ensuring you make the most of the region’s legendary hut-to-hut hospitality.
• Practical advice specific to the Zillertal Alps on weather conditions, getting there and back (including access to Mayrhofen and surrounding valleys), local transport options, what to pack for alpine conditions, safety in the mountains, and tips for enjoying the unique experience of Tyrolean hut life.

Whether you’re seeking classic traverses or ambitious summit days, this definitive Cicerone guidebook will help you plan a memorable journey through one of Austria’s most celebrated mountain regions.

Trekking in the Zillertal Alps – Quick Facts

Location: Zillertal Alps, Austrian Tirol, bordering South Tirol (Italy)
Number of routes: 4 multi-day hut-to-hut treks
Distance: 45–80 km per trek; stages range from 6–15 km per day
Duration: 6–9 days per trek; daily walking times average 6–7 hours
Areas covered: Mayrhofen, Zillertal valley, Berliner Höhenweg, Peter Habeler Runde, Olperer Runde, Zillertal South Tirol Tour
Route type: Well-marked high mountain trails, classic hut-to-hut traverses, optional peak ascents (including Hochfeiler, 3510m)
Stages: Zillertal Rucksack Route (9 stages), Peter Habeler Runde (7), Olperer Runde (6), Zillertal South Tirol Tour (7)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous; suitable for experienced trekkers with good fitness. Some optional ascents require mountaineering skills and glacier experience
Terrain: Alpine ridges, rocky paths, snowcapped peaks, glacial valleys, and panoramic passes
Navigation: 1:50,000 mapping, detailed route descriptions, downloadable GPX files, elevation profiles
Best season: Mid-June to late September (when huts are open); July and early September recommended
Highlights: Summit of Hochfeiler, Grosser Möseler, classic alpine scenery, welcoming mountain huts, charming Mayrhofen
Equipment: Full trekking kit including sturdy boots, weatherproof clothing, and, for some ascents, specialist mountaineering gear
Accommodation: More than a dozen alpine huts (mid-June to late September); comprehensive hut directory included
 

Author Highlight

"The Zillertal area provides ample opportunity for all mountain enthusiasts. It is ideal for first-time visitors to the Alps, particularly aspiring alpinists and family groups with children. However, it is important to remember that the Zillertal is not necessarily a tame area in comparison with the Western Alps, as these mountains can challenge even the most experienced. Whatever your aspirations you will not be disappointed.” 

- Allan Hartley, author of Trekking in Austria's Zillertal Alps

CONTENTS

Overview map

Map key

Route summary tables

Introduction

The Zillertal valley

Mayrhofen

When to go

Getting there and back

Places to stay

Local transport

Local services

Peter Habeler’s Office (mountain guides)

Children

The Austrian Alpine Club OeAV

Huts

Hut meals and menus

Kit list

Route finding

Maps

Alpine walking skills

Glaciers and glacier travel

Health and safety

Electronic devices

Using this guide

Zillertal Rucksack Route

Trek 1 Zillertal Rucksack Route

Stage 1 Mayrhofen to Karl von Edel Hut

Excursion Ascent of Ahornspitze (2973m)

Stage 2 Karl von Edel Hut to Kasseler Hut

Excursion Ascent of Wollbachspitze (3210m) south-west ridge

Excursion Ascent of Gruene Wand Spitze (2946m)

Stage 3 Kasseler Hut to Greizer Hut

Excursion Ascent of Grosser Loeffler (3379m)

Stage 4 Greizer Hut to Berliner Hut

Stage 4A Greizer Hut to Berliner Hut via Floitenkees glacier or Schwarzenstein Hut

Excursion Ascent of the Berliner Spitze (Hornspitze III) (3254m)

Stage 5 Berliner Hut to Furtschaglhaus

Excursion Ascent of Grosser Moeseler (3480m) via the west spur

Stage 6 Furtschaglhaus to Olperer Hut

Stage 6A Furtschaglhaus to Olperer Hut via Pfitscherjochhaus

Excursion Ascent of Olperer (3476m) via Schneegupf south-east ridge

Stage 7 Olperer Hut to Friesenberghaus

Excursion Ascent of Hoher Riffler (3168m)

Excursion Ascent of Peterskoepfl (2679m)

Stage 8 Friesenberghaus to Gams Hut

Excursion Ascent of Vordere Grinbergspitze (2765m)

Stage 9 Gams Hut to Ginzling and Mayrhofen

Stage 9A Gams Hut to Finkenberg and Mayrhofen

Peter Habeler and Olperer Runde Tours

Trek 2 Peter Habeler Runde

Stage 1 Touristenrast Gasthof to Landshuter Europa Hut

Stage 2 Landshuter Europa Hut to Pfitscherjochhaus

Stage 3 Pfitscherjochhaus to Olperer Hut

Stage 4 Olperer Hut to Friesenberghaus

Stage 5 Friesenberghaus to Tuxerjochhaus via Friesenbergscharte

Stage 6 Tuxerjochhaus to Geraer Hut

Stage 7 Geraer Hut to Touristenrast Gasthof

Trek 3 Olperer Runde Tour

Zillertal South Tirol Tour

Trek 4 Zillertal South Tirol Tour

Stage 1 Touristenrast Gasthof to Geraer Hut

Stage 2 Geraer Hut to Pfitscherjochhaus

Stage 3 Pfitscherjochhaus to Hochfeiler Hut

Excursion Ascent of Hochfeiler (3510m)

Stage 4 Hochfeiler Hut to Edelraut Hut

Stage 5 Edelraut Hut to Nevesjoch Hut

Excursion Ascent of Grosser Moeseler (3480m)

Stage 6 Nevesjoch Hut to Schwarzenstein Hut

Stage 7 Schwarzenstein Hut to Berliner Hut or Greizer Hut

Hut directory

Berliner Hut (2042m)

Dominikus Hut Alpengasthof (1805m)

Edelraut Hut (2545m)

Friesenberghaus (2498m)

Furtschaglhaus (2295m)

Gams Hut (1916m)

Gasthof Stein (1555m)

Geraer Hut (2326m)

Greizer Hut (2226m)

Hochfeiler Hut (2710m)

Kasseler Hut (2177m)

Karl von Edel Hut (2238m)

Landshuter Europa Hut (2693m)

Nevesjoch Hut (2420m)

Olperer Hut (2389m)

Pfitscherjochhaus (2275m)

Schwarzenstein Hut (3027m)

Tuxerjochhaus (2316m)

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B German–English glossary

Appendix C Further reading

Seasons

The summer Alpine season starts when the huts open in mid-June and runs through to the end of September. Snow can linger on north-facing slopes well into July. Mid-July through to mid-September tends to be warmer and more settled.

Centres

Mayrhofen, the main centre and starting point for the Zillertal Rucksack Route, is easily accessible by train and bus from Jenbach, Munich, Innsbruck and Salzburg.

Difficulty

All tracks and trails are waymarked and frequently signposted. A good level of fitness is advised, but unless you intend to venture onto the glaciers or undertake the optional excursions, no special equipment or climbing skills are required.

Must See

The snow-capped peaks of the Hochfeiler and Grosser Moeseler standing proud along the frontier ridge that forms the Austria-Italy border; spectacular Alpine scenery, including over 40 peaks above 3000m

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