Austria is an incredibly popular holiday resort at any time of the year. Nature lovers in particular get their money’s worth here and can experience a lot. If you are still looking for an exciting excursion destination in the Alps, you should definitely stop by the Alpbachtal in Tyrol. Not only is the area one of the best ski resorts in the country, but it has many other highlights to offer. Some of them are presented in more detail in this article.

Location of the Alpbach Valley

The Alpbachtal is located in the northwest of the Kitzbühel Alps and is a popular destination for holidaymakers in Austria. The entrance leads via the municipality of Brixlegg in the direction of Alpbach and other small villages, all of which are located in the middle of an alpine valley. High mountains tower all around, including the Großer Galtenberg (2425 m), the Großer Beil (2309 m) and the Sonnenjoch (2287 m). The Alpbachtal is strongly influenced by tourism, both in summer and winter. The region is therefore designed for activities for young and old. By the way, the Alpbachtal Card is recommended to save money with participating partners.

What to experience in winter

1. Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

The region around the Alpbachtal has a lot of ski resorts to offer, but probably the best place to start is the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau. There is a choice of 117 kilometres of slopes for skis and snowboards, covering a wide range of experienced winter sports enthusiasts from beginners to professionals. There are also 45 modern ski lifts spread throughout the area, as well as 25 different alpine huts with cafés and restaurants for a refreshment in between. For winter sports enthusiasts, there really is nothing left to be desired here.

2. Relax with wellness offer

Winter is also the best time to relax, end the year and recharge your batteries. The Alpbachtal also has a wide range of accommodation to offer for this, many with their own wellness area. Whether sauna, massage or whirlpool, the range of hotels is huge and there is sure to be something for every taste.

3. Enjoy the Advent season

The Alpbachtal region has a long Christmas tradition, which you should not miss when visiting during Advent. On the one hand, there is the beautiful Rattenberg Christmas market, which attracts visitors with many different stalls and culinary highlights. In the middle of the traditional old town, the many lights and the decorated Christmas tree really come into their own. The Brixlegg Christmas and the Advent market there are also absolutely worth a visit. Another highlight is the Perchten, an old tradition that is supposed to drive away evil spirits.

4. Taste the culinary delights

Although many of the specialities can be tasted all year round, many culinary highlights from the Alpbachtal really come into their own in winter. Many traditional inns entice with hearty dishes from the region, including above all the Alpbachtal hay milk cheese, bacon and homemade bread. But desserts are not neglected either, with the extraordinary Brandenberg Prügeltorte or the classic Kaiserschmarrn.

What to experience in summer

1. Hikes in the Alpbachtal

Thanks to its location, the Alpbachtal offers a wonderful alpine panorama if you dare to go up high. There are countless hiking trails to discover, from easy to difficult, everything is there here. Excursions towards the sunny plateau, which offers a great view over the surrounding mountain ranges, are recommended. There are both guided tours and routes that can be done alone. The many gondolas are also a good way to get a better view of the valley.

2. Castles and palaces

Austria and the Alps have a long history, which is why there are plenty of castles and palaces to be found among the many mountains and forests. In the area around Brixlegg there are a lot of old buildings to visit, including the Kropfsberg castle ruins, the Rottenburg ruins, Matzen Castle or Lichtwerth moated castle. Each of these destinations has its own history and all of them are worth a visit.

3. Enjoy the cool water

If you want to cool off after a strenuous hike, you can make use of the many clear mountain lakes in the Alpbachtal. In the forests and mountains there are countless small bathing lakes to discover, which are just waiting to be visited. At the same time, there is a beautiful view of the mountain panorama while enjoying the warm sun.

4. Experience the Tiefenbach Gorge

Further north is the Tiefenbachklamm, a deep gorge in the middle of the Alps. The area is a popular destination for families and impressively shows the power of nature. Wild rivers and waterfalls rush past you, which have dug through the rock over many millennia. In addition, the many gorges are a great photo motif. The Tiefenbachklamm is only open in the summer months and when the weather is nice.

5. Museum of Tyrolean Farms

Tyrol brings with it a lot of tradition that is deeply rooted in Austria’s culture. If you want to learn more about it, you should definitely stop by the Museum of Tyrolean Farms. The open-air museum shows historical buildings from former farms and how important goods for trade were produced there at that time. A visit brings you closer to the history of Tyrol and the Alpbach Valley. The open-air museum is only open in summer.

The beautiful Zillertal in the Austrian Alps is one of the most famous and popular holiday regions in Tyrol. It impresses with a breathtaking mountain landscape characterized by high peaks, green meadows, crystal clear lakes and dense forests. In summer, the Zillertal offers ideal conditions for hiking, mountain tours and cycling – a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! And in winter, it turns into a sought-after ski resort with perfect slope conditions.

Along the Zillertal you will find numerous charming villages and small towns that are worth a visit. Many of them are popular holiday resorts that attract nature lovers, sports enthusiasts and wellness lovers all year round. In short: The Zillertal is the ultimate place for nature lovers in search of adventure in a picturesque setting – be it hiking through the majestic mountains or relaxing in a cozy wellness hotel at the end of an active day.

Mayrhofen: Where Zillertal adventures and après-ski dreams come true

Mayrhofen is the most famous municipality in the Zillertal, which attracts visitors all year round. Despite modern tourism, the place has retained its traditional charm and offers a variety of events so that visitors can experience the unique regional culture up close. The two main mountains Penken and Ahorn offer first-class ski slopes as well as a variety of other activities such as relaxing on snow formations in the “White Lounge” area or fun sports in the “Funsportstation” area. And when it comes to après-ski and nightlife, there are plenty of bars, pubs and clubs for exuberant party nights after an eventful day on the slopes.

In summer, the fantastic mountain panorama invites you to hikes and mountain tours and mountain bikers will also find their dream routes here. You can also explore the valley with the Zillertalbahn or hike to the Stilluptal – a moderately difficult route along a wildly romantic gorge to the reservoir of the same name. For those who prefer to climb high: The challenging summit hike to the Ahornspitze (2,970 metres) offers an impressive view over the valley and the reservoir. Of course, there is a wide range of accommodation in Mayrhofen – from cosy guesthouses to luxurious hotels, there is something for every taste!

Snow fun deluxe: Discover Hintertux in the Zillertal

Hintertux, the little jewel at the back of the Tux Valley, is inextricably linked to the legendary Hintertux Glacier. Here, winter sports enthusiasts can expect snow fun in abundance on wide slopes – at any time of the year! But not only skiers get their money’s worth here, winter hiking trails also entice with varied opportunities to explore the enchanting landscape. And if you need a break from the slopes, it’s worth visiting the Natural Ice Palace: it’s a fascinating realm of giant icicles, frozen waterfalls and sparkling ice crystals. The Spannagel Cave on the Hintertux Glacier is unique in the Central Alps, as it is the only cave made of marble. It offers families with children an interesting excursion destination.

But the region also has a lot to offer in summer. Over 1,400 km of hiking trails are waiting to be discovered – whether Nordic walking routes, alpine hikes or challenging summit hikes, there is something for every taste. The fresh mountain air brings body and mind back into balance and makes stress seem far away.

And if you prefer it sporty, you will find numerous bike routes such as the challenging Hintertux Glacier Circuit (30 km), the moderately difficult Sommerbergalm Circuit (18 km) or the relaxed Lattenalm Circuit (14 km). You can not only enjoy the idyllic nature, but also indulge in culinary delights with regional delicacies.

Pure adventure: Discover Gerlos in the heart of the Zillertal

Gerlos is a charming village best known for its exciting après-ski scene. After an exhausting day on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders can turn night into day in the numerous bars and clubs. Gerlos is located near the Zillertal Arena ski area and offers the opportunity for skiing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking in winter. In cosy ski huts and mountain restaurants, guests are spoiled with traditional Tyrolean cuisine as well as fresh salads and international dishes.

In summer, Gerlos turns into a popular starting point for hikes and mountain bike tours. The surrounding mountains and valleys offer a variety of routes for nature lovers. The nearby Durlassboden reservoir attracts water sports enthusiasts who want to sail or surf. The idyllic mountain lake is surrounded by an impressive landscape of mountains.

The Gerlossteinwand is considered a famous vantage point in this region. It can be reached via a cable car and offers a spectacular view of the Zillertal Alps. The Gerlossteinwand via ferrata is one of the most popular in the entire Zillertal area and is suitable for both beginners and advanced climbers. For all adrenaline junkies, there are two impressive Flying Fox routes at a height of about 80 metres in the Riederklamm Adventure Garden.

Experience nature in the Zillertal: Hiking in Finkenberg

Finkenberg is a charming mountain village, which is ideal for excursions and hikes. Not only does it offer access to the glacier and a variety of hiking trails, but it is also easily accessible via the Zillertal Road and is close to Mayrhofen. As part of the Penken ski area, Finkenberg is connected to Mayrhofen and the rest of the area by the Mayrhofer mountain railways. This gives winter sports enthusiasts the opportunity to explore both the slopes of Penken and those of Mayrhofen comfortably from Finkenberg.

Finkenberg also impresses with magnificent vantage points that offer a view of a majestic mountain landscape. Among other things, hiking trails lead to the Penkenjoch or other peaks. But not only active holidaymakers get their money’s worth here – the village also offers pure relaxation in the midst of nature. The pure mountain air as well as a quiet climate make it an ideal place for anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Like many places in the Zillertal, Finkenberg cultivates its traditional Tyrolean architecture and culture, which gives the village a cozy atmosphere.

The Salzburg Lake District offers gentle hills and steep rocks, extensive meadows and colourful forests. And above all, very special lakes. From Salzburg it is only about 20 minutes to the green recreation area. Here you will find bathing establishments, cute villages and a variety of cycle paths. The Salzkammergut is also referred to as the 13th federal state in Austria .

Lake Wolfgang

Probably the most famous lake in Salzburg is Lake Wolfgang and it offers a wide variety of possibilities for maximum enjoyment. Lake Wolfgang, which used to be called Abersee, is located at an altitude of 538 meters. For example, there are beautiful hiking routes to the surrounding mountain landscape if you want to enjoy a breathtaking view over the lake. The Schafberg is considered the most beautiful panoramic mountain over the Salzkammergut, which can also be explored with the Schafbergbahn, for example. The Schafbergbahn is the steepest cogwheel railway in Austria and in 35 minutes you can get to the top of the Schafberg. This tip is not only intended for the warm months, but can also be wonderfully implemented in winter: In December, the train becomes an Advent train and leads up into the wintry expanses.

And if you prefer not to walk the way back to the valley, you can whiz down quickly on the summer toboggan run in Gschwendt. Do you prefer to be in the middle of it all, in the refreshing blue? There are plenty of bathing shores and bathing jetties at the foot of the lake. The St. Gilgen lido offers plenty of space and fun for young and old. There is an extra bathing area for children, a restaurant and changing rooms. Boating is also possible on Lake Wolfgang – the Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt has been around since 1873. Accordingly, the paddle steamer “Kaiser Franz Josef I” seems nostalgic, which has also been seen in some films.

Lake Fuschl

In the eastern Flachgau is the Fuschlsee, which is a special eye-catcher due to its turquoise blue to emerald green colouring. It is the clearest and cleanest lake in the entire Salzburger Land and its water can even be used as drinking water. On the other hand, there is a strict ban on motorboats here. Instead, you can sail and swim, fish and dive here. Once upon a time, Fuschl Castle, which is located on a small hill right next to the lake, was used by Salzburg’s archbishops for hunting trips and the entire fish caught from the lake was used exclusively for their tables, because the fish from Lake Fuschl are of particularly good quality.

Hintersee

Behind Lake Fuschl, another blue jewel is hidden just a few kilometers away. The Hintersee, located in a side valley, is a real insider tip for nature lovers. At the same time, Hintersee is the smallest village in the Salzburg Alpine foothills. A 5 km long hiking trail leads around the lake, suitable for prams and with unspoilt shore zones. In general, the Hintersee offers you a variety of possible activities and even a petting zoo is located here.

Wallersee

Lake Wallersee is only a few kilometres away from Salzburg and is considered the largest and warmest lake in the foothills of the Alps. Nevertheless, the Wallersee is rarely really overcrowded, because there are enough lidos for everyone. The circular route around the lake is 20 km long and leads through a nature reserve with moorland. In this area you can find rare water birds, beavers and pheasants. Gut Aiderbichl is also located near the lake: At the refuge, animals with a cruel past finally get a good life. A visit to them makes hearts soar.

Adventure

You can arrange your holiday at the lakes flexibly and in the way that suits you best. There are numerous offers for holidays on the farm, for time-outs in spa hotels and also accommodation for particularly active people. It is also a good idea to explore the various lakes by bike and spend the night in different places. And after the effort is done, jumping into the cool water is particularly refreshing. The range of cycle paths in the area of the Salzburg Lakes is wide-ranging. A holiday here can mean so many things: watching the fish in the crystal-clear water from a rowing boat, sunbathing on the shore and enjoying fries from the lido, listening to the wind while sailing or marvelling at postcard idylls from mountain peaks. Or you can explore the beautifully landscaped golf courses and visit museums that are peppered with interesting stories about the country and its people.

However you would like to spend your time out at the Salzburg Lakes, we wish you a lot of joy and enjoyment.