Trekking in the Zillertal Alps: the Zillertal Rucksack Route (or Berliner Hoehen Weg) and the Zillertal South Tyrol Tour in Austrian Tyrol
![Trekking in the Zillertal Alps / Photo: Hejkal [CC BY-SA 3.0] Wikimedia Commons](https://travesiapirenaica.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Trekking-en-Zillertal-Alps_by-Hejkal-CC-BY-SA-3.0-Wikimedia-Commons_1200x900.jpg)
Few areas can match the Zillertal in the Austrian Tyrol for a first alpine season. Well-formed peaks, good trails and some of the best huts in the Alps make it ideal for experienced hikers and mountaineers alike.
We found two classic hut-to-hut routes, both of which can be done in eight to ten days, with the option of adding day hikes from the huts to climb local peaks on both sides of the border, including Zillertal's highest peak, the Hochfeiler.
Practical guide
When to go?
Snow can persist on north-facing slopes well into July. Mid-July to mid-September is warmer and more settled. The summer alpine season starts when the huts open from mid-June to the end of September.
Cities & Services
The Zillertal is easily accessible by train and bus from Jenbach via Munich, Innsbruck and Salzburg to the charming resort town of Mayrhofen, the main centre and starting point for hiking in the Zillertal. Easy access to the trails from Mayrhofen.
Not to be missed
- Zillertal Rucksack Route Hohenweg
- South Tyrol Tour.
- Fabulous scenery in the heart of the Austrian Tyrol and Eastern Alps
The Zillertal Rucksack Route (ZRR) or Berliner Hoehen Weg
The ZRR runs for 70-80km and overcomes 6700m of vertical drop, linking eight huts. without crossing glaciers or difficult passeswith ample opportunities to climb the nearby peaks. This does not mean that it does not run over steep terrain (with the use of fixed steel cables installed to facilitate safety) and we may encounter snow, depending on the season. It starts on Mayrhofen and follows a circular route that ends at the top of the charming village of Ginzling.
The stages
- Stage 1 Mayrhofen to Karl von Edel hut (possibility to climb Ahorn Spitze)
- Stage 2 Karl von Edel hut to Kasseler hut (possibility of ascent to Woellbach Spitze and ascent to Grune Wand Spitze)
- Stage 3 Kasseler hut to Greizer hut (Grosser Loeffler ascent)
- Stage 4 Greizer Hut to Berliner Hut
- Stage 4a Greizer hut to Berliner hut via Floitenkees glacier or Schwarzenstein hut (ascent Berliner Spitze-Horn Spitze III-)
- Stage 5 Berliner Hut at the Furtschagl Haus (Grosser Moseler by the west spur)
- Stage 6 Furtschagl Haus to the Olperer hut
- Stage 6a Furtschagl Haus to Olperer hut via Pfitscherjoch Haus (Olpererer ascent possible)
- Stage 7 Olperer Hut to Friesenberg Haus (possibility of ascents Hoeher Riffler and Peterskopfl)
- Stage 8 Friesenberg Haus to Gams hut (possibility to climb Vorderer Grindberg Spitze)
- Stage 9 Hut Gams in Mayrhofen
The Zillertal South Tyrol Tour (ZSTT)
The Zillertal South Tyrol Tour crosses the entire mountain range along the Austro-Italian border, starting at Turistenraste and then linking back to the Zillertal Rucksack Route (ZRR) for a circular tour. It is virtually unknown outside South Tyrol, which makes it an interesting and unusual route. It is a physically demanding trek, providing an excellent challenge for more experienced alpine walkers.
The stages
- Stage 1 Touristenraste to the Geraer hut
- Stage 2 Geraer Hut to Pfitscherjoch Haus
- Stage 3 Pfitscherjoch Haus to the Hochfeiler hut (Hochfeiler ascent possible)
- Stage 4 Hochfeiler hut to Edelraute hut
- Stage 5 Edelraute hut to Nevesjoch hut (Grosser Moseler ascent)
- Stage 6 Nevesjoch hut to Schwarzenstein hut
- Stage 7 Hut Schwarzenstein to Berliner Hut or Greizer Hut
