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Looking for a coolcation where you can get away from soaring summer temperatures? There’s something transformative about stepping into the Zillertal Alps in summer. The very moment you breathe in the crisp mountain air – clean, cool, and scented with blooming meadows and pine – you’ll wonder why you ever stayed in the stifling city heat. Austrians call it “Sommerfrische,” which translates as “summer freshness,” but it’s far more than just fresh air; it’s a whole state of being.
In Zillertal, summer is about reconnecting with nature, shaking off urban sluggishness, and filling your lungs with clarity. With altitudes soaring well above 3,000 metres, this is where city stress melts away and the Alpine breeze gently cools sun-warmed skin. The landscape unfolds around you: peaks dusted with snow even in midsummer, 85 glittering glaciers tucked into crevices, and the sight of cotton grass blooming in serene mountain lakes like the postcard-perfect Torseen in Tux.
Wildflowers on a meadow
Tom Klocker
And it’s not just about looking at this pristine wilderness; it’s about diving right into it. Literally. Cool off with a dip in one of Zillertal’s countless shimmering mountain lakes – Durlaßboden Speichersee in Gerlos is ideal for water lovers seeking tranquillity, while Fichtensee in Zell am Ziller and Ahornsee in Mayrhofen are beloved spots for basking in the summer sunshine.
Prefer a pool? Zillertal spoils you for choice with six public swimming pools dotted throughout the valley, including the stylish Erlebnistherme Fügen. And here’s a perk that makes life delightfully easy: your Zillertal Activcard not only grants you entry into these refreshing pools but also covers most public transport – buses, trains, and cable cars included – giving you effortless access to the very best of the region.
Speaking of cable cars, Zillertal’s impressive network is 100% powered by renewable energy, using photovoltaic and hydropower to whisk you up into the mountains sustainably. Even the valley’s trains and buses are increasingly electric-powered, helping you explore with a lighter ecological footprint. With 40% of Zillertal protected as part of the Hochgebirgs Naturpark Zillertaler Alpen, you’re perfectly positioned to immerse yourself in some of Europe’s most extraordinary landscapes. Here you’ll find peaks, glaciers and trails snaking through pine forests and lush alpine pastures buzzing with wildlife.
Whether you’re a casual walker, a seasoned hiker, or just in the mood for a leisurely stroll ending in a delicious meal, the mountain huts scattered across the region offer ample reward for your efforts. Authentic, hearty Alpine cooking is everywhere, from sweet Kaiserschmarrn – Austria’s irresistible shredded pancakes dusted with icing sugar – to platters of homemade cold cuts, cheeses and freshly baked bread. Settle into a terrace at one of these rustic huts, feast your eyes on panoramic vistas, and let the slow pace of alpine life draw you in.
A delicious spread of local food
Kevin Ilse
Back in the valley, you’ll find hotels that perfectly blend contemporary comforts with traditional Tyrolean charm. Most offer pools and wellness areas, promising relaxation and rejuvenation after a day spent exploring the outdoors. Zillertal isn’t merely an escape; it’s an invitation to recalibrate, breathe deep, and reconnect with the great outdoors in a way that urban life rarely allows. It’s not simply a holiday – it’s a reminder of how good it feels to be truly, fully alive.
Book your stay online at www.zillertal.at/en For further information: info@zillertal.at and +43 5288 87187
