ZILLERTAL ALPS NATURE PARK
Walking & Mountain Climbing in the Nature Park
Spend your summer holiday at the foot of the Nature Park of the Zillertal Alps. Public roads, helicopter flights or cable cars for tourism purposes are strictly forbidden in the High Alpine Nature Park of the Zillertal Alps, Tirol, Austria. These high alpine landscapes, known as the Zillertal Main Ridge, have been under protection since 1991 and were awarded with the title, "Nature Park" in 2001 - an internationally recognized conservation category.
Steep rock faces, glaciers & peaks. The Nature Park covers an area of 422 km² and extends over altitudes ranging from ca. 1,000m to 3,510 metres above sea level. Those wanting to hike the entire region will need seven whole days to cover the distance. Eight mountain huts, numerous three thousand metre peaks with steep rocky faces and unique vegetation characterize these beautiful high alpine mountain landscapes.
They are also home to rare animal species, which have lived in harmony with hikers, climbers and nature lovers for more than 150 years.
Naturpark FACTS
- Size: 422 km²
- Protected natural area since 1991
- Altitude profile ranging from 1.000 m at Ginzling to 3.509 m at Hochfeiler
- Nature has priority - permanent developments with public roads or lift systems are prohibited with no exception
Extension of the Zillertal Alps Nature Park
After many years of intensive preparation work, the extension of the official conservation by ca. 43 km² area was sanctioned by the Tyrolean Government in early October. This is the largest area placed under a preservation order in Tyrol over the last 25 years and is a remarkable achievement for nature protection throughout Tyrol - even far beyond the provincial borders.
Austria's Nature Park of the Year 2015
Zillertal Alps Nature Park was voted "Austria's Nature Park of the Year 2015" by an independent panel of experts from the Austrian Nature Park Association (VNÖ)!
Nature Park of the Year 2015...
Nature Park House
The Nature Park and Ginzling Council administration departments are located at the Nature Park House as well as an Alpine and Regional library. The focal point of this building, however, is a modern and family friendly exhibition.
Surrounding Attractions
- Nature Park "Nasenwand" via ferrate, numerous climbing and bouldering areas
- Geocache "Ginzling, it all began with mountaineering"
Go treasure hunting with a GPS device and an inquisitive mind - "The Dornauberg Giants" themed trail
Guided Walks
Experience nature - on foot through the mountains of the region
Take advantage of the summer programme and join nature park guides on informative walks through the stunning natural and cultural landscapes of the Zillertal Valley!
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Gletscher.Welten
Exhibition at the nature Park House in Ginzling
The centrepiece of the nature Park can be found in Ginzling - the visitors centre with the Nature Park administration and the family friendly interactive exhibition "Gletscher.Welten - Glacier.Worlds": No glass cabinets or signs saying "Do not touch" - quite the contrary: visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with the exhibition, which takes you on a journey in search of a lost expedition in the Zillertal Alps...
Open daily in summer
Cultural.Landscape.World
Exhibition at the Mitterstall Barn in Brandberg
One of the mountain farming cultural monuments in the Nature Park region is the Mitterstall Barn in BrandbergVillage. This listed building houses the Nature Park exhibition "Brandberg - our cultural landscape through the ages".The exhibition tells about the arduous conditions associated with alpine farming with its characteristic meadows, pastures, mountain grazing areas and gives locals the chance to tell their story.
Open daily - free admission!
"Steinbock.Welten - Ibex World"
Exhibition in Zillergrund
The alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is an animal that has a deeply rooted tradition at the Zillertal Alps Nature Park and, until recently, a very chequered history. Up until the beginning of the 17th century there was a population of several hundred animals, which was almost eradicated over a short period of only 15 years. Despite many attempts in subsequent years to reintroduce ibex to the Zillertal Valley, there is currently only a very small wild population which visitors to the Nature Park rarely get to see. The Steinbock.Worlds in Zillergrund gives you the opportunity to find out more about this fascinating animal, as well as the opportunity to see some in the flesh!
Open daily from June to September - admission is free!
"Pfitscher Joch unbounded"
Exhibition at the Lavitzalm
In addition to the fabulous alpine landscapes, another highlight can be enjoyed along the hike to Pfitscher Joch from the end of June – a visit to the new exhibition „Pfitscher Joch grenzenlos - Pfitscher Joch unbounded“. There you will see the results of many years of research on this alpine pass. The journey back to the Stone Age is particularly exciting, proving that the Pfitscher Joch had special significance as long as 9,000 years ago!
The exhibition is open daily during the summer months, admission is free!
Important area of rest and relaxation in Zillertal
Nature Park Partner Companies
in the Mayrhofen-Hippach Holiday Resort, Zillertal
You can book accommodation direct with one of our Nature Park Partner Companies in the High Alpine Nature Park of the Zillertal Alps region.
The reason for this co-operation is to reliably provide nature loving guests with qualitative and environmental standards in their accommodation and, at the same time, provide comprehensive information about the Nature Park and convey its philosophy on nature protection in the form of guided walks.
Participating companies are distinguished by the Nature Park partner company logo, which ensures that the company is competent in providing guests with informative material on the Nature Park, organising and communicating touristic offers in the Nature Park (like guided tours, events, etc) as well as alternative hiking opportunities in the region.
Basic hiking equipment (backpack, hiking poles, water bottles) are available for hire from the partner company. As guest of a Nature Park Partner Company, you are entitled to take part in all guided tours free of charge and attend other Nature Park events such as lectures and slide shows etc.
Zillertal Alps Nature Park partner companies