Zillertal, Alpine valley in Tirol, Austria
The Zillertal runs through the Austrian Alps and is bordered by forested slopes and snow-covered peaks rising on both sides. The Ziller River flows through the entire center of the valley and connects the individual towns, while side valleys lead into higher mountain regions.
The first written records of the area date to the 9th century, when the land was handed over to church authorities for settlement. Over the centuries, small communities developed along the river, living from farming and mining.
The valley takes its name from the Ziller River, which flows along its entire length and has shaped the lives of residents for centuries. In the villages along the river, farmhouses and churches show how closely people here are connected to the landscape.
The main road runs through the entire valley and connects all the larger towns, while buses travel regularly between the communities. Hiking trails of varying difficulty start directly in the villages and lead into the surrounding mountains.
Although the valley is now known mainly for winter sports, copper was mined here for centuries, as evidenced by old tunnel entrances in the side valleys. The mines shaped the economic life of the communities well into the 19th century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
