Our beloved Munich has a decisive advantage over other cities: its proximity to the mountains, which can be seen on the horizon from the city in good weather. But let's be honest - we don't really take advantage of this location that often, do we? We want to change that. To get to know the Alps outside Munich better, we took a closer look at the Zillertal in Tyrol. Whether it's a day trip or a short break, in summer or winter, there's plenty to do here. With good traffic, it only takes 1.5-2 hours by car to get to this varied region. So, get out of the city and into the mountains!

© Hintertux Glacier

Nature Ice Palace

Have you ever seen a glacier from the inside? The Hintertux Glacier makes it possible. Deep below the ski slope is a second world of natural cavities, magical ice stalactites, frozen waterfalls and a glacial lake. A 640m-long path through the glacier can be explored on guided tours. You will need good clothing and sturdy shoes for the exploration tour (ski boots are also okay). At a constant 0 degrees all year round, the glacier can be visited in both summer and winter. If the normal tour is not unusual enough for you, you can also try ice swimming, stand-up paddling or canoeing.

Hiking

The English Garden is beautiful, but sometimes you just have to get out into the real nature. Hiking fans get their money's worth in the Zillertal. The region combines over 1,400 kilometers of signposted hiking trails of all levels of difficulty, over 150 rustic huts to stop off at and 10 summer mountain lifts. Now all you have to do is decide which of the numerous routes you want to take! The main season is of course from spring to fall, but you can also hike here in winter on cleared trails or with snowshoes.

Skiing & snowboarding

Freitog auf'd Nocht montier' I die Schi - In winter, the hiking paradise in the Zillertal is transformed into a piste paradise. Here you have the choice between four large ski areas, including the Hintertux Glacier, a year-round ski area that is also open in summer. We personally tested the slopes in Hochzillertal and found them to be very good. Beginners and experienced ski bunnies can enjoy themselves on over 90 kilometers of slopes and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Alps.

Tobogganing

The Olympia Berg can't keep up - the Zillertal offers you over 45 kilometers of groomed toboggan runs. Tobogganing is fun and can be done by anyone, young or old. You can either go up on foot or take the cable car. At the top, warm drinks and treats await you at the hut before the wild ride on the toboggan begins. Perfect for anyone who would like to go up the mountain in winter but doesn't fancy skiing or snowboarding.

© Mayrhofner Bergbahnen

White Lounge

A different kind of après-ski experience awaits you in the White Lounge igloo village. The igloo village is located at an altitude of 2000 meters and consists of a large bar with an outdoor area in the sun and individual sleeping igloos. If you want, you can spend the night here surrounded by ice and snow in warm expedition sleeping bags. The bar is open for anyone else who is curious. Made entirely of ice and decorated with impressive carvings, the bar is definitely worth a visit. There is also an igloo party with DJ every Tuesday from December to April.

If you have more than just one day, would like to get to know the Zillertal at your leisure or can't decide which activities you want to try, then we have another accommodation tip for you:

Mari Pop Hotel

The hotel has been family-owned since the 1970s and yet is anything but old-fashioned. When the junior generation, Markus Rist and Silvia Gschößer, took over the hotel in 2017, a unique temporary project was created: the POP DOWN HOTEL, an art project, a meeting place for everyone. After a short but crisp renovation phase in 2019, the hotel now shines in new splendor and will remain permanent this time. The hotel's motto is therefore Stay Forever. Mari Pop combines Tyrolean hospitality with art and design - a wonderful, refreshing experience.

© Martin Kaufmann

The hotel offers you everything you need for the perfect relaxation/experience/short break in the mountains: really beautiful rooms with great interiors, an inviting and cozy dining and lounge area, as well as a spa with panoramic sauna. If you want to spend relaxing but varied days in the Zillertal and treat yourself to a special hotel stay, then the Mari Pop Hotel is the right place for you.

© Martin Kaufmann
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