The most beautiful hiking routes in the Zillertal Arena

Discover the Zillertal Arena on foot, straight from your chalet’s doorstep
Imagine stepping out of your chalet in the morning, breathing in the crisp mountain air and walking straight into nature. The Zillertal Arena offers countless hiking routes for all levels: from relaxed family walks to challenging mountain treks with breathtaking views. In this blog, we’ll share some of the most beautiful hiking trails, all easily accessible from your chalet.
🏞️ 1. Krimml Waterfalls & the waterfall promenade
- Starting point: Krimml
- Length: approx. 4 km (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlight: Europe’s highest waterfalls
A true natural wonder: the Krimml Waterfalls plunge more than 380 metres down three mighty tiers. You hike alongside them on a well-maintained path, with scenic viewpoints and benches to rest along the way. The first platform is reachable in about 15 minutes, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can hike all the way to the top. A 1,5 to 2-hour climb. Misty air, roaring water and lush forest make this a memorable experience.
🧗 2. Summit Hike: Gerlossteinwand (2,166 m)
- Starting point: Top station of the Gerlossteinbahn (Hainzenberg)
- Distance: Approx. 5 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate (550 m elevation gain)
- Highlight: Breathtaking 360° summit view
After a scenic cable car ride, your hike begins at 1,650 metres. Follow trail no. 8 along a marked alpine path to the Gerlossteinwand summit. The final part of the trail requires sure-footedness and a head for heights. But the reward? A panoramic view over the Zillertal, Tux Alps, Kitzbühel Alps and Rofan mountains. Plan about 3.5 to 4 hours for this round-trip adventure.
🧭 3. Wildgerlostal – hiking through untouched nature
- Starting point: Gasthof Finkau
- Length: approx. 6–10 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlight: Authentic alpine valley with a traditional mountain hut
The Wildgerlostal is a peaceful mountain valley, perfect for nature lovers. You’ll hike along a clear mountain stream, through flower-filled meadows and between dramatic cliffs. After about an hour, you'll reach the Trisslalm, a charming alpine hut where you can enjoy local dishes on the terrace. Come early and you might even spot marmots on the trail.

🚠 4. Isskogel Panorama Loop
- Starting point: Top station of the Isskogelbahn, Gerlos
- Distance: Approx. 5–7 km (several variations possible)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlight: Panoramic hiking above the treeline
Once you exit the cable car at 1,900 m altitude, the views open up in every direction. Several marked trails guide you across alpine meadows and past rustic huts like the Latschenalm. Expect stunning vistas of the Gerlos Valley, and on clear days, you might even spot the Großvenediger. Perfect for families or relaxed hikers who want mountain scenery without the steep climbs.
👉 Tip: Take the route toward Latschenalm and return via the wider farm track – a varied and scenic round trip.
👨👩👧👦 5. Family-friendly hike: Around Lake Durlassboden
- Starting point: Gerlos
- Length: approx. 9 km (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlight: Swimming spots, playgrounds and picnic areas
This flat path around the lake is ideal for families, even with strollers. Along the way, you'll find small beaches, picnic tables, and playgrounds, perfect for a fun day out. Pack your swimwear and a lunch basket, and enjoy the sun by the water. Pedal boat rental is available in summer for extra fun!
⛰️ 6. Challenging hike: to the Reichenspitze summit
- Starting point: Zittauer Hütte (accessible via Wildgerlostal)
- Length: approx. 16 km return (from Finkau car park)
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Highlight: Mountain peak at 3,303 metres
This one’s for experienced hikers only. From Finkau, the trail leads through the Wildgerlostal to the Zittauer Hütte at 2,330 m. From there, the path continues through rocky terrain, snowfields, and steep ascents to the summit of the Reichenspitze. It’s a full-day tour with impressive scenery and glacier views. Attempt only in good weather and with proper gear.
Straight into nature from your chalet
At ChaletsPlus, you’ll stay in a comfortable chalet at a prime location in the Zillertal Arena. Whether you prefer gentle walks or more demanding treks, the most beautiful routes are just around the corner. Grab your hiking boots, pack your backpack and start exploring.