Cycling in the Zillertal: routes, tips and alpine views

Discover the most beautiful cycling routes in the Zillertal, from relaxing valley rides to panoramic e-bike tours in the mountains of Tyrol.

This blog post was written by René Schwarte, founder of Ferienhaus Tirol.

The Zillertal in Tyrol is one of the most popular regions in Austria for a cycling holiday. The wide valley, excellent infrastructure and impressive alpine scenery make this area perfect for both recreational cyclists and sporty e-bike riders.

Whether you want to cycle leisurely along the river, explore an alpine route or ride an e-bike up to a mountain hut, the Zillertal offers routes for every level.

The Zillertal Cycle Path: relaxed cycling through the valley

The most famous cycle route is the Zillertal Cycle Path. This route runs for approximately 31 kilometres from Strass im Zillertal to Mayrhofen and largely follows the River Ziller.

The well-maintained cycle path is popular because the route is mostly flat. You cycle mostly on cycle paths. Along the way, you pass villages such as Fügen, Kaltenbach and Zell am Ziller. 

From Aschau to Zell am Ziller, the Zillertal Cycle Route largely follows the Zillertalbahn railway line, with several stations along the route.  Here you can also take your bicycle on the train to shorten the trip or return.

E-bike and mountain tours in the Zillertal

Want more than just flat cycling in the valley? Then the side valleys and mountain roads of the Zillertal are ideal. With an e-bike, you can significantly increase your range and comfortably cover longer and steeper routes.

The Zillertal is excellently equipped for e-bikers. You will find rental points and charging stations in almost every village. The routes are clearly signposted and often classified according to difficulty, so you know what to expect in advance.

With a regular trekking bike, some routes are doable if you are reasonably fit. With an e-bike, even longer climbs become accessible to recreational cyclists.
​​​​​​​
At the top, you will not only be rewarded with panoramic views, but also traditional mountain huts where you can take a break. That is what makes cycling in the Zillertal so appealing: you combine physical exercise with nature, tranquillity and typical Tyrolean hospitality.
Popular mountain and valley routes include:

Stilluptal from Mayrhofen

From Mayrhofen, you cycle into the Stilluptal valley on a narrow, low-traffic toll road that gradually winds its way up alongside the river. Along the way, you pass steep mountain walls, waterfalls and alpine huts until you reach the Stillup Stausee reservoir, an idyllic place to take a break.

Zillergrund

The route through the Zillergrund takes you deep into a quiet side valley, away from the hustle and bustle of the main Zillertal. You follow a gently ascending road along the water, with increasingly beautiful views of rugged peaks and the reservoir at the end of the valley.

Tuxertal towards Hintertux

From the Zillertal, you climb into the Tuxertal, an elongated valley that brings you closer to the glacier step by step. The further you cycle towards Hintertux, the more impressive the mountain walls and views of the Hintertuxer Glacier become.

Gerlos – Krimmler Achental

Via Gerlos, you cycle up to a high valley with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. From the pass, you have access to Krimml and the Krimmler Achental, where you can cycle or hike further into the high valley past alpine meadows and waterfalls.

Zillertaler Höhenstraße

The Zillertaler Höhenstraße is a challenging mountain route with steep climbs and hairpin bends, rewarded with magnificent views over the entire Zillertal. On some sections, you cycle at an altitude of around 2,000 metres, past mountain pastures, huts and viewpoints where you can see the valley far below you.

When can you cycle in the Zillertal?

The cycling season in the Zillertal runs from May to October.

In summer, most mountain roads and alpine paths are open. Many mountain lifts are also in operation and often take bicycles up the mountain, which is particularly convenient for e-bikers.

Spring and autumn are quieter and often ideal if you want to go on longer trips in pleasant temperatures.

Well prepared for a cycling holiday in Austria

Are you planning to go cycling in Austria soon? Then a comfortable base is just as important as good preparation.

At Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu, you will find a wide range of holiday homes, chalets and apartments throughout Austria. This makes it easy to choose accommodation close to popular cycling routes and mountain areas.
Because our platform combines offers from several major providers, you can easily compare locations, amenities and prices — without having to search through dozens of websites yourself.
​​​​​​​
👉 View the holiday homes in the Zillertal here

Frequently asked questions about cycling in the Zillertal

What makes the Zillertal suitable for a cycling holiday?

The Zillertal is a popular destination for cycling holidays because the valley offers a good combination of flat cycle paths and challenging mountain roads. You can enjoy relaxed cycling on the Zillertal Radweg, but also take longer trips to side valleys and mountain huts. Thanks to the good infrastructure, e-bike rental and clear signage, the area is suitable for both recreational cyclists and sporty riders.

Is the Zillertal Radweg suitable for children?

Yes, the Zillertal Radweg is one of the most child-friendly cycle routes in Tyrol. The route is largely flat, well maintained and often runs separately from motor traffic. This makes it very suitable for families with children.

Can you hire an e-bike in the Zillertal?

Yes, you can hire a bicycle or e-bike in almost every village in the Zillertal. Places such as Mayrhofen, Zell am Ziller, Fügen and Kaltenbach have several hire points.

Read our blog ‘Cycling in Austria: The Rules You Need to Know’