Zell am Ziller

Zell am Ziller is located in the Austrian state of Tyrol, in the heart of the Zillertal valley. The town has a population of about 1,800 people and is located at an elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The stunning scenery of the Zillertal Alps, which are part of the Central Eastern Alps, surrounds Zell am Ziller. Zell am Ziller is approximately 60 kilometers from Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, and approximately 150 kilometers from Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace. Zell am Ziller is the starting point for the Zillertal Arena, the valley’s largest ski area, with 140 kilometers of slopes, 52 lifts, and 200 kilometers of cross-country trails. There is also a snow park, a fun park, a ski movie track, and a speed check track at the arena. 

Zell am Ziller has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the eighth century. Zell am Ziller was first mentioned in the year 889, when it was referred to as “Celles.” The Benedictine monks of Innichen Abbey founded the town by establishing a monastery and a church in the valley. The monks converted the valley’s inhabitants to Christianity. Zell am Ziller was once the valley’s administrative and religious center, and it still retains its old-town charm, complete with historic buildings, churches, and monuments. With the arrival of industrialization, tourism, and infrastructure, Zell am Ziller entered the modern era. The town benefited from the Zillertal Railway, which opened in 1902 and connected the valley to the Inn valley and beyond. The town’s tourism industry grew as it became a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, particularly after the Zillertal Arena opened in 1967.

Zell am Ziller is endowed with numerous waterways and natural beauty, which add to its allure and beauty. The town is situated on the banks of the Ziller river, a major tributary of the Inn river. The Ziller river rises from the Zillertal Glacier and flows for 55 kilometers through the Zillertal valley before joining the Inn river near Jenbach. Zell am Ziller also has several lakes, ponds, and waterfalls that provide visitors with refreshing and relaxing spots. The Durlassboden Reservoir, Gerlos Lake, Krimml Waterfalls, and Rosenalm Lake are among the most popular water attractions in Zell am Ziller. The Erlebnistherme Zillertal in Zell am Ziller also has indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, slides, and wellness facilities.

The majestic peaks of the Zillertal Alps surround Zell am Ziller, providing stunning views and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. The Zillertal Arena is the valley’s largest ski area, spanning four villages and two provinces and boasting over 140 kilometers of slopes, 52 lifts, and 200 kilometers of cross-country trails. Skiing and snowboarding are not the only snow activities available in Zell am Ziller. Other winter activities available in town include snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, curling, and snow tubing. A horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscape is also available for a more romantic experience.

However, Zell am Ziller is more than just a winter wonderland. In the summer, the town transforms into a hiking, biking, climbing, and nature lover’s paradise. Over 400 kilometers of hiking trails, 325 kilometers of bike routes, and 9 summer cable cars are available at the Zillertal Arena. A leisure park with a swimming pool, a mini golf course, a tennis court, a beach volleyball court, and a playground is also available in the town. Zell am Ziller is also a cultural center, with numerous events and festivals held throughout the year. The most well-known of these is the Gauder Fest, Tyrol’s oldest and largest folk festival, held every May. A colorful parade, traditional costumes, music, dancing, food, and beer are all part of the festival. The Zillertal Advent, Zillertal Music Festival, and Zillertal Ski and Snowboard Show are among the other events.

The Arena Coaster, a 1.5-kilometer-long summer and winter toboggan run with twists, turns, jumps, and waves, is another adventure and leisure hotspot in Zell am Ziller. The coaster also has a 360-degree loop and can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. The coaster is appropriate for all ages and provides a thrilling ride. The Arena Skyliner, a 738-meter-long flying fox with four stages and a 65-meter height difference, is one of the most exciting adventure sports in Zell am Ziller. The Skyliner can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour and provides an aerial view of the Zillertal Arena. The Skyliner is suitable for people of all ages and provides a thrilling ride.

With its historic buildings, churches, and monuments, Zell am Ziller has a charming old town. The Parish Church of St. Vitus, which was built in the 15th century and features a Gothic tower, a Baroque altar, and a Rococo organ, is the town’s main attraction. The church also houses a museum with a collection of religious artifacts and artwork. The Zillertal Regional Museum, housed in the former Zillertal Court, is another highlight of the old town. The museum depicts the valley’s history, culture, and traditions through exhibits on farming, handicrafts, mining, music, and folklore. Regular events and workshops, such as bread baking, cheese making, and wood carving, are also held at the museum.

Zell am Ziller is a town that serves as both a destination and a jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding gems of the Zillertal valley. The town has a number of nearby villages and towns, excursions and day trips, and hidden gems to discover.Excursions and day trips are available from Zell am Ziller to explore the beauty and diversity of the Zillertal valley and beyond. Popular attractions include the scenic Zillertal High Altitude Road, which provides panoramic views of the valley and Alps, and the Wintertux Glacier, Austria’s only year-round ski area with 60 kilometers of slopes, 21 lifts, and a glacier park. Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is about 60 kilometers away from Zell am Ziller.

Zell am Ziller is much more than a ski resort. It is a place where history, culture, nature, and adventure collide to create an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and interests.