Stories from the Nature Park
In the heart of the Natur Park
Winter Magic Ginzling
The mountain village in Ginzling where cross-country skiing, hiking and tobogganing become a fabulous and unforgettable outdoor experience.
When thick snowflakes float silently to the ground and the landscape around the 1,000 metre-high, historic mountaineering village of Ginzling is transformed into a white dream within just a few hours, an unforgettable sight emerges. And when, soon afterwards, the sun comes out and the ice crystals begin to glitter like a sea of diamonds, a single thought emerges that you would have no where else: Winter magic! Located in the middle of the beautiful and wildly romantic Zillertal Alps Nature Park, a world opens up along the Zemmbach between Mayrhofen and the Schlegeis, where you can actually experience nature as it really is. Where, if not here, should the happiness of those in search of activity with
an authentic flair be found?
The cross-country track is the stage
A longing that will find its unparalleled fulfilment on cross-country skis. With a total length of 6.7 kilometres, the Ginzling cross-country ski trail – with both a classic and a skating trail – stretches over gentle hills and through snowy forests. The track is the stage, the breathtaking mountain panorama the backdrop. The tour starts at the Nature Park House, and those who have studied a little bit about the history of Dornauberg-Ginzling beforehand will have many an aha moment on their tour.
"In view of the gift
of this fantastic environment, we needed an
alternative idea for the winter, because we
don't have classic ski tourism."
Willi Seifert, Nature Park Zillertal managing director
Like the discovery of the Maxhütte, which was built at the beginning of the 19th century as a hunting lodge. Or the view of the Floitenschlag, a steep slope, where Elisabeth Lackner, as the legendary "Floitenschlagstaude", once became Tyrol's most famous poacher. At the end of the 19th century, the village developed into a centre for mountaineers, where a Zillertal bedrock, the "Steinklauber Josele", once made history for mountain guides and mineral collectors. The famous Berliner Hütte at 2,042 metres altitude was also built at that time and is still an indispensable starting point for summit tours in high alpine terrain. Or also for a climbing expedition to the Schönbichler Horn (3,133 metres).
But the magic of the experience in nature can also be experienced in a special way in many other places. Willi Seifert, managing director of the nature park, explains: "In view of the gift of this fantastic environment, we needed an alternative idea for the winter, because we don't have classic ski tourism." And so, in addition to the cross-country ski trail, snowshoeing has also been available for a long time as a way of enjoying the splendour of Zemmtal in contemplative tranquillity. And for those who prefer to go on a guided ski tour … the offer is always there.
But this idyll can also handle a bit of speed. The toboggan run, leading from Ginzling up to the Tristenbachalm, is enticing with more than three kilometres and adventurous curves. And for the younger and young-at-heart, there is also a snowtubing track at the Floitenlift, which perfectly complements the offer for families. We all know Eldorado as the legendary land of gold. It is fitting to think of the alluring white of Ginzling as the gold of Zillertal. And to have the feeling at every moment that you will one day tell many stories about this Eldorado – as an active winter magician.
Image: Jens Diehr, Katharina Weisshaupt and text: Wolfgang M. Gran
Zillertal magazine Winter 2020/21
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Zillertal
Welcome to Zillertal! Where sun, snow and well-being become the meaning of life and where great freedom tempts you to let go.
Zillertal Newsletter
Our newsletter provides you with great information about the Zillertal. Get the best seasonal tips, information from the ski resorts and about the summer mountain railways and much more.
Hosts in Zillertal
Find the right accommodation for your perfect winter holiday in Zillertal – from cosy private rooms to luxury five-star hotels.
Getting to Zillertal
Zillertal is located in the west of Austria and is the widest of the side valleys on the south side of the Inntal Valley. Get to Zillertal safely and comfortably.
