Stories from the mountain summer
Immerse yourself in the diversity of Zillertal
Cool summers
Hiking in the summer mountain scenery is fascinating and fulfilling at the same time, but there are also experiences beyond this. Be inspired and let us show you the mysterious places of power in Zillertal.
Long before breakfast we are wide awake and also a little bit excited. Swimming in rockpools is on the agenda today. Together in a small group of like-minded people we follow Pia on a narrow path through dense forest. She is our guide and is taking us to one of her favourite secret spots: to fantastic natural pools in the middle of an imposing rock gorge. These “Gumpen” are natural pools formed by the crystal clear streams in their river beds, which also invite you to swim in summer.
The peace and power of water
The partly moss-covered and stony path between rocks and trees is hardly recognisable to us. But Pia knows exactly where to go, and while she steers us purposefully to the site, she tells us about her work as a hiking guide: “Being healthy and happy is the best thing you can strive for. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to help people find inner peace.” She likes to share her knowledge and passion on guided tours through Zillertal’s nature and mountains – just as she is doing with us today. Water, Pia tells us, often plays a significant role in the choice of her destinations. The cool water, in crystal clear mountain lakes or flowing waters, provides instant relaxation in seconds and a real fresh boost.
Inhale, exhale, listen to the spring water rippling. Immerse yourself and experience the whole diversity of the valley – from the rugged Alpine peaks to the small flowers on the side of the trail. Filled with euphoria, Pia tells us what else she
has in her programme: “I know some very special spots that are ideal for yoga and Pilates up the mountain: at the top of a mountain, on the shore of a mountain lake or on scenic sunny plateaus. For my meditation walks I like to find paths to or along the numerous impressive waterfalls. The power of water simply radiates a special peace and calm.”
Water as a stage for experiences
The element of water, we learn, stands for purity and clarity with its powerful yin energy. It symbolises permanently flowing life. But it can also be associated with adrenaline. It is hard to imagine that calm Pia is also a real action professional. As part of an experienced and well-trained team, she accompanies water sports activities such as canyoning, rafting, tubing and riverbug as well as other adventurous experiences. Zillertal offers spectacular locations for this with the Ziller river, numerous tributaries and remote side valleys.
“The element of water
stands for purity and clarity.
It symbolises permanently
flowing life.”
The fascination of eternal ice
“One thing, however, that always amazes my guests is the experience of ‘snow and ice in summer’,” Pia smiles. After all, there are around 75 glaciers in Zillertal, whose peaks are often covered with snow all year round. One special place to experience this first-hand is Hintertux Glacier. “It’s an incredible feeling when you get on the gondola in summer temperatures and suddenly find yourself in a winter landscape at the top station at 3,250 m.” The right preparation and equipment are important here: warm clothing and good footwear. But ice cannot only be found on the glacier all year round. “There are even mountain lakes in higher elevations, which are not even clear of ice in summer in some years,” Pia reports.
Magical moments between day and night
When Pia talks about the sunrise tour she has planned for the next day, we listen fascinated: “You will remember a sunrise on the mountain your whole life. After climbing up in the dark, the horizon begins to glow in soft pink and orange. The night slowly gives way to the dim light of dawn, and you can already see the contours of the surrounding peaks. The world is waking up and the cool air feels invigorating. When the sun finally pushes over the ridges, the landscape is bathed in a golden light. The summits of the Zillertal Alps shine in warm colours. It is a moment of incredible beauty and peace.” The experience during a sunset walk is similar and yet very different. Of course, Pia also has this in
her repertoire. But it’s not just the change between day and night that’s magical, the changing seasons are too. Of course, not all activities can be enjoyed at any time of the year, so it is important to inform yourself well about the weather and temperatures. The safest and most relaxed way is to be accompanied by an experienced guide, so you can fully concentrate on the experience and you will even get to the most tucked away secret spots.
At the destination of dreams
We have now arrived at the crystal clear rockpool and take time for a brief introduction to the Wim-Hof method for breathing meditation. This is based on three pillars: breathing technique, cold therapy and meditation. Under Pia’s guidance, we perform this special breathing technique, which is about optimising the oxygen supply and improving body awareness. It is intended to promote health, strengthen the immune system and increase energy levels.
After having meditated together, we sense a pleasant tingling and a feeling of energy and alertness, but at the same time deep relaxation and inner peace. Now it’s time to get into the rockpool’s ice-cold water. Despite the low water temperature, we manage to overcome our inhibition and embrace the cold. Very mindfully. The feeling is indescribable. Afterwards, Pia has a small warm-up and a hot cup of tea prepared. Filled with feelings of happiness, we head back to our hotel to indulge in breakfast rested and refreshed. But in my mind, we’re already on tomorrow’s sunrise tour with Pia. Because we definitely don’t want to miss that.
Image: Phillip Geisler, Thomas Pfister, Tom Klocker, Christoph Johann
Zillertal Magazine Year-Round Edition 02
Even more stories from the Zillertal
Winter magic Ginzling
The mountain village, where cross-country skiing, hiking and tobogganing turn into a fabulous outdoor experience.
Dreamer and Rebel
From Barcelona to Berlin into Zillertal. The painter Anton Unai followed
the artistic call that came from the mountains and continues to live his
vision of poetry, provocation and a better world here.
Swimming bliss on the mountain
Where the water is as clear as the mountain air. Where there’s a soundtrack
of waves and children’s laughter. Where the mountain calls and we
answer with a daring dive. Welcome to the magnificent lake Fichtensee!
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.
