Austria's Zillertal Region: A Swiss Fairytale Without the Crowds or the Price Tag
Imagine scenery as breathtaking as Switzerland, but with fewer crowds and a gentler price point. That's exactly what you'll find in the enchanting Zillertal region of Tyrol, Austria.
A Road Trip Through Alpine Splendor
On our recent 7-day road trip from Germany through Austria, we discovered two truly spectacular spots: Olpererhütte and Lünersee. The natural landscapes here are simply heavenly. The scenic drives felt like something out of a movie, with charming chalets and hotels that looked like they belonged on a postcard. And the food? Absolutely delicious, with Kaiserschmarrn being a must-try! Best of all, the prices were incredibly reasonable.
A road trip is the ideal way to experience this region, allowing you to soak in the beauty along the way and make spontaneous stops at picturesque locations. However, if you prefer public transport, it's still feasible. You can travel from Munich or Innsbruck, and there are even buses that take you to the starting point for the Olpererhütte hike.
Hiking to the Iconic Olpererhütte
We stayed at a hotel in Schwendau, about a 45-minute drive from Schlegeis. From there, it was a 2-hour hike up to Olpererhütte and its legendary suspension bridge. We spent time capturing photos and enjoying lunch at the lodge, perched at an altitude of 2389 meters, before a leisurely 1-hour descent. This hike is generally easy, even for beginners, but wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for safety. Pro tip: Pack a stylish outfit in your backpack to change into at the bridge for those perfect shots!
Discovering the Serene Lünersee
Our accommodation for Lünersee was a charming chalet in Büserberg, a 30-minute drive from the lake's parking area. You can take a cable car up in the afternoon. From there, a 5km loop around the lake takes about 2 hours, including plenty of photo opportunities. You can hike back down in about an hour, or simply take the cable car back down.
Detailed information about the hiking routes and parking for both locations is available in the comments below. As always, please leave your questions there so we can answer them for everyone, and refrain from sending private messages.
Credit: Nguyen Huyen
