Gerlos, tucked high in Austria’s Tyrol, is a friendly alpine village with centuries of farming heritage and a proud mountain culture. Today it’s the heart of the Zillertal Arena, a vast ski and hiking domain that stretches over Gerlos, Zell am Ziller, Königsleiten, and Hochkrimml. Whether you come for powder stashes in January or wildflower meadows in July, Gerlos rewards you with big scenery and easygoing alpine hospitality.

History still shapes daily life here: the Gerlos Pass once carried pack mules and merchants; now it brings skiers, hikers, and families to cable cars like the Isskogelbahn and Dorfbahn. In summer, the Durlassboden reservoir becomes a blue-green playground for walkers and paddlers; in winter, pistes and cross-country trails weave between spruce forests and cozy mountain huts.

Plan for alpine weather (layers year-round), Euro cash for small huts, and advance bookings for ski school or summer guides. Winter runs December–April; hiking and lake activities May–October. Tyrolean cuisine—dumplings, game stews, and kaiserschmarrn—is hearty and honest, best enjoyed with a local beer or a small glass of schnapps after a big day outdoors.

Gerlos

Gerlos makes an excellent 7-day base—compact, walkable, and steps from lifts. The Isskogelbahn and Dorfbahn whisk you onto the Zillertal Arena ridges fast, with panoramic trails in summer and wide, intermediate-friendly pistes in winter. Families love the kid zones; advanced riders hop over to the higher, snow-sure slopes toward Königsleiten and Hochkrimml.

Top sights and activities include the Durlassboden reservoir (lakeside walks and SUP in summer), the scenic Schönachtal valley hike, the Krimml Waterfalls day trip, and the Arena Coaster in nearby Zell am Ziller. In winter, consider night tobogganing at the Gerlosstein run in Hainzenberg and guided off-piste days when conditions are stable.

• How to get here: Fly into Innsbruck (~1.5–2.5 hours by train+bus), Munich (~3–3.5 hours), or Salzburg (~3–4 hours). For European flights and rail, compare on Omio (flights), Omio (trains), and Omio (buses). Coming from outside Europe, check fares on Kiwi.com and Trip.com (flights).
• Typical costs: Munich Airport–Gerlos by train+bus ~€45–€70, 3–3.5 hours (Munich–Jenbach–Zell am Ziller by train, then bus 4094 to Gerlos ~35–45 min). Innsbruck–Gerlos ~€20–€35, ~2 hours (Innsbruck–Jenbach–Zell by train + bus).
• Where to stay: Search stays near the Isskogelbahn/Dorfbahn for walk-to-lift convenience on VRBO (Gerlos) and Hotels.com (Gerlos). If you’re aiming for Almhof Family Resort & SPA, note its large spa, kids’ areas, and excellent half-board dining; other reliable options include Gaspingerhof (steps from the Dorfbahn) and Traumhotel Alpina (adults-focused wellness).

Eats & drinks you’ll love: Expect mountain-hut lunches (think goulash soup, speck platters) and cozy village dinners. In and around Gerlos, look for: Gaspingerhof’s restaurant for refined Tyrolean dishes; Rössl Alm near the valley station for hearty classics and a lively vibe; Latschenalm or Isskogel Alm on the mountain for sunny terrace lunches; and the popular Cin-Cin Gerlos for après-ski and late-night music.

Day 1: Arrival, Alpine Air, and a Cozy Tyrolean Dinner

Afternoon: Arrive via Innsbruck or Munich. From the airport, use trains to Jenbach, then the Zillertalbahn to Zell am Ziller and bus 4094 up to Gerlos (about 2–3.5 hours total; compare routes on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses)). Check into your hotel—if you’re at Almhof, drop bags and take a quick spa circuit to shake off the travel.

Evening: Stretch your legs with a gentle stroll along the Gerlosbach riverside path. Dinner nearby: book at the restaurant of Gaspingerhof for seasonal Tyrolean cuisine—think venison with red cabbage or herb-crusted trout—paired with Austrian wines. Nightcap at Cin-Cin Gerlos for live music and a lively alpine welcome.

Day 2: Zillertal Arena Kickoff — Isskogelbahn and Panoramic Ridges

Morning: Breakfast at your hotel. Pick up gear from a reputable village outfitter (expect €30–€45/day for skis; e-bikes €45–€70/day in summer). Ride the Isskogelbahn into the heart of the Zillertal Arena. In winter, warm up on the wide reds above Gerlos; in summer, follow the panoramic trail toward the Stoanmandl viewpoint.

Afternoon: Lunch on the mountain at Latschenalm or Isskogel Alm—order kaspressknödel soup or a Brettljause (cheese-and-cured-meat board). Keep exploring: advanced skiers/riders can traverse toward Königsleiten/Hochkrimml for longer runs; hikers can loop back via alpine meadows bursting with gentians in early summer.

Evening: Spa time back at the hotel. For dinner, head to Rössl Alm near the valley station for sizzled schnitzel, cheesy spätzle, and a crisp Zillertal beer. If energy remains, a short, starlit walk through the village caps the night.

Day 3: Durlassboden Reservoir and the Gerlos Pass

Morning: Take the scenic bus over the Gerlos Pass to the Durlassboden reservoir (20–25 minutes). In summer, walk the lakeside loop with mirror-like views of the Reichenspitze range; rent a SUP or try a windsurf session at the lakeside school when winds pick up. In winter, this plateau often hosts cross-country tracks and snowshoe trails.

Afternoon: Lunch at a lakeside inn such as a traditional Seestüberl—order a Gröstl (potato–onion–meat hash topped with a fried egg) or a seasonal salad with mountain cheese. Amble across the dam, then ride back to Gerlos for a coffee and apfelstrudel at a village café or your hotel lounge.

Evening: Treat yourself to your hotel’s half-board menu if included, or try a fondue/raclette evening available at select hotel restaurants in town—perfect on cooler nights. Finish with a local schnapps tasting—pear or stone pine are regional favorites.

Day 4: Day Trip to Krimml Waterfalls (Europe’s Highest Tiered Falls)

Morning: Bus from Gerlos to Krimml via the pass (about 45–60 minutes; check departures on Omio (buses)). Visit the WasserWelten Krimml visitor center, then hike the well-marked path along the three tiers—misty viewpoints appear at regular intervals. Bring a light rain shell; the spray is part of the fun.

Afternoon: Lunch in Krimml at a village inn—look for roast pork with dumplings or a vegetarian spätzle bake. If traveling with kids, linger at the interactive exhibits before returning to Gerlos.

Evening: Back in Gerlos, unwind in the spa. Dinner suggestion: the restaurant at your hotel or a reservation back at Gaspingerhof for a different menu rotation—try seasonal mushrooms in autumn or asparagus in spring. A calm evening suits the legs after the waterfall climb.

Day 5: Mayrhofen Town and Mountain Views

Morning: Bus to Zell am Ziller (35–45 minutes) and hop on the Zillertalbahn to Mayrhofen (12 minutes; fares ~€4–€5—search on Omio (trains)). Explore Mayrhofen’s main street, artisan shops, and the parish church.

Afternoon: Ride the Penkenbahn or Ahornbahn for big-deck viewpoints; in summer, the Ahorn plateau offers gentle panorama trails, while in winter both areas deliver great skiing. Lunch ideas: Ahornhütte (mountain herb soup and panoramic terraces) or a Penken panoramic restaurant with hearty alpine plates.

Evening: Before returning, dine at Mayrhofen’s beloved Gasthof Perauer—grilled meats from their wood-fired oven and dumpling trios are standouts. Train and bus back to Gerlos for a restful night.

Day 6: Alpine Thrills — Arena Coaster, Dairy Visit, and Night Tobogganing

Morning: Head to Zell am Ziller’s Arena Coaster, an all-season alpine coaster beside the valley station (tickets roughly €7–€9 per ride; family packages available). It’s a quick adrenaline fix with banked curves and photo ops.

Afternoon: Continue to the ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal (Mayrhofen) for a self-guided tour of the show dairy—learn how mountain milk becomes butter and gray cheese; sample yogurts and spreads (entry commonly in the €10–€15 range). Return to Gerlos by late afternoon.

Evening: If snow season, try the Gerlosstein toboggan run in Hainzenberg (7 km; often open for night sledding—check hours locally); rent a sledge at the base. Not winter? Swap for a sunset hike into the Schönachtal valley and a cozy dinner at a village restaurant.

Day 7: Slow Morning, Schönachtal Stroll, and Departure

Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a long breakfast. Take an easy out-and-back walk into the Schönachtal—gentle grades, streamside paths, and classic Tyrolean barns. In winter, this valley is lovely for a short snowshoe; in summer, look for marmots and gentians.

Afternoon: Light lunch in town—order soup of the day and a kaiserschmarrn to share. Pack up and transfer to your airport: Gerlos–Zell bus (35–45 min), Zillertalbahn to Jenbach, then onward trains to Innsbruck, Munich, or Salzburg. Compare schedules and fares on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses); for flights within Europe use Omio (flights), and for long-haul check Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

Evening: If you have time before a late departure, squeeze in one last sauna session or a slice of apfelstrudel at your hotel lounge. Bid the valley “Servus” and start planning a return in a different season.

Where to book your stay: Browse chalets, apartments, and hotels in Gerlos on VRBO (Gerlos) and Hotels.com (Gerlos). For families eyeing Almhof, book early for peak weeks; couples might prefer a wellness-focused hotel steps from the Dorfbahn.

This week in Gerlos blends the best of Tyrol: high-mountain scenery, the Zillertal Arena’s lift network, and restful evenings in spa warmth. Whether you ski, hike, or simply savor good food between viewpoints, you’ll leave with alpine rhythm in your step.