Zillertal Hidden Gems: 4 Places Between Strass and Fügen

1. Harter Schleier Waterfall: The Highest Waterfall in the Zillertal

Located right near Hart im Zillertal, the Harter Schleier Waterfall plunges 91 meters—making it the highest waterfall in the entire Zillertal. Nevertheless, it is not nearly as well-known as the waterfalls in the upper part of the valley, even though it can be reached quickly from the villages at the valley’s entrance. A destination for a short walk with a big impact, without having to drive all the way to the back of the valley.

2. Bird Trail in Hart: Nature and Schnaps on One Trail

The Bird Trail in Hart im Zillertal is a roughly two-and-a-half-hour loop connecting 15 stations dedicated to native bird species, featuring aviaries and a free-flight hall. Along the way, the trail passes the Haselbach Waterfall and leads to the Kölblhof, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the schnapps distillery. An insider’s tip for anyone who wants to combine nature, tranquility, and a taste of traditional farming craftsmanship on a short loop right at the start of the valley.

3. Putzatal: The Quiet Loop Behind Fügen

While day-trippers are stuck in traffic on the Zillertal High Road, a peaceful circular hike leads from Fügen through the Putzatal valley up to the Goglhof on the Fügenberg. The trail follows the Söllbach stream through unspoiled nature, with a place to stop for refreshments halfway along—a real contrast to the busier destinations in the upper Zillertal, and all without a long drive.

4. Alpengasthaus Loas: The Hidden Gem with a Panoramic View

From the Spieljochbahn’s middle station, a scenic hike leads over the Sonnberg down to Fügen—passing the Alpengasthaus Loas, which is considered a hidden gem even among connoisseurs. From the terrace, the view stretches across the Zillertal to the Karwendel, the Rofan Mountains, and the Wilder Kaiser. Tyrolean cuisine and a panorama that doesn’t require a gondola ride all the way to the mountain station.

Culinary Bonus Tip: The Show Dairy in Fügen

The Zillertal Hay Milk Dairy in Fügen processes GMO-free hay milk from farmers in Hart, Schlitters, Fügen, Kaltenbach, and neighboring communities into twelve varieties of cheese and butter. In the adjoining demonstration cheese dairy, you can watch the master cheesemakers at work and explore historical dairy tools in the small museum—a low-key destination that very few vacationers get around to visiting.

The Perfect Starting Point

All four recommendations are located right in the vicinity of Perfect Lodgings in Hart im Zillertal—none of them requires a long drive into the back of the valley. Those seeking the tranquility of the sunny side of the Zillertal will often find it at the valley’s entrance sooner than they think.