Few areas can match the Zillertal, in the Austrian Tyrol, for a first Alpine season. Shapely peaks, good paths and some of the best huts in the Alps make it ideal for experienced trekkers and mountaineers alike.

This guide describes two popular hut-to-hut routes, both of which can be accomplished in eight to ten days, with the option to add in day excursions from the huts to climb local peaks on both sides of the border, including the Zillertal's highest summit, the Hochfeiler.

The Zillertal Rucksack Route, or Berliner Hoehen Weg, links eight huts without crossing glaciers or difficult passes, with ample opportunity for scaling nearby peaks. It starts above Mayrhofen and follows a circular route ending high above the charming village of Ginzling.

The length of this tour is 70-80km, depending on your exact start and finish points, and ascends some 6700m. As the name suggests, the Rucksack Route can be traversed entirely without crossing glaciers and without specialist climbing skills. However, it does involve negotiating steep ground, crossing late summer snow and making use of fixed wire rope here and there that are installed to aid stability.

The Zillertal South Tyrol Tour traverses the whole range along the Austro-Italian border, starting at Turistenraste then linking back to the Rucksack Route to make a circular tour. It is virtually unknown outside the South Tyrol, which helps make it into an interesting and unusual route choice.

Overall it is about 55km long and ascends just over 5000m (not including any additional peaks.) It is a physically demanding trek, providing an excellent challenge to more experienced alpine walkers who wish to undertake a tour that is remote and challenging.

• Both routes are illustrated with sketch maps and profiles.
• Glossary, hut directory, alpine walking tips and lots of other practical information included.
• Easy access to the routes from Mayrhofen.

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