Village with a golden past: The small municipality of Hainzenberg lies at the entrance to the secluded Gerlostal Valley, which branches off eastwards from the larger Zillertal Valley.
Its 700 residents mostly live in traditional farmhouses dotted across the mountainside. Far below, the Gerlosbach stream winds its way along the narrow valley floor. Hainzenberg was a hub of gold mining as early as the 16th century and today houses a show mine where visitors can learn all about this industry and life underground many centuries ago. Just a few metres away lie two further attractions: the Hochzeller Käsealm dairy farm and an animal park with ibex and mouflons. A good way to round off a day in Hainzenberg is with a walk along the Erlebniswanderung Goldbergbau, an educational trail with information boards telling walkers about gold mining in the area. Hainzenberg is also popular thanks to its Maria Rast church, which is the most visited place of pilgrimage in the Zillertal Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts can access the surrounding mountains from the Dörfl area of the village, where the modern Gerlossteinbahn operates throughout the year. In winter it takes skiers and snowboarders to the slopes of the small ski resort Gerlosstein, which is also home to the longest toboggan run in the Zillertal Valley, while in summer it is used by climbers to shorten the ascent to the Gerlossteinwand with its many rock climbing pitches. The Arena-Skyliner zipwire next to the bottom of the cable car gives adrenaline junkies the opportunity to see the region from a new perspective high above the treetops.
Its 700 residents mostly live in traditional farmhouses dotted across the mountainside. Far below, the Gerlosbach stream winds its way along the…
