Gerlos: Nature Experiences and History

Gerlos combines nature experiences with a specific connection to church history. Along the Erlebnisreichweg, more than 40 stations for sensory nature experiences accompany the Gerlosbach; Latschenland on the Isskogel is at an altitude of 1,950 m, and there is a circular hike around the reservoir at the Durlaßboden Reservoir. These activities differ in form: a family hiking trail with stations, an adventure world at high altitude, and a circuit with places to stop for refreshments. When planning your holiday, you can therefore start with the experience you want, rather than treating all the excursions as similar hikes.

Church History and Nature Experiences

The Gerlos church, dedicated to Saints Lambert and Leonhard, was first mentioned in 1470 as a branch church of Zell am Ziller. Its dedication and its ecclesiastical affiliation at the time give it a distinctive cultural and historical character alongside the outdoor experiences. If you would also like to take a place’s history into account when planning your trip, the church offers a different subject from the hiking trails and the adventure world on the Isskogel. Its connection with Zell am Ziller is part of the church’s history.

The Erlebnisreichweg Gerlos is a family hiking trail along the Gerlosbach, with more than 40 stations for sensory nature experiences. Its distinctive character comes from combining a hike with sensory stations: nature is not merely the backdrop to the trail, but is explicitly at the heart of the experience. For families who want to explore the outdoors together, this is what sets it apart from a hike where the route itself is the main focus.

Latschenland on the Isskogel in Gerlos is an adventure world at an altitude of 1,950 m. Unlike the Erlebnisreichweg along the stream, the focus here is on an adventure world high in the mountains. Access to the mountain is seasonal. If you plan to visit Latschenland, check mountain access for your travel dates.

At the Durlaßboden Reservoir, a circular hike around the reservoir offers places to stop for refreshments at the Alpengasthof Finkau, Bärschlagalm and Seestüberl on the top of the dam. This makes for a third type of excursion alongside the trail with its many stations and the mountain adventure world: a circuit around the lake, with opportunities to stop for refreshments. If you prefer a circular hike with places to stop, you can take this into account when choosing your excursion.

Regional Treats and Choosing a Holiday Apartment

During the 2026 market season, the Zillertal farmers’ market offers fresh bread, cheese, eggs, bacon, honey, schnapps and other high-quality regional products from agricultural producers. Visitors can sample a variety of Zillertal specialities at a tasting stand. The focus is therefore different from that of the hiking and nature experiences: food and tastings take centre stage.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Gerlos, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your holiday: a family hiking trail with sensory stations, an adventure world with seasonal mountain access, or a circular hike with places to stop for refreshments. These are different types of excursions. Consider which kind of activity suits your stay, then compare the specific location and amenity details of the individual holiday apartments.

Discover more destinations: Maurach, Zellberg, Finkenberg, Strass Im Zillertal, Pill, Stumm, Fügen, Achenkirch.

Go to the main travel overview: Schwaz.