Ried im Zillertal – Hiking, Chapels and the High Alpine Road

Ried im Zillertal combines nature experiences with visible history and diverse trails. Above the tree line begins an approximately 200-hectare alpine pasture area that continues to be used for alpine farming. At the same time, forested areas cover a good 50 percent of the municipality. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home will therefore find a starting point here for hikes, cultural discoveries and a drive along the Zillertal High Alpine Road.

Forest, Alpine Pastures and the Zillertal High Alpine Road

The Zillertal High Alpine Road is open to visitors and has five access roads, including one in Ried im Zillertal. Anyone wishing to experience the entire high alpine road should begin the ascent in Ried. Its route reaches its highest point at Melchboden, at 2,020 metres. Along the route, at an altitude of 850 metres, lies the Schönblick wildlife enclosure with a playground. This combines an excursion into the mountain landscape with a specific destination, without viewing the municipality merely as a place to pass through.

If you are planning a day on the high alpine road, the recommended ascent begins directly in Ried. For a quieter focus on nature, however, head into the forest and up towards the alpine pasture area. The Hochzillertal-Hochfügen ski area is only a few minutes by car from Ried im Zillertal and adds to the options for a stay with different seasonal interests.

Riedberg Chapel and Stations of the Cross

The Riedberg Chapel is a particularly appealing destination. It is located in the middle of the forest and can be reached from Taxach, a district of Ried, via a field and forest path in approximately 15 minutes. The chapel was built in honour of the Virgin Mary and is dedicated to Marian devotion. May devotions are held there every year in May. In June, a Stations of the Cross procession to Riedberg Chapel takes place from Ried.

The Stations of the Cross begins at the Riedbach Bridge in Ried, follows the Riedbach stream and climbs uphill along a forest path to the chapel. Along the route, the 14 Stations of the Passion of Jesus Christ are depicted in relief in simple chapels. Hermann Wildauer designed the sculptures, while Walter Rom from Kundl produced the bronze casting of the individual panels. The route can also be walked as a path for contemplation. For families with different interests, this route offers a clear combination of exercise, forest and a culturally significant destination, without implying any specific walking time from the description.

Routes for Different Holiday Days

Those who prefer a manageable loop can plan the Ried–Kaltenbach–Stumm–Ried circular hiking trail. It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and is 4.3 kilometres long. The route can be reached by train or bus on the Zillertalbahn to the Ried im Zillertal railway stop. A longer option is the Ried–St. Pankraz Church–Ried hiking route, which takes 2 hours and 30 minutes and covers 8.2 kilometres.

The Zillertal cycle path also passes through Uderns, Ried im Zillertal and Kaltenbach. Its almost level route is considered particularly family-friendly. This means you can choose between a shorter loop, a longer hike and an almost level cycle route, depending on how you feel that day. Accommodation in Ried is especially worth considering if you would like to include several of these starting points and the Zillertal High Alpine Road in your travel plans.

Historical Traces in the Townscape

Ried's cultural heritage includes several protected buildings. The old cemetery section with its cemetery chapel in Ried im Zillertal is protected as a historic monument by ordinance. The Widum at Kirchweg 2 in Ried im Zillertal is likewise protected as a historic monument by ordinance. In the parish church of St John the Baptist, the high altar is decorated with a relief by the sculptor Josef Bachlechner. These places give visitors additional points of interest for combining trails and landscapes with sacred art and regional architectural history.

More Places for Your Travel Plans

If you would like to compare Ried im Zillertal with other places, you will find the relevant points of interest here: Ginzling, Wiesing, Gerlosberg, Weer, Gattererberg, Kaltenbach, Hollenzen and Schöneben.

For the overarching travel overview: Schwaz.