Meet the Marmots: Planning a Family Adventure to Murmelland Zillertal
Looking for a family day out that’s pure alpine magic without the complex logistics or high ticket prices? Murmelland Zillertal is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. With free entry, playful learning, and panoramic mountain views, Murmelland Zillertal pairs perfectly with a stay at Gasthof Untermetzger in Zell am Ziller. Below you’ll find everything you need to know—what it is, how to get there via the Zillertaler Höhenstraße, what to bring, and easy ways to build a full, kid-approved day in the valley.
What is Murmelland Zillertal?
Murmelland Zillertal is a family-friendly stop dedicated to the alpine marmot, set directly on the scenic Zillertaler Höhenstraße by the Kaltenbacher Skihütte at around 1,800 meters. It’s designed for hands-on discovery and open-air fun:
- Observe marmots—native to the Alps—in a natural mountain setting.
- Visit the children’s farm to gently pet and even feed friendly animals.
- Let kids roam a large playground and a water play area.
- Enjoy all of the above with free entry.
The result is a relaxed, nature-rich outing that blends wildlife encounters with safe, open play.
When to go and what you’ll see
Because Murmelland Zillertal sits along the Zillertaler Höhenstraße, access follows the road’s operating season. The Zillertaler Höhenstraße typically opens from mid-May to the end of October, depending on snow conditions. That makes late spring, summer, and early autumn ideal times to visit.
What to expect when you arrive:
- High-alpine backdrop: At roughly 1,800 m, the site offers fresh mountain air and big views—great for a family photo stop.
- Play-based learning: Kids get to see how marmots live while moving freely between the playground and water area.
- Gentle animal time: The children’s farm encourages respectful interaction (always follow the posted rules and on-site guidance).
Tip: Marmots are typically most active during daylight hours in warmer months. A mid-morning or mid-afternoon window often balances cooler temperatures with good energy for young explorers.
Getting to Murmelland Zillertal via the Zillertaler Höhenstraße
The Zillertaler Höhenstraße is one of Austria’s most beautiful mountain roads—a panoramic route that winds above Ried, Kaltenbach, Zell, and Aschau through the Tux Prealps.
- Toll: The scenic road is a toll route; for cars, the fee is €8.
- Altitude: The road runs mostly between 1,700 and 2,100 meters and stretches nearly 50 km.
- Season: Generally open mid-May to end-October, weather permitting.
- Access points: There are five different ways up, including entries above Zell, Ried, Kaltenbach, and Aschau.
Murmelland Zillertal is located by the Kaltenbacher Skihütte, so the Kaltenbach access is a natural approach. If you’re staying in Zell am Ziller at Gasthof Untermetzger (Unterdorf 5, 6280 Zell am Ziller), you’re ideally placed to choose the access that best matches your day’s plans and current road advice.
Scenic stops along the way
One joy of the Zillertaler Höhenstraße is the freedom to pause for a view or a snack. Traditional mountain huts—including the Grünalm, Platzlalm, and Zirmstadl—invite a break with spectacular panoramas. Consider building in a hut pause either before or after your Murmelland Zillertal visit for an easy, pace-friendly family rhythm.
- Learn more about the drive: Die Zillertaler Höhenstraße – Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis in den Tuxer Alpen
Family-friendly tips for an easy day out
A little prep maximizes comfort at altitude and keeps the focus on fun.
- Dress in layers: Mountain weather changes quickly. Pack a light jacket even on sunny days.
- Sun protection: High elevation means stronger UV. Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes for trails and water shoes or sandals for the splash area.
- Snacks & water: Keep energy up with simple snacks and refillable bottles.
- Cash for the toll: The Zillertaler Höhenstraße toll for cars is €8; bring small bills or coins as needed.
- Gentle animal etiquette: Follow posted guidelines for petting and feeding. Supervise children during animal interactions.
- Photos: A lightweight camera or phone captures marmot sightings and big-sky views.
If you’re exploring the region in summer, the Zillertal Activcard—valid mid-May to mid-October—acts as an all-in-one ticket to varied mountain experiences and family-friendly highlights across the valley. It’s a helpful add-on when you plan multiple outings. For broader ideas, browse our summer inspiration: Aktiver Sommerurlaub im Zillertal.
Make Gasthof Untermetzger your family base in Zell am Ziller
Set in the village center of Zell am Ziller, Gasthof Untermetzger is a traditional 3-star guesthouse and hotel that blends Tyrolean charm with practical comforts for families.
- Address: Unterdorf 5, 6280 Zell am Ziller, Austria
- Atmosphere: Warm hospitality, cozy parlors, and a friendly, central base for day trips.
- Breakfast: Start strong with a rich breakfast buffet offering a wide selection.
- Dining: An à-la-carte Stube serves regional specialties and international dishes.
- Midweek highlight: Every Wednesday from 18:00, enjoy an all-you-can-eat Thai buffet (€23 per person) with assorted chicken and pork dishes. Reserve via info@hoteluntermetzger.at or +43 664 4179520.
- Relaxation: A new wellness area with sauna and Jacuzzi welcomes you after a day in the mountains.
Rooms, apartments, and dining your way
Choose what fits your family best:
- Rooms with breakfast, half board, or all-inclusive options.
- A spacious 15-person apartment with a furnished balcony overlooking the mountains and village center, two private bathrooms plus two separate WCs, and free Wi‑Fi.
- A 6-person apartment spanning 140 m² with six separate beds across several sleeping areas, a living room with a fully equipped kitchen, and free Wi‑Fi.
- Both apartments include energy costs in the rate and invite you to use all hotel amenities, including the bar and à-la-carte restaurant.
Wellness and cyclist-friendly touches
- Unwind in the sauna and Jacuzzi—a soothing finish to an active family day.
- Cyclists appreciate the coded bike room with a Stashed hanging system for secure, tidy storage.
Flexible peace of mind
Add the optional Sorglos travel cancellation insurance for extra confidence. It refunds prepaid travel costs if you must cancel due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen events, and it covers accompanying family or friends. You can add it during booking or later. Mass-hazard events (e.g., border closures or public-health emergencies) are excluded. Details: Sorglos Reiserücktrittsversicherung
Pro tip: Check our website’s Promo & Last Minutes for current savings or value-added packages when available.
Nearby family highlights to combine with your trip
Round out your Murmelland Zillertal day with easy add-ons near Gasthof Untermetzger:
- Zeller Freizeitpark (about 200 m from the hotel): Outdoor pool with sport basin, whirl pool circle, giant slide, kids’ pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, bowling, beach volleyball, adventure mini-golf “Die Schätze des Zillertales,” a large gold-digger playground, football and fun court, bouldering tower, and an ice-skating area in season.
- Scenic drives and nature: Pair Murmelland Zillertal with other panoramic experiences on the Zillertaler Höhenstraße or plan a separate day at the spectacular Krimmler Waterfalls.
Murmelland Zillertal: quick answers
What is Murmelland Zillertal?
- A free, family-friendly stop focused on alpine marmots, with a children’s farm, playground, and water play area.
Where is Murmelland Zillertal?
- On the Zillertaler Höhenstraße by the Kaltenbacher Skihütte, at roughly 1,800 m.
How much does it cost?
- Entry is free. The Zillertaler Höhenstraße is a toll road (€8 for cars).
When is it open?
- Access aligns with the Zillertaler Höhenstraße season: generally mid-May to end-October, depending on snow.
Can I combine the visit with other activities?
- Yes—add scenic hut stops along the Höhenstraße, the Zeller Freizeitpark near the hotel, or a separate day at the Krimmler Waterfalls.
Where should I stay?
- Gasthof Untermetzger in Zell am Ziller offers rooms and apartments, a generous breakfast buffet, an à-la-carte restaurant, a Wednesday Thai buffet (€23 pp), a sauna and Jacuzzi, and a secure bike room.
Plan your Murmelland Zillertal day from Gasthof Untermetzger
Murmelland Zillertal is a rare mix of educational fun and mountain freedom—no queues, no pressure, just space to play and learn. Base yourself at Gasthof Untermetzger in Zell am Ziller for easy access to the Zillertaler Höhenstraße, family-ready amenities, and a welcoming team.
Ready to meet the marmots? Book your stay online, or contact us at info@hoteluntermetzger.at or +43 664 4179520. If you’re here on a Wednesday, remember to reserve your table for the all-you-can-eat Thai buffet (€23 per person). And for summer inspiration across the valley, start here: Aktiver Sommerurlaub im Zillertal.