Aschau im Zillertal is an alpine town in the Ziller Valley in Tyrol, Austria. Like many of the Ziller Valley towns, it is a popular tourist destination in both winter and summer, although Aschau lacks winter sports infrastructure of its own.
Understand
Aschau is a town at a narrowing of the Ziller Valley, with the main settlement at the bottom of the valley and several suburbs and hamlets on the mountain slopes.
History
Aschau has a long history dating back to 1309 when the village was first mentioned as Aschowe (Eschenau), referring to European ash tree forests that were common in the area at the time. The village Distelberg, until the 20th century autonomous, was merged into the Aschau municipality in 1973. The emblem of Aschau represents a golden duck on a blue background, which is a reference to wild ducks residing in Aschau at the time when the ash trees were widespread. The ducks were first hunted and later domesticated as livestock. The Entenstein (duck stone) is a reminder of those times.
Get in
- See also: Ziller Valley
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From 1 Jenbach 
station, take the Ziller Valley railway (German: Zillertalbahn) direction Mayrhofen, then get off at 2 Aschau im Zillertal.
Get around
The town is very walkable, and numerous hiking and MTB routes are well signposted.
For transport to neighbouring towns, Kaltenbach and Stumm to the north and Zell am Ziller to the south, bus 8330 is the most convenient option. This service travels between 1 Schwaz Schwimmbad and the 2 MayrhofenZillertalbahn station, and stops in Aschau at 1 Camping Aufenfeld and 2 Bahnhof/Zentrum. This is an hourly service, and the 10:30 service goes straight to the 1 Penkenbahn in Mayrhofen which makes it convenient for winter sports from Aschau. All services also stop at the 2 Rosenalmbahn in Zell am Ziller.
See
- 1 Our Lady of the Rosary parish church (Kath. Pfarrkirche "Zu unserer Lieben Frau vom Siege"), Dorfstraße 40. A late classicist catholic parish church with north tower built between 1848 and 1850. The picture Maria zum Siege on the high altar is marked 1848 and most of the frescoes also date from around 1850. Free.
- 2 Leonhard in Distelberg church (Kath. Filialkirche hl. Leonhard in Distelberg), Thurmbachweg 8. Single-nave Gothic church with a north tower built between 1495 and 1500. The carved renaissance pulpit inside was built around 1630, the altar with two columns and acanthus vine carving around 1700. The lunette vault is also worth seeing.
- 3 Ziller Valley Railway bridge (Zeller Eisenbahnbrücke). 50 m long iron truss bridge over the Ziller, built around 1900 as part of the construction of the Ziller Valley Railway. It connects Aschau with Zell am Ziller.
- 4 Castle Thurnbach (Schlossgasthof Thurnbach), Thurnbachweg 22. 24/7. Historic stronghold in the valley, now a gasthof where travelers can spend the night. Free.
Do
The Ziller Alps are a fantastic destination for outdoor sports such as hiking or cycling. There are numerous hiking trails with fabulous views and great panoramas. In winter, winter sports are popular activities in the area: the Hochzillertal ski resort at Kaltenbach is close by, and Zell am Ziller shares a huge ski resort with Gerlos. Even if you're not a skier, there are ample winter activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides or walks with torch lights, followed by a warm mulled wine.
Buy
Eat
- 1 Kruma, Dorfpl. 10, ☏ 43 681 10308784. M-F 16:00-23:00, Sa-Su 11:30-23:00. Italian bar and restaurant.
- 2 Gasthaus Weiherwirt, Dorfstraße 77, ☏ 43 5282 50697. Dine in and take-away traditional Tyrolean cuisine.
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Camping Aufenfeld, Aufenfeldweg 10, ☏ 43 5282 2916, ✉[email protected]. Camp grounds next to a lake, with climbing opportunities and archery range.
- 2 Landhaus Alpenherz, Tränkgasse 2, ☏ 43 5282 2037, ✉[email protected].
Stay safe
Go next
- In the 1 Ziller Valley
- 2 Mayrhofen — southernmost town in the valley, and base of operation for skiers in winter
- 3 Fügen
- 4 Kaltenbach
- In the 5 Lower Inn Valley
- 9 Alpbach
- 10 Achen Valley