Gallzein: Mining History, Chapel Trails and Gratzenjoch

Gallzein lies on a terrace above the Inn, at the foot of the northern foothills of the Tux Alps. Gratzenjoch rises above the municipality; at 1,998 metres, it is the region’s defining mountain peak. This striking elevation is therefore part of Gallzein’s landscape. When choosing a holiday apartment, it makes sense to compare your holiday priorities: are you mainly looking for trails and outdoor activities, or would you also like to explore mining history?

Mining history in the municipal coat of arms

In past centuries, Gallzein was a centre of Schwaz’s mining industry. Two crossed mining hammers in the coat of arms reflect this historical connection. If you take cultural interests into account alongside outdoor activities when planning your holiday, you can discover Gallzein’s mining past and the Alpine foothills landscape as distinct aspects of the area.

Hiking trails with different focuses

There are different kinds of hikes to choose from. The fifth stage of the Tyrolean Silver Trail runs from Schwaz through Gallzein and Buch in Tirol to Jenbach. The Chapel Circular Trail passes six chapels in the municipalities of Schwaz and Gallzein. The Ten Chapels Trail leads from Gallzein to Schwaz.

You can choose a route based on what interests you: a stage passing through several towns, a circular trail that takes in six chapels, or the route from Gallzein to Schwaz. These different points of interest can help you decide what to focus on during your holiday, rather than treating the trails as similar hikes.

Mountain biking between villages and the Alpine foothills

Route 418 is a moderately difficult mountain bike circuit through idyllic villages and Gallzein’s unspoilt Alpine foothills landscape. The route also offers a view of St. Georgenberg rock monastery. When choosing between a chapel tour and a bike ride, the difference is not just the mode of travel: Route 418 is also described as moderately difficult and offers a specific view. You can therefore factor both the type of tour and the landscape you would like to see into your plans.

Winter activities in Gallzein

There are also different ways to stay active during the colder months. Hochgallzein has a snow-reliable high-altitude cross-country ski trail with panoramic views of the Inn Valley. In addition, winter hiking trails in Gallzein are regularly cleared of snow during the cold season. Cross-country skiing on the high-altitude trail and winter hiking therefore offer different ways to enjoy a winter stay.

Gallzein as a base for your holiday

Gallzein can be reached via Schwaz or Buch in Tirol. These places also feature in the trail descriptions: the Tyrolean Silver Trail stage runs through Schwaz and Buch, while the Ten Chapels Trail leads from Gallzein to Schwaz. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering which mix of hiking, mountain biking and winter activities matters most for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Schwendau, Ginzling, Stumm, Hinterriß, Fügenberg, Steinberg Am Rofan, Distelberg, Kaltenbach

Return to the overview of destinations: Schwaz.