TIROLER ZUGSPITZ ARENA Alpine peaks and relaxed family offerings

If you had to conjure up a summer playground that is ideal for getting active, the chances are it might look a lot like the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena in the Austrian Tirol. This active wonderland sits bathed between a quartet of mountain ranges, gazing over at Zugspitze – Germany’s highest peak. This less wellknown gem stacks up perfectly for an active break, whether you are an adrenaline seeking couple or a family in search of a holiday with a healthy, heart-pumping difference.

Real thought has gone into making sure the wilderness of the region is both kept intact, but also easily accessible. There are a whopping 150 marked hiking trails. Some of the best include tackling Zugspitze from Ehrwalder Alm, the hike that takes in Grubigstein and Wolfratshauser Hütte and the popular Three Lakes Round Trip.

Fans of mountain biking will be in heaven too with over 100 marked routes, with lifts open in summer to help ferry you up the trails. There’s the landmark single track Blindsee Trail (one of the ‘Great Trails’ of Tirol), which is ably backed up by the likes of the Grubigalm Trail and Rund um die Zugspitze.

The breadth of experiences on offer in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena is something that really stands out. How about a fondue night on top of the impressive Zugspitze mountain; breakfast in the Almkopfbahn Bichlbach Cable Car; or a visit to StadlBräu, Tirol’s highest brewery? Kids will love ‘Moosle’s Magic Forest’, where they can play, learn and join a scavenger hunt. Or how about a romantic boat trip easing across Heiterwanger See, or a stand-up paddle session on the same picture postcard lake?

The Blindsee Trail single track has great views; family time in Tiroler Zuspitz Arena; hiking the green hills

The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena region’s Z-ticket comes in very handy when exploring. It offers access to cable cars, buses, lakes, sporting facilities and much more. Also, when planning your summer escape look out for a sprinkling of events that add extra spice to your trip, such as Mountains on Fire on June 22, when midsummer fires light up the night; and the second ever Women’s Summer Festival, from July 19-21, with a variety of sports exclusively open to women. wanderlust.co.uk March 2019

Performers at the lively Talfest festival; Kundl Gorge; one of the region’s many traditional farmhouses