Travel Guide: Gerlos

Gerlos is a mountain municipality in Tyrol, known for its village setting and access to the Zillertal Arena Centre at Isskogel. It is particularly suited to families and visitors looking for skiing, alpine scenery and nearby waterfalls, reservoirs and national-park attractions.

Selected by Anna
Selected by Anna · Updated September 2026

Best time to visit

For colder mountain conditions, January and February have average temperatures of -3.2°C and -0.7°C, while December averages -1.2°C. The warmest period in the climate data is June through August, with average temperatures from 14.1°C to 15.7°C, although these months also have substantial rainfall. The best time depends on whether you prefer winter activities or milder summer conditions.

Jan
-3.2°C
Rain110 mm
Sun5.8 h
Feb
-0.7°C
Rain86 mm
Sun7.1 h
Mar
1.6°C
Rain99 mm
Sun8.4 h
Apr
4.7°C
Rain115 mm
Sun9.7 h
May
8.7°C
Rain208 mm
Sun9.4 h
Jun
14.1°C
Rain172 mm
Sun11.3 h
Jul
15.7°C
Rain171 mm
Sun11.5 h
Aug
15.7°C
Rain185 mm
Sun10.5 h
Sep
11.5°C
Rain145 mm
Sun8.9 h
Oct
8.2°C
Rain121 mm
Sun7.5 h
Nov
2.4°C
Rain98 mm
Sun6.2 h
Dec
-1.2°C
Rain98 mm
Sun5.3 h

Things to do

In Gerlos

  • Durlaßboden Stausee
    This man-made reservoir is a striking mountain attraction near Gerlos, framed by forested slopes and higher peaks. Visitors typically walk along sections of the shoreline, admire the landscape, and use the area as a base for outdoor recreation. It suits families, walkers, photographers, and travelers seeking relaxing lakeside scenery.
  • Gerlos Wasserfall
    This natural waterfall is a scenic outdoor attraction near the village. Visitors typically follow nearby paths, pause at viewing areas, and enjoy the sound of falling water within an alpine landscape. It suits travelers seeking a short nature experience, photographers, families, and anyone wanting an easy complement to mountain activities.

Around Gerlos

  • Krimmler Wasserfälle
    a large natural waterfall system in the Hohe Tauern region. Visitors typically follow the established waterfall paths, stop at viewpoints, and experience changing perspectives along the climb. It suits families, walkers, photographers, and travelers seeking one of the region’s most recognizable natural sights.
  • Gerlos Pass
    a well-known mountain crossing and scenic viewpoint connecting alpine valleys. Visitors typically stop at roadside viewpoints, take photographs, and continue into the surrounding hiking landscape. It suits road-trip travelers, landscape photographers, and visitors who want broad mountain scenery without committing to a demanding summit route.
  • Nationalparkzentrum Mittersill
    an interpretation museum dedicated to the natural environments of Hohe Tauern National Park. Visitors typically explore interactive exhibits covering alpine habitats, wildlife, geology, and mountain landscapes. It suits families, educational travelers, and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the region before or after outdoor excursions.
  • WasserWelten Krimml
    a tourism and interpretation attraction focused on water, the surrounding landscape, and the nearby waterfalls. Visitors typically explore exhibits, learn about the natural environment, and combine the visit with outdoor sightseeing. It suits families, curious travelers, and anyone wanting context before visiting Krimml’s natural attractions.
Anna
How we pick hotels
For each category, we shortlist a few standout stays by combining review quality (score), review confidence (volume), and how well the hotel matches the theme (spa, family, lake views, and more).

Spa hotels

A good fit for travellers who want mountain days paired with time to unwind in a spa setting.
Tip: check if spa access is included or paid, and opening hours/booking rules.
Appart Bergleben-Deluxe ****
Rating: 9.8 • 69 reviews
Alpenland Gerlos - Hotel & Breakfast
Rating: 9.6 • 236 reviews

Hotels with a kitchen

Suited to guests who value the flexibility of preparing some meals during a stay in Gerlos.
MOOS
Rating: 9.9 • 34 reviews
Waidmannsruh Appartements
Rating: 9.9 • 33 reviews
Anja's Schönblick - Bed & Breakfast
Rating: 9.5 • 301 reviews

Romantic hotels with a spa

Best for couples seeking a quieter stay with a more intimate atmosphere and spa facilities.
Hotel Schönruh
Rating: 9.6 • 117 reviews
DAS GERLOS - Boutique Hotel
Rating: 9.5 • 234 reviews
alpenrose hotel-garni
Rating: 9.5 • 223 reviews

Pet-friendly hotels

Useful for travellers bringing a pet and looking for accommodation options that welcome animals.
Pension Zillertal
Rating: 9.9 • 82 reviews
Isskogel Suites
Rating: 9.5 • 49 reviews

Apartments

A practical choice for visitors who prefer apartment-style space and a more independent stay.
Ferienwohnungen Luxner
Rating: 9.5 • 59 reviews
Appartments Am Bach
Rating: 9.6 • 24 reviews
Sruh Prime Apart
Rating: 9.8 • 13 reviews

Apartments with a kitchen

Suitable for travellers wanting apartment accommodation together with the convenience of a kitchen.
Heimat Apartments - Zillertal
Rating: 9.4 • 94 reviews
Apartment Gerlos 183
Rating: 9.4 • 33 reviews
Landhaus Casper
Rating: 9.6 • 12 reviews

FAQ

What currency is used in Gerlos?
You’ll typically pay in EUR (Q4916). Cards are commonly accepted, but it’s smart to carry some cash for small purchases.
What is Gerlos known for?
Gerlos is known as a mountain municipality in Tyrol with easy access to the Zillertal Arena Centre at Isskogel. The village is especially popular with families who come for skiing.
Is Gerlos suitable for a family holiday?
The supplied destination information describes Gerlos as popular with skiing tourists, mainly families. Its access to the Zillertal Arena Centre makes it a practical base for a family-focused mountain stay.
What can I visit around Gerlos?
The listed attractions include Krimmler Wasserfälle, Gerlos Wasserfall, Gerlos Pass, Durlaßboden Stausee, Nationalparkzentrum Mittersill and WasserWelten Krimml. These provide a mix of waterfalls, mountain scenery, a reservoir and national-park-related experiences.
What is the weather like in Gerlos?
The climate data shows cold winter conditions, with average temperatures of -3.2°C in January and -1.2°C in December. Summer is milder, with average temperatures of 15.7°C in July and August, but rainfall remains significant.
When is Gerlos warmest?
July and August have the highest average temperatures in the supplied climate data, at 15.7°C. June is slightly cooler at 14.1°C and has the highest average sunshine figure in the dataset.
Can I visit Gerlos for skiing?
Yes. The village has easy access to the Zillertal Arena Centre on Isskogel, and skiing is a central part of Gerlos's visitor profile.
Is Gerlos a large town?
Gerlos is described as a municipality with 793 inhabitants in the Schwaz district of Tyrol. Its small scale suits travellers looking for a mountain village rather than a large urban destination.

Sources