Zirl: Cultural Heritage, Gorges and Martinswand

Zirl brings together an annual tradition and historic buildings with nature and climbing. When planning your trip, you can focus on different questions: Would you like to take the date of the Zachäussingen into account, learn about Zirl’s history, or set aside time for a hike or climbing? The topics range from a specifically named Sunday event to historical context, routes, and natural conditions. This means cultural history and activities can be considered as separate travel interests.

Zachäussingen and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Zachäussingen is an annual fair tradition in Zirl and takes place on the third Sunday in October from 4:30 a.m. If you want the tradition to determine your travel dates, check the specific date for the year in question. The recurring date provides a point of reference; for planning a particular visit, the date in that year is important.

In September 2015, Zirl’s Zachäussingen was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage inventory. The date and the designation answer different questions: the Sunday in October helps with timing your trip, while the UNESCO listing provides cultural context for the tradition.

Protected Historic Sites and Zirl’s History

As of June 23, 2026, the Fragenstein castle ruins are protected by an official decision, while the Old Roman Bridge, the Catholic parish church of the Holy Cross, and the cemetery are protected by an ordinance. The form of protection distinguishes Fragenstein from the other listed monuments: the ruins are covered by an official decision, while the bridge, church, and cemetery are covered by an ordinance.

In the 4th or 5th century BC, the Roman military station Teriolis stood in Zirl, at the intersection of important transport routes. In 1280, Zirl was mentioned as a relay station and transshipment point, as well as a transport hub for the roads from Innsbruck to Telfs and from Innsbruck to Mittenwald. These historical details describe different functions of the town: Teriolis was a military station, while the later reference identifies Zirl as a relay and transport hub.

The history of the castles offers two other points of reference in time. The construction of Fragenstein Castle is estimated to have taken place between 1200 and 1227. Around 1500, under Emperor Maximilian, St. Martinsberg Castle in Zirl was expanded into a hunting lodge with a game park. Questions of the estimated construction period apply to Fragenstein, while St. Martinsberg refers to the expansion of a different castle for a new purpose.

Maximilian’s Grotto, Hiking and Climbing

Maximilian’s Grotto is located in the Martinswand near Zirl, around 200 metres above the Inn Valley floor. The natural cave is 26 metres wide and 19 metres high. The elevation places the grotto in its landscape; its width and height describe its own dimensions.

When hiking, the route and trail conditions are useful points of reference. The trail through the Ehnbachklamm gorge is well secured with walkways, stairs, and wire ropes. As infrastructure can change, check the current trail conditions before setting out.

An easy circular hike in the Untere Schlossbachklamm begins at a covered wooden bridge. From there, the path continues through the large Hausbogen arch and into the Untere Klamm gorge. A waterfall lies at the end of the trail; its appearance depends on the water level. Water and trail conditions can vary seasonally, so it is worth checking the current conditions before your hike.

The Martinswand is now a popular climbing hotspot. Route conditions can vary; check the situation on the route in question before climbing. This makes it possible to plan hikes through the gorges and climbing at the Martinswand as separate activities.

Discover more destinations: Volderau, Axams, Oberhofen Im Inntal, Scharnitz, Mühltal, Götzens, Sellrain, Leutasch

Go to the broader travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.