More than 30 mountain pastures may be found in the whole of the Gitschberg Jochtal region. The famous Fanelam, one of the most original mountain pasture villages in the whole of the Alps, is one. The mountain farms around Pfunders lend insights into artisan traditions, while the small villages captivate with their medieval charm.
 

Head for a skiing and hiking heaven
The local name for Gitschberg in the Zillertal Alps is simply 'Gitsch'. The winter sports area of Gitschberg and Jochtal were merged to form the joint ski resort of Gitschberg Jochtal. It is the largest of its kind in the Eisack valley. In winter it boasts skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snow shoe and sledging options. In summer, its pasturelands are popular hiking country.

Impressive peaks and film-worthy backdrops 
Views from Gitschberg panoramic platform are drawn to the Dolomites, the Zillertal, Stubai and Ötztal Alps. Around 500 mountain peaks jostle for position here – including a few 3,000-metre ones. Hochfeiler mountain towers over the rest with its 3,500 metres. The highest peak in the Zillertal Alps is the goal of the Pfunders high altitude path. The 70-kilometre-long tour will present even well-trained hikers with a challenge.Views from the peaks of the Big Five are no less spectacular: popular tours go to the Wilde Kreuzspitze in the Pfunderer mountains, to the Napfspitze, to the Seefeldspitze and to Gaisjoch and Astjoch passes.A holiday in a holiday flat or room in Gitschberg Jochtal reveals the region in all its wide diversity. Hikers come across lonely mountain lakes and snow fields in high summer at over 3,000 metres above sea level. Another picture may be seen lower down, with cattle and sheep grazing on pastures, a mountain stream murmuring through the landscape and a group of rustic huts in traditional wooden style in their midst: the sight of Fanealm pasture has been used as a film set before.

Insights into rural traditions and forgotten trades 
It's not just the views that make a Farm Holiday in Gitschberg Jochtal worthwhile. The pastures and farmsteads around the holiday region tell of customs and traditions still upheld, too. In Pfunders, the custom of so-called 'Krapfenbetteln', or 'begging for pastries', is still alive today. On the Rodenecker Alm pasture, demonstrations at a cheese dairy and a bee-themed path take people through the world of cheese and honey production. In Lodenwelt museum, the focus is on the hardwearing 'Loden' fabric that has made the leap from mountain farms to the Court at Vienna.

A journey into the Middle Ages 
A Farm Holiday in Gitschberg Jochtal will also take you to the Middle Ages, back to the times of knights and castles. The municipality of Mühlbach captivates with its medieval charm. At the impregnable fortress of Schloss Rodenegg, visitors can find out about the legends surrounding the so-called 'Lauterfresser' magician.

Why you should take a Farm Holiday in Gitschberg Jochtal:

• The Pfunders farmstead trail: old artisanal traditions brought to life
• Deep insights into the culture and history of the holiday region
• Culinary treats on lots of mountain pastures