Seven routes. Endless views.
Hintertux lies at the end of the valley – and marks the start of the region’s most beautiful hikes. Glaciers, Alpine pastures, waterfalls, and silence can all be reached on foot.
The moment you step out of Adler Inn, the world is a different place. Cooler air, the murmur of the Tuxbach river, a valley that grows ever narrower as it heads south – until the mountains claim it entirely for themselves. Anyone setting off on a hike from here has a choice: gentle family trails, flower-filled Alpine meadows, tranquil mountain lakes, or towering peaks. Here are seven tours – which is your favourite?
- Waterfall trail – where the meltwater finds its path
This trail starts right next to the valley station of the Hintertux Glacier cable car and takes around two and a half hours to complete, passing the Kesselfall waterfall, the Schraubenfall waterfall, and the distinctive Walfischmaul (whale’s mouth) waterfall. Sure-footedness helps, hiking bliss is guaranteed.
Difficulty: moderate - Schleier waterfall & Bichlalm hut – the classic route with a hut stop to finish
To the Schleier waterfall, then up to the Bichlalm hut at 1,695 metres above sea level: a sun terrace with views of the glacier, a panoramic playground, and a petting zoo for the little ones.
Difficulty: easy
Good to know: parts of the route are also accessible with a pushchair - Tuxbach Adventure Trail – 10 kilometres for the whole family
From the village of Vorderlanersbach to Hintertux, along the rushing Tuxbach river, featuring a suspension bridge, a climbing area, and activity stations for children. You can shorten the route at any time.
Difficulty: easy - Kasererscharte col & Mt Frauenwand – the Blumenweg (flower trail) with the glacier behind you
Alpine roses, gentian, a view of Mt Olperer and Mt Kaserer in the distance: this walk from the Sommerbergalm hut via the Kasererscharte col to Mt Frauenwand is one of the most beautiful in the valley. A short rope-secured section requires sure-footedness.
Difficulty: moderate - Olperer hut & Olperer bridge – the Zillertal valley’s most photogenic spot
The suspension bridge overlooking the turquoise-green Schlegeisspeicher reservoir is one of the Zillertal valley’s most famous sights – and the walk there, which takes around three hours, is one of the most rewarding.
Difficulty: moderate - Stoankasern cheese dairy & Lake Junssee – mountain cheese, mountain view, mountain lake
Past the Stoankasern mountain cheese dairy, where you can watch the milk being processed live in the mornings, and on up to tranquil Lake Junssee at 2,750 metres above sea level. Little known, but hard to forget.
Difficulty: moderate to difficult - Mt Rastkogel – panoramic views all the way to Mt Zugspitze
At 2,760 metres above sea level, a panoramic view opens up that, on a clear day, stretches as far as Mt Zugspitze. The descent past the tranquil Rastkogel lakes is one of the region’s hidden gems. Walking time from Geislerhof: approx. seven hours.
Difficulty: challenging
Back at Adler Inn
Anyone returning to Adler Inn after a long day’s hiking knows why it’s so nice to have a home in the valley. Anni Stock’s kitchen serves up homemade specialities and regional dishes.
