During the summer, besides skiing, you can enjoy a variety of hiking trails in the glacier area. Additionally, there are several other attractions in this area, which we will detail later in the article. You can navigate between the parts of the article by clicking on the table of contents:
- Tux Valley
- Weather in the Valley and on the Glacier
- Attractions in Tux Valley and at Hintertux:
- Additional Essential Information
Tux Valley (Tuxertal)
This valley is a branch of the Ziller Valley. The split begins at the town of Mayrhofen, and the valley extends for about 13 kilometers. It can be reached via the Tux Road. The drive from Innsbruck takes about an hour and a quarter. At the end of the valley is the village of Hintertux and the Hintertux Glacier, at an altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level! The glacier can only be reached by taking a cable car up from this valley.
The main villages in the valley are:
- Hintertux at an altitude of 1,500 meters
- Madseit at an altitude of 1,385 meters
- Juns at an altitude of 1,360 meters
- Lanersbach at an altitude of 1,300 meters
- Finkenberg at an altitude of 840 meters
More information can be found on the valley’s website.
If you are looking for accommodation in the Tux Valley, you can find the best places by searching here (Booking.com).
Weather in the Valley and on the Glacier
Most activities in the Tux Valley and on the glacier are outdoors, so it’s advisable to be prepared and check the weather on the day you arrive. The weather can change quickly, so you can’t really rely on the days leading up to your arrival. It often happens that, overnight, the temperature completely reverses, and a forecast sunny, warm day becomes a cool, cloudy one.
In general, there are more dry days in the winter months and more rainy days in the summer. Winter temperatures in the heart of the valley range from -1 to -4 degrees Celsius. Of course, on the snowy peaks, the temperatures are lower, not to mention the frozen glacier area. During the summer, the temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 16 to 24 degrees. The Tux Valley area is not particularly rainy, and on average, there may be about 13 rainy days in the summer.
You can see the current weather here.
Recommended Attractions in Tux Valley and near Hintertux Glacier
Most of the exciting attractions are located at the summit where the Hintertux glaciers are. To reach the summit, you need to take a cable car. More information on the cable cars and their costs.
At the summit, there are many activities and attractions. These are the most recommended in this area:
1. The Ice Palace
Nature’s Ice Palace is located deep within the giant glacier, beneath the ski slopes. It is a large ice cave a short walk from the top station of the Glacierbus 3 lift. Inside the cave, you can see ice stalactites, ice crystals, frozen waterfalls, and even an underground lake. The cave offers a variety of activities such as a private guided tour (60 minutes), rafting, kayaking, and even swimming in the icy water.
The temperature in the cave is always around 0 degrees Celsius, so even when visiting in the summer, you must come with appropriate clothing. The place is suitable for children from the age of 6. The cave is open all year round, regardless of the weather.
This is what the inside of the cave looks like
Click here for more information about the Ice Palace.
2. Spannagel Cave
The cave, which is about 12.5 kilometers long, is the largest in the entire Central Alps range and the highest in Europe that is open to visitors. Guided tours are held in the cave, and you can visit up to about 500 meters deep inside. The cave is suitable for families with children and can be a good option if the weather is not favorable.
The guided tour lasts about an hour and passes through the cave’s diverse chambers. As a safety measure, you receive rubber boots, a helmet, and a raincoat.
During the summer season, tours take place every day from morning until noon.
Costs:
- Adult: €22.50
- Child (6-15, over 1.20m tall): €14
- There is a discount for holders of the Zillertal Activcard.
Click here for more information about the Spannagel Cave.
3. Panorama Terrace Viewpoint
At an altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level, there is a wonderful observation deck. You can easily reach the deck using the enclosed and accessible cable cars on site. At this high point, there is a viewpoint from which you can look out to the edge of the horizon! You can see a stunning panoramic view from the peaks of the Dolomites, the famous Grossglockner, and up to the Zugspitze peak. The beautiful valleys and snowy mountain peaks are definitely a sight worth seeing.
The observation deck is accessible with a baby stroller or wheelchair.
This is what the Panorama Terrace Viewpoint looks like
4. Snow Tubing – in Summer!
At the top of the mountain, at an altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level, there are unique attractions: a tubing track on the snowy slopes and a snow tire carousel. This is undoubtedly a cool experience – to play in the snow in the middle of summer. The attraction is called: Luis’ Glacier Bug Park.
This is what Snow Tubing in Summer looks like
5. Guided Tour Around the Glacier
The Hintertux Glacier is an exceptional and most impressive natural phenomenon. You can tour with a certified guide and learn about the glacier, its formation process, and its impact on the entire region. The tour takes place 3 times a week: on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:45 AM.
- Meeting point: Panorama terrace viewpoint
- Necessary equipment: Hiking shoes, sunglasses, a jacket, and a hat. Keep in mind that it can be very cold in the glacier area even in summer.
- The tours take place in the summer months only. The tour lasts about an hour.
Costs:
- Adult: €15
- Child (7-14): €7.50
6. Easy Hiking Trails for Families (Tux Welten)
After the snow melts, an amazing and particularly green natural world is revealed in all parts of the valley. There are easy trails suitable for families. If you love hiking in nature, you should try these trails: the “Animal World” trail (a 2-hour trail), the “Nature World” trail (a 3-hour trail), the “Water World” trail (a 1.5-hour trail), and the “Glacier Vegetation” trail (a 2-hour trail).
You can find more detailed information on the trails here.
7. Winter Sports
The Hintertux Glacier allows for enjoyable skiing all year round at an altitude of 3,250 meters. If you don’t want to wait for the winter season, this is the perfect place for you. The glacier’s ski resort has about 60 kilometers of slopes suitable for all levels, from absolute beginners to professionals. There are also snow parks like Betterpark Hintertux with obstacles and ramps for those looking to practice some tricks.
This is what summer skiing in the glacier area looks like
In winter, the snowy mountains around the glacier become one giant ski resort: the Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000. This ski area has about 200 kilometers of ski runs, and you can try them all with just one ski pass.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
To get to the top of the glacier, you need to take a cable car from the Tux Valley. Read more information about the cable car’s operating hours and the prices for ascent and descent.
If you are looking for accommodation in the Tux Valley in Tyrol, you can find the best places by searching here (Booking.com).
Official website of the Hintertux Glacier attraction
Address: Hintertux Glacier, 6294
Map:
If you want to combine a visit to the glacier with other beautiful places, you should continue to the town of Mayrhofen or the villages and mountains in the Ziller Valley.
