Sunrise tips

Especially romantic On the Penkenjoch

Mayrhofen-Hippach. This sunrise on the mountain plateau can even be experienced by bike. Already during the ascent, you can see the peaks around you shine in the most beautiful colours. However, the highlight is the atmosphere with the beautiful Granatkapelle chapel on the shore of the reservoir pond, where the dawn is reflected.

Zillertal at your feet On the Gedrechter

Fügen-Kaltenbach. Due to its exposed position and the relaxed ascent, the panoramic Gedrechter mountain is definitely worth a sunrise hike. Because of the imposing view to the East and South, this summit will allow you to witness how the first rays of sunlight awaken the valley.

For night owls In the Friesenberghaus

Mayrhofen-Hippach. This beautiful stone mountain hut is located at an altitude of 2,500 meters in the midst of a breathtaking mountain landscape. Despite sleepiness and cool mountain air, you will never forget the sensation of the sun waking up the day in this morning summit calm. Be sure to reserve a place to sleep.

Shining mountain tops On the Sonntagsköp

Fügen-Kaltenbach. Much appreciated by ski tourers, the Sonntagsköpfl is little hiked in summer and is therefore an absolute insider tip. On the comparatively low mountain, you watch as the sun rises between the peaks of the Zillertal mountains, bathing them in beautiful morning light.

Tour in the nature park To the Torseen lakes

Tux-Finkenberg. The Nature Park Zillertal Alps o ers the guided sunrise hike over the Tuxertal. You will be guided to the beautiful blue Torseen lakes, where you can watch the natural spectacle sitting on the shore in the white flowering cotton grass – a hotspot for photographers.

For bikers and hikers On the Marchkopf

Zell-Gerlos. On this peak with its remarkable panoramic view, a true natural spectacle is o ered here in the morning. The sunrise tour is also possible as Bike & Hike. The trail o ers wonderful natural impressions and an exciting climb. Tip: Don’t forget to sign the beautiful summit book!

View into the valley On the Tettensjoch

Tux-Finkenberg. The Tettensjoch is famous for the sunset hike. But the fabulous panorama of the summit and the magnificent view all the way to the Zillertal front also make the sunrise unforgettable. Early in the morning you can watch the sun ascending the Grinbergspitzen here.

Guided tour On the Plattenkogel

Zell-Gerlos. This gentle peak above the Gerlos Pass is not without reason a natural monument. As part of the “Berg aktiv” programme, you can climb the Grasberg every Wednesday morning together with a group. After a short hike to the top, watch the red sphere turn the glacier peaks pink.

The highlight of the Experience Tour. When the modern “Pistenbullys” [snow groomers] take the guests towards the Olperer north ridge.

It doesn’t get any more midsummer than this. Early in the morning, when we arrive at the valley station in Hintertux, it is already 25 degrees. The sky presents itself in its most beautiful blue, evoking images of jumping into water. Our encounters are all the more original. With people walking past us in their anorak and ski boots. What an image! Though not extraordinary anymore up here, of course. 365 days a year, you can carve down perfectly groomed slopes on the Hintertux Glacier. And thus the o er of skiing rst, then swimming, gol ng or climbing traditionally attracts many guests to Zillertal.

Panorama terrace at an altitude of 3,250 metres Today, however, we have a di erent plan. We’re meeting up with Georg Gottfried and Katharina Auinger, who will be our guides on the popular Glacier Experience Tour. Both are trained mountain guides and throughout the summer they accompany groups (with a maximum of

eight people) for around one and a half hours through the fascinating world of snow and ice. What we have in common with skiers: sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen. The intensity of altitude and light re ection should never be underestimated. We’re sitting in the gondola. We reach the top station “Gefrorene Wand” via three sections and quickly reach the panorama terrace at an altitude of 3,250 metres. Katharina’s advice to bring warm jackets is spot on. Up here, temperatures still hover just above zero at this time. But it’s not just the clothes that warm you up… the incredible view and the sun’s rays do so too.

Long-distance view of the mountain giants Georg hands us trekking poles and prepares us for the upcoming adventure. We’re standing on the Tuxer Hauptkamm, looking eastwards to the Zillertaler Hauptkamm, the alpine ridge that forms the border to Italy. The long-distance view is phenomenal. Georg and Katharina take the time to share their geographical knowledge while we’re marvelling at the panorama. To the south we can make out the South Tyrolean Dolomites, to the west the Stubai Alps, and to the north the Karwendel Mountains are visible as well. “Our German guests are always particularly happy about this view,” says Georg, pointing to the northwest. “In such weather, the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, is also clearly visible from here.”

We set o on our journey. And right at the start, we learn how to achieve the ideal surefootedness on the glacial ground. After a romantic chairlift ride, we continue on our way. We will cover about 500 metres. The impressions are extraordinary. Before us the gleaming white of the glacier, behind us the summergreen mountains. Katharina tells us Apply your sun lotion! At the height of the glacier, precautions are particularly important due to the sun ray reflection. The higher the protection factor, the better. So the glacier adventurers can relax and enjoy their Pistenbully ride and the magnificent panorama of the Zillertal mountain world.

A true feast for the eyes – before us, the gleaming white of the glacier; behind us, the summergreen mountains.

The impressive nature of the glacier ice, which was formed here 500 to 1,000 years ago, is a truly amazing sight during the summer tour.

Step by step across the snow. The guides show how to achieve the best possible surefootedness on the glacier floor.

The glacier massif

THE SKI AREA:

The Hintertux Glacier designates the ski area on the Tuxer Ferner and the neighbouring Riepenkees near Hintertux at the end of the Tuxertal. Both glaciers are accessible by 21 cable cars and lifts – you can ski here 365 days a year. At its deepest point, the ice of the glacier is up to 120 metres thick.

THE ATTRACTIONS:

The panorama terrace at 3,250 metres offers a grand view of the Olperer on the opposite side, with its 3,476 metres one of the highest mountains in Zillertal, and the Gefrorene-WandSpitzen (3,288 and 3,270 metres). Other attractions include the Spannagel Cave natural monument, one of the largest cave systems in the Central Alps at over 10 kilometres long, and the famous Nature’s Ice Palace.

The sensations at an altitude of more than 3,000 metres are extraordinary. The winter landscape becomes an unforgettable summer event for skiers and expedition participants.

about how the glaciers were formed thousands of years ago. “At that time, the valleys were also still heavily glaciated.” Georg adds: “The glacier’s ice masses are still in perpetual motion today.” And because that happens in some places on variable subsoil, the ice sometimes cracks and the famous glacier crevasses appear.”

Fortunately, we don’t ever come across those because our mountain guides only take us on hikes in secured terrain – where both young and old can enjoy their experience. If you prefer something more extreme, with rope and crampons, you have to join a mountain guide – “no one should hike around here on their own anyway,” says Katharina.

After about 45 minutes, we’ve managed the athletic part. Now comes the action part. Here are the bright red, ultra-modern “Pistenbullys” that will take us towards the Olperer north ridge. “That’s always the tour highlight,” Georg laughs. Manfred, the Pistenbully driver, now stands in front of us and explains what these vehicles are capable of – also in terms of preparing the slopes: “The model with the winch, which by itself weighs 2.5 tonnes, has 600 hp.”

Very soon after, two of us are sitting in the machine, while the others are standing on the secured ramp, and o we go. A true spectacle. Katharina recounts: “Many people say that they have always wanted to drive a Bully like this.” And Georg adds: “And when they then see all the buttons and get to press the horn, even grown men turn into children again.” Who certainly know one thing at the end: Glacier Experience Tour? For sure again next year!

Katharina (27), Georg (31), and the glacier

THE TWO GUIDES:

Katharina Auinger and Georg Gottfried are a couple and have been living in Tux (Zillertal) for more than eight years. Here, they work as trained mountain guides.

THE TOURS:

These are scheduled to take place twice a day during the summer months from June through mid-September. The tour lasts about one and a half hours and is a real pleasure for the whole family (children from 6 years). The number of participants is limited to eight people per tour. Reservations must be made in advance.

THE JOURNEY STAGES:

Start from the panorama terrace and take the chairlift down to the valley, then continue on foot over snow and ice. You’ll learn a lot of interesting facts about the glacier and the surrounding mountains. Once at the foot of the Olperer, the journey continues with the 600 hp Pistenbully. The ride takes you across the glacier area back to the starting point.

Along the tree line and beyond. For racing cyclists, the tour along the famous Zillertaler Höhenstraße high road is a very special challenge.

Not a cloud above us, a sea of clouds below us, nature’s gifts are plentiful. For days we’ve been looking forward to the adventure of the Zillertaler Höhenstraße high road, and this early morning, its uniqueness could not be more impressive. Where, if not on the wildly romantic mountain road in the Tux Pre-Alps, could the longing for astonishing views be triggered more – hairpin turn after hairpin turn?

The mountain road was built in the early 1960s, and the original idea was to make it easier for the farmers to cultivate their alpine pastures. It was only years later that it became clear what a jewel had been created up here. So, because of the panoramic splendour, the road was also opened for tourists.

Curve after curve a heavenly view And they meet each other here in the best holiday mood, preferably on bicycles. Of course, people on motorbikes and cars also seek their way to the promising heights, but it is always a respectful togetherness that turns these excursions into a special experience. And those who want to go hiking o the road will nd their joy on the many hiking routes. Small pointer: The Zillertal hiking bus takes tourists to the desired starting points. This allows some to enjoy nature and the distant view, which becomes more imposing with every metre of altitude. While the others pedal away. It is the special sporting challenge that attracts racing cyclists from all over Europe to Zillertal.

The Zillertaler Höhenstraße is one of the most beautiful alpine roads in Austria and can be reached via ve access roads (Ried, Kalten-

Word has spread far beyond the borders about how memorable the combination of Challenge & Chill is.

bach, Aschau, Zellberg, Hippach). Which means: Those who get in the saddle to tackle the adventure on a racing bike can do so on an extensive road network. So even cyclists who only want to tackle certain sections can compose their own pleasure route.

The route itself runs in a strongly winding course along the western slope of the Zillertal valley trough, and large parts are located above the tree line.

Lisa and Werni start cycling. The two passionate racing cyclists have known the mountain experience for years. Lisa says: “The Zillertaler Höhenstraße is a pleasure every time. Also because you can challenge yourself in a great environment.” The entire tour covers 53 kilometres and 1,880 metres of altitude, and curve after curve you’re aware that you’re pushing your limits ever farther. Werni tell us as he slowly but powerfully musters the energy for ascending the mountain: “The beautiful part is that the landscape here is constantly changing. That’s motivating.” His secret tip for newbies: “The northernmost ascent begins in Ried. It’s the least frequented in the summer months, you’re practically on your own as a racing cyclist.”

We accompany the couple on an e-bike, still it’s more strenuous than expected. But thanks to the engine, we are faster and can enjoy waiting breaks. The tranquil rst kilometres paint a good picture of the life of the people above the valley. Picturesque little houses and meadows with cows evoke one thought: This is where I want to be, this is where I want to stay.

After the toll station, which cyclists can of course pass free of charge, the road feels steeper and steeper. For quite a while, we ride next to each without a word, we need the air in our lungs for breathing, not talking. Lisa and Werni are in their racing bike world. Focused

What a panorama! Ascending the hairpin turns of the high road means exploring one’s own limits. The rapid downhill run with a view of the Zillertal mountains is the unforgettable reward for your efforts.

The journey is the destination. And those who – like Werni and Lisa – have made it up the ascent on the bike may certainly feel enlightened.

on each turn of the pedal. We, on the other hand, enjoy the grandiose vistas, admire vintage cars, and greet mushroom hunters, true to our motto: challenge & chill. But even the ambitious biking duo never miss the fairytale forest passages and breathtaking perspectives of the Zillertal mountains: “That’s the thrill,” Lisa gasps, while staying true to her rhythm.

It is a feast for the eyes and at least as much of a driving force as reaching the highest point at 2,020 metres, below the Arbisjochkopf. The trail leads us past mountain restaurants that enjoy a great reputation not only for the panorama but also for the culinary delights they o er. A refreshment stop is therefore a must for all of us. After the short rest, we continue, but Lisa and Werni do not take the turn towards the wildlife trail. Of course, their destination is the journey itself.

Families, meanwhile, are encouraged to take a detour to the 12 interactive experience stations where children can learn all about wildlife. Or to the Murmelland with its adventure playground near the Kaltenbacher Hütte. Up here, happiness is top priority. “For us racing cyclists as well,” says Werni. And Lisa smiles. Because both know very well: The downhill adventure is near.

High spirits

THE TOUR:

The entire tour covers 53 kilometres – cyclists who complete the full distance will cover 1,880 metres in altitude. The duration of the ride depends, of course, on your fitness level, but to give you a guideline: between four and a half and six hours.

THE VARIANTS:

All cyclists are exempt from the toll. Tips for those who don’t want to do the full programme: 1. There are five access routes, which also allow to shorten the distance. 2. E-bikers have access to a comprehensive network of charging stations at the numerous refreshment stops. 3. At the bottom of the valley you can cycle back along the Ziller on the almost level Zillertalradweg cycle path. Or you can take the Zillertalbahn railway (incl. bike transport) back to the starting point. The railway stops in Laimach, Zell, Aschau, Kaltenbach, and Ried.