Experience the Zillertal Mountains by Cable Car

2 Hiking Tips with a Cable Car as Your Way Up

Some call it cheating. We call it smart.

Take the cable car, skip the first uphill climb, and save your energy for the best part of the day. Simply step into the gondola at the valley station and let it carry you effortlessly into the mountains. Once you reach the top, the real adventure begins: fresh legs, breathtaking views, and an entire day of hiking ahead.

The summer cable cars in Tux-Finkenberg make it possible. Here are two of our favourite hikes—one for those who prefer a relaxed walk and one for hikers looking for a rewarding challenge.

The Easy One: The Penkenjoch Panorama Trail

This circular walk is perfect for everyone—families with children, grandparents, or anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery more than a strenuous workout.

Take the Finkenberger Almbahn in two stages to the mountain station at Penkenjoch (2,095 m). From there, a wide and easy walking trail begins immediately.

After around 25 minutes, you'll be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across the Tux Alps, the Zillertal Alps, and the entire Zillertal Valley.

Then you'll discover one of the region's architectural highlights: the Granat Chapel, designed by world-renowned architect Mario Botta, beautifully situated above the reservoir lake at 2,087 metres. It was Botta's first building in Austria.

The chapel's distinctive shape resembles a cut garnet—the gemstone traditionally worn with the local Zillertal costume for centuries. Inside, the peaceful interior is lined with local larch wood, creating a quiet place of reflection that welcomes everyone, regardless of faith.

The Challenging One: From the Eggalm to the Torseen Lakes

If you're looking for a longer hike and don't mind earning a few sore muscles, this tour is for you.

Starting at the Eggalm mountain station, the trail climbs steadily for about 1½ hours to the Grübelspitze (2,395 m). The summit rewards you with spectacular views of the Hintertux Glacier and the surrounding valley.

But the adventure isn't over yet. Continue on to the Ramsjoch (2,508 m), home to the Tux-Finkenberg Guests' Cross. By the time you reach this second summit, you've certainly earned a well-deserved break.

The descent leads to the beautiful Torseen Lakes—and if you're brave enough, you can even take a refreshing dip. From there, the trail continues past a powerful waterfall, across the Nasse Tuxalm, and finally down to Lanersbach.

The tour covers around 12 kilometres, includes 500 metres of ascent and 1,100 metres of descent, and takes approximately 4½ hours.

Sounds like a challenge? It certainly is. That's exactly why Patrick's evening menu tastes even better afterwards—and the sore legs the next morning feel more like a badge of honour.

Which Zillertal Summer Pass Is Right for You?

Both hikes can be enjoyed with either of the two summer passes available at Hotel Eden. Which one suits you best depends on the kind of holiday you're planning.

Zillertal Activcard

The Zillertal Activcard is ideal if you want to explore as much of the valley as possible.

It includes:

• One ascent and descent every day with a cable car of your choice anywhere in the Zillertal.
• Free admission to all six outdoor swimming pools.
• Free travel on most regional buses and public transport.
• Access to the Hintertux Glacier cable car as far as the Sommerbergalm (2,100 m).

Choose the Activcard if you'd like to discover the entire valley and cool off in a mountain pool between your adventures.

Tux³ Ticket

The Tux³ Ticket focuses entirely on the mountains around Tux.

It includes one ascent and descent on each of the three cable cars you'll need for our favourite hikes:

• Hintertux Glacier
• Eggalm
• Finkenberger Almbahn

Its biggest advantage? Unlike the Activcard, it takes you all the way up to the Gefrorene Wand at 3,250 metres, where snow and ice await—even in the middle of summer.

The ticket is valid for six days, allowing you to choose freely when to visit each mountain, and children under ten travel free of charge.

Choose the Tux³ Ticket if you want to stay in the Tux Valley and experience the unique world of the Hintertux Glacier.

In short:

• Want to explore the whole valley? Choose the Zillertal Activcard.

• Want to reach the highest peaks? Choose the Tux³ Ticket.

   

When Will Your Next Mountain Adventure Begin?

Whether you prefer a gentle panoramic walk or a full-day alpine hike, whether you're exploring with your grandchildren or chasing summits yourself—the mountains are waiting for you.

And after your day outdoors, your comfortable bed awaits at Hotel Eden, at what we like to call the most beautiful end of the world.

A place where authentic Tyrolean hospitality feels right at home.