Three seasons in one (Translated and adapted from an article by Helga Storto in NZZ Online, June 2002)

Early summer is certainly the nicest time to hike in Tux, the `green glacier valley' of Tyrol.  You experience three seasons in one:  In the valley, the meadow flora; on the alps, the spring flowers like crocus and enzian; and above 3000 meters, perpetual snow and ice.  

Especially fascinating is the  two-hour educational walk through the marshes nestled in the Alpine meadows, which harbor many rare and endangered plant species.  The path begins at the middle station of the Finkenberger Alpenbahnwhich, continues on to the Schrofenalm and then to Vorderlanersbach.

The Tuxertal boasts 250 kilometers of marked trails, two dozen mountain inns, and four mountain railways, which shorten the climb from the valley for visitors eager to hike. In addition, there is free bus service (Wanderbus) up and down the entire valley, as well as a Wandertaxi that takes visitors to three alps, including the cheese-making facility "Stoankasern," which are starting points for hiking trails.  

The Wanderbus takes you to the Vallruckalm, the valley's highest alp at 2132 meters.  From there you hike over the Nasse Tuxalm, passing by the 17th century farm settlement of Gemais.  

The waterfall trail is a two-hour walk beginning at the valley station of the Gletscherbahn Hintertux, passing by the Kesselfall and the Schraubenwasserfall, and then back by way of the Tuxbachklamm.

Another worthy destination is the restored Tuxer mill near Juns.  Every Monday the water wheel turns, showing how barley was ground into flour in earlier times.  You can also experience an earlier era is the Hoellensteinhuette, a private farm museum near Lanersbach.

The ten-kilometer long Tuxtal has retained its pastoral character.  Despite an abundance of tourist facilities, the valley's buildings fit in nicely with the natural surroundings.