ENJOY NATURE
Welcome to "Almtal" Hochfügen
Right at the start of the Zillertal valley in Tirol, the 13 km road leads up from Fügen to an oasis of calm and spellbinding natural diversity at a height of 1500 m. Hochfügen’s idyllic Almtal valley not only features a series of pastures that have provided a summer home to the Zillertal valley cows for many centuries, it is also a real magnet for visitors looking to enjoy hiking trips and lots of fresh air.
"The Almtal Hochfügen: Where time out in nature is at home"
Clear mountain air, bubbling streams, and forests offering plenty of shade: these are the ingredients for a rejuvenating visit to the Almtal valley. Did you know that while there are an average of seven different herbs per square metre down in the wide valley, this figure can climb as high as 70 in certain meadows? Small wonder, then, that the Almtal valley is such a haven for wildlife in the summer months. And it’s not just the animals who enjoy the natural bounty of these sun-kissed expanses, as shown by the numerous rustic alpine mountain huts dotted across the landscape (known as “Hochleger” and “Niederleger” at high and low altitudes respectively).
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IDYLLIC LANDSCAPE
Hiking and Biking in the Almtal Hochfügen
THE "ALMTAL"
Hochfügen Alpine Farming
INFORMATION
Alpine Farming
- The German term "Alm" stands for meadow, pasture, mountain pasture.
- The Lamarkalm is the earliest alpine pasture in the Finsinggrund area to be mentioned (in 1404).
- In the Hochfügen area there are over 3,000 hectares of alpine pasture on a total of 13 alpine pastures.
- Countless dairy cows, young cattle and bulls graze in summer at altitudes of up to 2,300 metres above sea level.
Alpine pasture farming and haymaking also have a positive effect on nature:
o Care of the alpine meadows
o protection from overgrowth
o Preservation and promotion of biodiversity
- The Lamarkalm is the earliest alpine pasture in the Finsinggrund area to be mentioned (in 1404).
- In the Hochfügen area there are over 3,000 hectares of alpine pasture on a total of 13 alpine pastures.
- Countless dairy cows, young cattle and bulls graze in summer at altitudes of up to 2,300 metres above sea level.
Alpine pasture farming and haymaking also have a positive effect on nature:
o Care of the alpine meadows
o protection from overgrowth
o Preservation and promotion of biodiversity
CULTURE & TRADITION
Cattle descent in autumn
In September, when the leaves take on their delightful autumn tones, the cows provide another burst of colour as they make their way down from the Alpine meadows to the farm where they will spend the winter. Wearing large bells around their necks and ornate fir decorations on their heads, they embark on a dazzling procession from the mountain into the valley. The cattle descent is a tradition that not only celebrates the safe return of the animals and dairy farmers, but also marks the end of summer. These festivals take place across the region between mid-September and early October.
FRESH FROM THE ALP
How is hay milk produced?
What does hay milk mean?
• Oldest form of milk production
• In summer, dairy cows are taken to pastures where they can eat fresh grass and herbs
• In winter, the cows are given fresh hay
• The meadows are mown, the grass is dried and the hay produced in this way is stored in barns for the cold season. Hay production also has a positive impact on nature, as the mowing and grazing promotes terrific biodiversity.
• Fermented feed such as silage is strictly prohibited.
The hay milk farmers offer their animals much more than just species-appropriate feed: by providing sufficient movement, a number of delightful quiet areas and personal care, they ensure their cows’ wellbeing. 100% mountain farm hay milk – a commitment to quality.
Hochfügen mountain cheese
Hochfügen mountain cheese is a highly aromatic hard cheese crafted from top-quality Zillertal hay milk. It is produced and matured in accordance with old traditions that inspire its uniquely powerful aroma. Made exclusively from natural ingredients, it is lactose-free and rich in calcium.
Fügen Dairy “Heumilch Sennerei”
• Cooperative dairy with approx. 270 members
• Delivers around 14.5 million litres of milk every year
• Largest farmer-owned milk processor in Tirol
• Processes silo-free mountain farm hay milk sourced from farming families in the Zillertal valley
• Offers a wide range of products made from Zillertal hay milk
• In summer, 90% of milk comes from surrounding Alpine pastures
PURE EXPERIENCE
The destination for the whole family
Bogenpark Hochfügen (archery park)
Next to the valley station of the Holzalmbahn chair lift in Hochfügen is one of the highest Alpine archery parks. Catering perfectly to beginners and experts alike, It offers an ideal way to escape the stress and bustle of everyday life! You can also try your hand at the 3D archery course: in addition to 4 target boards, this also features a high-quality hunting experience with 21 animal targets including rabbits, wood grouse and deer. Visitors can first get warmed up in the dedicated practice area before entering the course for an archery session lasting around 2 hours. It’s a fun-filled outing for the whole family!
Don’t forget: STURDY FOOTWEAR is essential on this mountain-based nature course.
PURE NATURE
Info & Contact
The Archery Park is open from 09.30 to 16.30 in the summer months. The course is closed in bad weather conditions.
Tel.: +43 5280 5312
Tel.: +43 5280 5312
EXPERIENCE HOCHFÜGEN
Playground and chapel
The chapel (built in 2019) and the playground are located directly
adjacent to the Hochfügen slip road and next to the car park.
adjacent to the Hochfügen slip road and next to the car park.
EASY & COMFORTABLE
PLAN YOUR TOUR!
PLAN YOUR TOUR NOW!
Interactive hiking map
Explore the holiday region "Erste Ferienregion" in the Zillertal valley with our interactive map and straightaway find detailed information such as altitude profiles and route descriptions for your hike or mountain bike tour to download and print. Here you can also download the GPX data to your GPS device.
COMFORTABLE AND FREE OF CHARGE
Public transport Hochfügen
With the hiking bus L8333 from Uderns you can easily get to Hochfügen via Fügen! The hiking bus is available free of charge.
LET YOURSELF BE PAMPERED
CULINARY
Journey to Almtal Hochfügen
By car
Drive along the Inntalautobahn motorway, take the exit to Zillertal, then take the first exit at Fügen Süd roundabout and follow the signposts to Hochfügen.
By public transport
At Fügen station on the Zillertalbahn railway, catch the 8333 hiking bus to Hochfügen.
Hiking bus
The 8333 hiking bus travels from Uderns-Fügen-Fügenberg to Hochfügen and back, providingfree access to Hochfügen’s Almtal valley.
With bike
Cyclists arriving from Fügen should take cycle route 411 or follow Hochfügener Straße (asphalt road); those arriving from Schwaz can take cycle route 412.
On foot
Visitors arriving on foot should follow one of the various hiking routes leading from Spieljoch mountain, Finsinggrund or Schwaz.
1.400 km hiking trails
1.200 km bike trails
10 summer cable cars
Tourismusverband Erste Ferienregion im Zillertal
Hauptstraße 54
6263 Fügen - Österreich
Telefon: +43 5288 62262
Fax: +43 5288 63070
Email: info@best-of-zillertal.at
How to get here
Plan Directions
