Tuxer Ferner Haus: The brutal 30% gravel climb in the Zillertal Alps
Located in the Zillertal valley of the Austrian state of Tyrol, the road to Tuxer Ferner Haus is a high-altitude challenge reaching an elevation of 2,615m (8,579ft) above sea level. This peak is part of the Hintertux Glacier system, one of the few ski resorts in the world offering skiing 365 days a year, meaning the road is a vital but brutal service track for the high-mountain infrastructure.
| Road facts: Tuxer Ferner Haus | |
|---|---|
| Location | Zillertal, Tyrol, Austria |
| Elevation | 2,615 m (8,579 ft) |
| Length | 4.7 km (2.9 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 13.27% |
| Max Gradient | 30% |
Where is Tuxer Ferner?
The road is located at the coordinates 47°04'37.5"N 11°40'07.9"E, situated at the head of the Tuxertal valley in the Zillertal Alps. The track winds up from the Sommerbergalm plateau towards the Tuxer Ferner Haus, right at the base of the permanent glacier. This region is famous for its year-round snow, providing a dramatic backdrop of ice and rock that remains accessible even in the height of summer.
Is the road to Tuxer Ferner paved?
No, the road to the summit is entirely unpaved, consisting of loose stones, rocky outcrops, and heavy gravel. It is a technical chairlift access trail and ski-station service road. The surface is notoriously difficult to navigate, as the loose stones make maintaining traction a constant battle, especially in the upper sections where the terrain becomes even steeper and more rugged. Due to the extreme Alpine conditions, this trail can only be completed in a very narrow time-frame during the summer, typically around late August.
How long is the road to Tuxer Ferner?
Starting from Sommerbergalm, the road is 4.7 km (2.9 miles) long. While the distance seems short, the elevation gain is a massive 624 meters, resulting in a staggering average gradient of 13.27%. The climb is relentless, with several "brutally steep" sections where the gradient hits 30%. Navigating these ramps on a gravel surface requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with excellent torque and specialized tires to prevent the wheels from spinning out.
How challenging is the drive to Tuxer Ferner?
The drive is exceptionally challenging due to the combination of the 13.27% average slope and the volatile Alpine weather. High winds blow through the Zillertal Alps all year long, and even in mid-summer, drivers must be prepared for sudden snowy days and freezing temperatures. The mechanical strain on the vehicle is extreme; the cooling system must work at its limit to handle the 30% grades, while the descent requires heavy engine braking to avoid overheating the brakes on the steep, loose-surface switchbacks. It is a high-intensity mountain drive that leaves no room for error.
Pic&video: Hintertuxer Gletscherkönig