Finkenberg: Nature Trails, Gorges and Unique Structures

Finkenberg combines protected natural areas, impressive gorges and unique structures to create a diverse travel destination in the Zillertal. Parts of the municipality are located in the Zillertal Alps High Mountain Nature Park. At the same time, bridges, a historic parish church and the striking Garnet Chapel tell of different eras and forms of architecture.

Nature on Paths Through Landscapes and Moorland

The protected Glocke landscape area covers approximately 33 hectares. A circular trail lasting about one hour leads through this area and makes its natural beauty accessible to locals and visitors. Along the nature trail, information boards and an accompanying booklet provide information about the particularly rich flora of this recreational area, the history and geology of the Tux Valley, and historic forms of land management. The trail therefore offers not only landscape impressions but also insights for anyone who would like to learn more about the surroundings while hiking.

Another specific option is the Penken Moor Nature Trail. It begins at the intermediate station of the Finkenberger Almbahnen and runs along the hiking trail to the Schrofenalm. The information boards explain the typical biodiversity of the fen, its protected plants and the species-rich animal life found there. The Tuxbach Gorge & Glocke Nature Trail also offers views into a gorge up to 70 m deep. Depending on your interests, you can therefore include in your travel plans an educational trail with a botanical focus, a path through a moorland area or a route with views of a gorge.

The Buchen-Baumgruppe natural monument also complements the landscape. A group of old beech trees west of and above Finkenberg was placed under protection in 1929. The natural monument is located in the Persal district and can be reached via hiking trail no. 29 in the direction of the Innerberg district. The exact route remains tied to the named hiking trail and can easily be considered a separate nature excursion.

Bridges, Church and Garnet Chapel

The Hochsteg Bridge is one of the notable cultural landmarks. It dates from the 19th century, spans the Zemmbach and is considered a valuable example of historic timber construction. The Devil's Bridge in Finkenberg was built in 1876. Below it lies a deeply cut gorge through which the wild Tuxer Bach rushes and foams. The two structures represent different impressions: The historic timber construction stands out at the Hochsteg Bridge, while the Devil's Bridge is connected with the natural force of the stream.

Today's St. Leonard's Church was built in 1721 and has been the parish church of Finkenberg since 1891. Another special attraction awaits you at the Penkenjoch: Capella Granata was designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta. It is located at an elevation of 2,087 m east of the reservoir at the Penkenjoch. The Garnet Chapel can be reached from the mountain station of the Finkenberger Almbahnen in around 10 minutes on foot; it is accessible only in summer. Anyone planning this visit should take its seasonal accessibility into account when choosing their travel dates.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

A free bus connection is relevant for getting around locally: It operates year-round from Mayrhofen via Finkenberg to Hintertux. In addition, two gondola lifts take guests from Finkenberg to the Penkenjoch, located at an elevation of 2,095 m. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether you would like to focus your stay primarily on hiking trails and nature trails, historic structures or a combination of valley and mountain experiences. The aforementioned trails, the summer accessibility of the Garnet Chapel and the year-round bus connection provide different starting points for this, without requiring all excursions to be combined into a single route.

Compare Other Places

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Finkenberg, you can also view Eben Am Achensee, Weer, Schöneben, Ried Im Zillertal, Buch In Tirol, Kaltenbach, Ramsau Im Zillertal and Wiesing.

For the higher-level travel overview: Schwaz.