Mayrhofen Holidays

Lively, energetic and as traditional as you wish, Mayrhofen is one of the most visited summer resorts in the Tyrol. There’s spectacular scenery, magnificent walks amid gorgeous valleys, kaffeehaus coffee and cakes culture, Tyrolean music and an unrivalled range of summertime events and activities.

One of the most picturesque corners of the Tyrol and a hiker’s paradise during summer, Mayrhofen is set amidst the natural beauty of the Zillertal Alps National Park, the cradle of alpine tourism, and enjoys easy access to some of the tallest peaks in the region, many of which are higher than 3,000 metres.

The two mountains between which Mayrhofen sits are Penken and Ahorn whose white winter slopes transform into lush Alpine pastures offering numerous summer activities.

Penken is arguably one of the most spectacular places to visit in Austria and is easily accessed by cable car from the centre of Mayrhofen. Similarly, Ahorn is served by the largest panoramic glass gondola in Austria which can transport up to 160 people at any one time. It takes little more than six minutes to reach the plateau which offers spectacular views and fine restaurants and is the starting point for many hikes and trails.

Attractions

Tyrolean hospitality and a traditional way of life is evident in the many cafés, craft shops and bars of Mayrhofen.

The narrow gauge Ziller valley railway runs from Mayrhofen to Jenbach from where travellers can take an onward connecting train to Innsbruck.

After a day’s hiking in the Alps many walkers while away evenings listening to Tyrolean music and watching traditional dancing at the Europahaus or at one of the delightful summer music festivals. Other festivities include the Almabtrieb, or cattle drive, where livestock, elaborately decorated with flowers and bells especially for the occasion, are brought down into the valleys in September after months grazing on the high Alpine meadows.

Attractions close to Mayrhofen include the spectacular Krimml waterfalls, about an hour’s drive away, Lake Achensee, the lovely medieval town of Rattenberg in the Inn Valley, and Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens, near Innsbruck. For getting around the resort it’s worth buying a Zillertal Activcard for free travel on buses, some trains and cable cars.

Activities

Must do scenic trails are best started from the top stations of the mountains where there’s often a choice of plateau strolls, gentle forest walks and numerous challenging hikes; each giving the opportunity to spot mountain animals and birds of prey in spectacular surroundings.

Trails are well signposted and detailed maps are available. There are 800km of cycle and mountain bike routes, some climbing to 2,000m, which you can explore at your leisure or join a group as part of a guided tour. Further two-wheeled fun can be had on scooters and dirt-bikes.

The Zillertal Valley Cycle Path runs along the flat and broad valley floor, ideal for leisure cyclists and families with youngsters. And hiring e-bikes makes for easy cycling so you can travel further afield to explore higher alpine routes and delightful hidden valleys.

Canyons, rivers and lakes feature a plethora of water-based activities including rafting, kayaking and even walking on water in Funballz! Whilst away from the water there’s paragliding and hang-gliding; breathtaking ways to view the Zillertal.