Olpererhütte (2,388 m) is a mountain hut in the Zillertal Alps in Tirol (Tyrol), Austria. Famed for its panoramic view of the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir (also written Schlegeis Stausee), this deservedly popular refuge is the ultimate day hiking destination in the Austrian Alps.
Whether you’re dreaming about that Instagram-famous suspension bridge or having an epic lunch view, Olperer mountain hut will likely exceed your already high expectations.
This hike to Olpererhütte begins at the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir. From the town of Mayrhofen in Zillertal, you can reach the trailhead by bus, or by car. The road to the reservoir is usually open between early May and late October, depending on snow conditions.
In this guide to visiting Olpererhütte, you’ll learn about:
- How to Get to Olpererhütte Trailhead by Bus
- How to Get to Olpererhütte Trailhead by Car
- When to hike to Olpererhütte
- Trail Options to Olpererhütte incl. Hiking Map (there are 3)
- Top Hike: Friesenberghaus and Olpererhütte Loop Trail
- Overnighting in Olpererhütte
- Where to Stay in the Zillertal Alps: Mayrhofen
Plan Your Trip to Austria: 14 Day Austria Itinerary and 7 Day Austria Itinerary.
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Hiking to Olpererhütte in Austria
- Trailhead: Schlegeis Stausee
- Type of Hike: Circuit
- Route: Schlegeis Stausee (1,785 m) – Friesenberghaus (2,500 m) – Olpererhütte (2,389 m) – Schlegeis Stausee (1,785 m)
- Distance: 13.8 km
- Minimum Elevation: 1785 m
- Maximum Elevation: 2626 m
- Total ascent: 876 m
- Total descent: 876 m
- Difficulty: Moderate / Moderately Difficult
- Time Needed: 6 hours
- Where to Stay: Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof (Budget), Alpenhotel Kramerwirt (Midrange), or ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only (Luxury) in Mayrhofen.
How to Get to the Olpererhütte Trailhead by Bus
Take bus 4102 to Schlegeisspeicher reservoir from the Mayrhofen Bahnhof Train/Bus Station.
There are about 7 buses that depart each day, starting at 7:55 a.m. (as of Summer 2019).
Take the earliest bus you can. We paid 9.20 EUR per person for a one-way ticket. The ride lasts about 50 minutes.
If you are traveling to Mayrhofen im Zillertal by public transit, find the best connection to Mayrhofen train station here.
How to Get to the Olpererhütte Trailhead by Car
You can also drive directly to the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir. From Mayrhofen, drive in the direction of Ginzling. You’ll drive the 13.3 km Alpenstrasse Schlegeis road all the way to the reservoir.
This alpine road is usually open from late May until late October.
There’s a 14 EUR toll per car (10 EUR per motorbike), which you’ll pay near the toll station at Gasthof Breitlahner.
Note: there’s no additional fee for parking. I recommend driving if you don’t want to worry about catching the bus back to Mayrhofen, as the last one leaves at 6 pm.
When can you hike to Olpererhütte
The road to the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir is open from late-May until mid-October.
Depending on the weather conditions, the start of the season or the end of the season may be postponed. If you’re traveling here during the shoulder season, check this website for updates. The best time to visit Olpererhütte is in summer and early Fall. In Spring, you will likely encounter snow on the trail.
Which Trail to Take to Olpererhütte
There are three ways to hike to Olperer mountain hut:
- Schlegeisspeicher – Olpererhütte (1:30 hours to the hut via Trail 502). This is the shortest and most direct route. Marked in blue on the map.
- Schlegeisspeicher – Friesenberghaus – Olpererhütte (4:30 hours to the hut via Trail 532). This is the most scenic approach. We’ll be describing this trail below. Marked in red on the map.
- Schlegeisspeicher – Olpererhütte (4:30 hours to the hut via Neumarkter Runde). This is an interesting approach, though not as impressive as option #2. Marked in green on the map.
Friesenberghaus and Olpererhütte Loop Trail Description
We recommend hiking to Olperer mountain hut via Friesenberghaus (Option #2) along trail 532. Though there’s a shorter and more direct way to the hut, this approach rewards you with magical views of the reservoir, Schlegeiskees glacier, and many photogenic peaks along a memorable balcony trail that forms part of the multi-day Berlin High Trail.
Schlegeisspeicher reservoir to Friesenberghaus (2 hours)
From the bus drop-off point at Schlegeisspeicher reservoir, head to Dominikushütte (in the direction of the tunnel). Before reaching Dominikushütte, you’ll see a signed intersection indicating right towards Friesenberghaus (signed 2 hours) along Trail 532.
The narrow trail ascends gently. You’ll cross a river via a wood plank and continue through the forest. Eventually, you’ll cross a marshy meadow over wooden planks. The views open up and you’ll see Schlegeis Stausee. The trail continues to ascend to Friesenberghaus.
Atmospheric and cozy, Friesenberghaus is a perfect place for lunch. The hut staff is swift and friendly, and the food is very good.
Friesenberghaus to Olpererhütte (1:30 – 2 hours)
After lunch, you’ll descend a few meters from the hut in the direction of Friesenbergsee lake. After a water crossing, you’ll start a steep 170 m ascent. It looks more daunting than it is – you’re not going all the way to the top.
The trail levels and you’ll hike along a breathtaking balcony trail to Olpererhütte (1 hour and 15 min). This stretch of the Berliner Höhenweg is remarkable, as you’ll have continuous views of the Schlegeis Stausee below cradled by 3000+ m peaks.
Shortly before reaching the Olpererhütte, you’ll hike across that Instagram-famous suspension bridge.
Olpererhütte to Schlegeisspeicher reservoir (1 hour)
After sufficiently enjoying the food, wine (their wine list is phenomenal), the resident goats, and epic views of Olperer hut, descend back down to Schlegeisspeicher via the direct path (signed 1 hour).
Staying the Night in Olpererhütte
If you wanted to extend your Zillertal Alps experience, you could also stay the night in Olpererhütte. This allows you to enjoy the hut at sunset when most day visitors are already gone. You’ll be sharing the hut with hikers who are trekking the Berlin High Trail, as well as visitors who are planning 2, or 3-day hiking tours in the Zillertal Alps. As beautiful as Olpererhütte is, it’s first and foremost a mountain refuge for hikers. So, sleeping and bathroom quarters are shared.
- Showers: 3 EUR for a 4 min shower
- Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink
- Electronic Charging Stations: Readily available in rooms
- Payment: Credit cards and cash are accepted
- Food: Really good.
- Half Board or à la carte: We recommend opting for à la carte. The half-board portions were really small.
- Rooms: The hut offers shared rooms for 4 people and shared rooms for 8 people.
Related: Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria: 10 Essential Tips
Where to Stay in Mayrhofen
Alpenhotel Kramerwirt Alpenhotel Kramerwirt Alpenhotel Kramerwirt
If you’re planning on hiking to Olpererhütte as part of a road trip, or a summer holiday in the Zillertal, we recommend staying in Mayrhofen. Here are three excellent options:
Budget | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof is a cozy and traditional guesthouse in Mayrhofen with an attractive price point. Guests love the location, outdoor swimming pool, and hospitality. Breakfast is included.
Mid-Range | We stayed in the 4-star Alpenhotel Kramerwirt, a family-run hotel in the center of Mayrhofen. This traditional Austrian hotel exhibits a high standard of hospitality, food, and comfort. We loved the spaciousness, light, bedding, and design of our “Superior Room.” In the evenings, guests are treated to live music by local bands and ensembles. Another reason to stay at Alpenhotel Kramerwirt is their generous breakfast buffet. We’re still dreaming about it.
Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only is a luxurious hotel in Mayrhofen featuring beautiful spa facilities, outstanding cuisine, and alpine-modern furnishings. This is the best place to stay in Mayrhofen for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.
Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen.
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There are 4 comments on this post
Hi, thanks for sharing this stunning experience. I'm going to Olpererhütte in early Dec and wonder if it's still ok to visit.
Understand that the road is closed if travelling by a private car. How about by bus?
Thank you so very much in advance from Thailand.
Dean
Hi Dean,
The road to the reservoir/trailhead is closed in December. It won't be open again until end of May.
When you say the road is closed, is it closed to all traffic, including pedestrians or closed to just cars?
I was hoping to go in februray, so I'm wondering can I walk from where the road is closed off ?
Or should I wait until May ?
Thank you
Sean
Hi Sean,
I recommend waiting until the road is officially open. Unless you're equipped to hike in ice and snow, February is not a great month to attempt this.
-Sabrina