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 the Olpererhütte trailhead by bus and by car, when to hike to Olpererhütte, trail options, and where to stay.
Hiking to Olpererhütte in Austria

- Trailhead: Schlegeis Stausee | Google Maps
- 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.
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How to Get to the Olpererhütte Trailhead by Bus
Take bus 4102 to Schlegeisspeicher reservoir from the Mayrhofen Bahnhof Train/Bus Station.
There are 16 buses that depart each day, starting at 7:35 a.m. You can find the bus schedule here or here.
Take the earliest bus you can. You will pay 10 EUR per person for a one-way ticket (8 EUR for the ride, 2 EUR toll fee). The return ticket is 20 EUR per person.
The ride lasts about 50 minutes. The last bus leaves at 5:55 pm at Schlegeisspeicher reservoir.
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, depending on snow conditions.
In Mai, June, September and October you can drive the Alpenstraße Schleigeisspeicher between 7 am and 6 pm. In July and August it opens an hour earlier (6 am – 6 pm).
There’s a 14.50 EUR toll per car (10.50 EUR per motorbike), which you’ll pay near the toll station at Gasthof Breitlahner. The toll must be paid in cash only.
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.
Related:
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

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.
Midrange | 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 22 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
Hi! This looks so exciting, thanks for sharing!
Would you recommend the second route (through Friesenberghaus) also to non-experienced hikers? And if yes, what gear would you recommend we carry?
Thank you!
Hi Limi,
It depends. If you're acclimated, fit, and are sure-footed, I recommend it. It's considered an intermediate (red) trail. You should be comfortable hiking 6:30 hours and conquering 900 meters. If you start early and take breaks, I think it's possible! Bring hiking poles, water (2 liters per person), sun protection (Cat 3 or 4 sunglasses, sun hat), and layers. I highly recommend doing a few warm-up hikes in the season, before hiking this trail. Also, only hike on a sunny day (with no chance of thunderstorms/rain).
Let us know how it goes. You can tag us on Instagram @moonhoneytravelers
Have fun,
Sabrina
Hey, thank you for this post, contains all the details I was looking for about the hike to Olpererhutte!
I am planning to visit here with my family in August, and have a question. Would you consider this hike as too difficult to undertake with a 5 year old kid?
Hi Rameez, I don't recommend hiking this trail (6:30 - 7 hours) with a 5-year-old. But, we don't have any experience hiking with kids, so I recommend reaching out to the local tourist board for their insight.
All the best and have a great summer! - Sabrina
Hi thanks for sharing this experience.
I am planning to hike here end of july with some friends.
Do you recommend winter hiking shoes or normal hiking shoes during this time? Should also normal sports shoes work?
Thanks.
Hi Ro,
I recommend wearing hiking boots (any grade should be fine) for this trail. Sneakers just don't provide the same traction/support.
All the best,
Sabrina
Hi, is it possible to reach the suspension bridge also through Trail 502? I am not an experienced hiker, so I would also like to know if this is the best option for me. Thank you, Pamela.
Hi Pamela,
Yes, trail 502 would be your best option. The bridge is located close to the hut - easy to find.
Hi, I am planning to hike to the hut in November 3rd of this year. Would that be possible? I just saw that the roads were closed but just wanted to make sure that there might be some other way to hike the trail.
Thank you
Hi,
If the road is closed, it's not possible.
Hi, thank you for sharing your experience. I would like to go on July alone. Would it be safe to hike solo to olperer? Is the hiking sign well placed?
Thank you
Hi Syifa,
If you're a confident hiker and the weather is stable, yes. The trail is well signed and waymarked.
-Sabrina
Hi, I was wondering if there is any possibility to go for a hike in september for any weekend? Because i m doubting there will be any sunny days left? And I would choose the easiest way 1.30h to come up. Thank you
September is a great month to hike in the Alps.
-Sabrina
Hi, thanks for sharing. A question: I'm very fit (so the distance is not the problem), but I have a mountain handicap: I'm afraid of heights. Is this trail suitable for people who are afraid of height (does the trail comes along abysses)?
Thanks for answering!
Auke
Hi Auke,
You shouldn't have a problem. There's no exposure along the route. The initial ascent from Friesenbergsee lake is steep and you may need to use your hands, but I don't recall any sudden drops.
-Sabrina
do you know any tour guide who can help us to do this hiking ?
Hi Jeswin,
I do not. I recommend reaching out to the tourist office in Mayrhofen for tour guide recommendations.
Happy hiking,
Sabrina