Mayrhofen (633 m) is an alpine town in Zillertal Valley in Tirol, Austria. In summer, Mayrhofen becomes a lively base for hikers exploring the Zillertal Alps.

We spent a few days in Mayrhofen, before embarking on the multi-day Berlin High Trail (Berliner Höhenweg). We loved how easy it was to get around Zillertal via public transit. If you’re traveling through Austria without a car, this is definitely a place you can explore easily. 

We also loved the dining scene. There’s no better place to indulge in traditional Austrian cuisine.

And as you do, you’ll hear live traditional Tyrolean music absolutely everywhere.

Keep reading to find out how to get here, where to stay, where to eat, and the best things to do in Mayrhofen in summer.

Mayrhofen Summer Guide

• Elevation: 633 meters
• When to Visit: June – September
• Must-Do Day Hike: Olpererhütte
• Must-Do Trek: Berlin High Trail
• Where to Eat: Hotel Neue Post and Alpenhotel Kramerwirt
• Recommended Itineraries: 7 Day Austria Itinerary, 14 Day Austria Itinerary, or 10-Day Bavaria and Tyrol Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Mayrhofen: Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof (budget), Alpenhotel Kramerwirt(midrange), ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only (luxury)
• Recommended Hiking Map: Mayrhofen, Zillertal Alps WK 152 1:50 000 (Freytag & Berndt)

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Mayrhofen Summer Map

How to Get to Mayrhofen in Zillertal Valley

Transit

The easiest way to get to Mayrhofen is to take an ÖBB train to Jenbach Bahnhof.

From Jenbach, take the Zillertalbahn (Zillertal Train) to Mayrhofen in Zillertal (called Bahnhof Zillertalbahn in Google Maps).

Book your train ticket to Mayrhofen im Zillertal.

The bus station in Mayrhofen is located just outside the train station. You’ll come back here, whenever you need to hop on a bus to get to hiking or walking destinations in the region. 

Where to Stay in Mayrhofen

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.” We rarely spend time in hotel rooms, but we couldn’t resist reading on the balcony and taking an afternoon nap in our sunkissed bedroom. In the evenings, guests are treated to live music by local bands and ensembles. During our stay, a men’s vocal group performed outside during dinner. Another reason to stay at Alpenhotel Kramerwirt is their phenomenal 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.

Related: Best Places to Stay in Austria in Summer

Things to Do in Mayrhofen

1. Hike to Olpererhütte

With unforgettable views of Schlegeisspeicher (also written: Schlegeis Stausee) Reservoir, the Olpererhütte (Olperer Mountain Hut) is a deservedly popular destination in the Zillertal 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. 

How to Get to the Olpererhütte Trailhead by Transit

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 am. 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 6:10 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.

There’s a 15.50 EUR toll per car (11.50 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 6:10 pm. 

How to Reach Olperer Mountain Hut

Shortest ascent to Olperer Hütte:

Schlegeisspeicher – Olpererhütte (1:30 hours to the mountain hut via Trail 502)

Recommended circuit hike to Olperer Hütte:

Schlegeisspeicher – Friesenberghaus – Olpererhütte (4:30 hours to the mountain hut via Trail 532)

Learn More: Olpererhütte Hiking Guide

2. Walk around Speicher Zillergründl to Hohenau Alm

Speicher Zillergründl (1850 m) is another large reservoir in the Zillertal Alps. Several trails begin at the reservoir, including the flat path to Hohenau Alm, known as the “Little Tibet of Zillertal.”

If you’re traveling to Mayrhofen in summer with children, this trail is very easy and suitable for the whole family. 

How to Get to Speicher Zillergründl (Zillergrund Reservoir) by Bus

Take Bus Line 8328 to Zillergrund Staumauer (Reservoir Wall) from the Mayrhofen Bahnhof.

A one-way adult ticket costs 10.20 EUR (which includes a 1 EUR “Maut,” or toll). You can find the bus schedule here.

It took us 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Speicher Zillergründl. 

How to Get to Speicher Zillergründl (Zillergrund Reservoir) by Car

If you’re traveling by car, you’ll pay an 8 EUR toll to drive to Speicher Zillergründl.

Also, you’ll still have to take a bus to the Zillergrund Staumauer, as cars aren’t permitted. Park near Gasthof Bärenbad. And, hop on bus 8328 at Zillergrund Bärenbad bus stop. It only makes sense to drive here if you’re not based in Mayrhofen.

When we arrived by bus at Zillergrund Bärenbad, there were tons of people waiting to get on the bus. And, there wasn’t enough room for everyone.

Note: It is also possible to walk from Zillergrund Bärenbad to the Zillergrund Reservoir. Prepare for a 2.6 km hike (400 meter ascent). 

Hohenau Alm Hike Overview

• Trailhead: Zillergründl Reservoir
• Distance: 8.2 km out-and-back
• Time Needed: 2:30 hours 
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 123 meters
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Minimum Elevation: 1848 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 1902 meters
• Route: Speicher Zillergründl – Hohenau Alm – Speicher Zillergründl

From the bus drop off point, you’ll walk through a tunnel at first. Continue hiking along the reservoir.

The path hugs the lake and will ultimately lead you to Hohenau Alm (1863 m), the small Tibetan-style teahouse decked with prayer flags and prayer wheels.

You can order snacks and refreshments here. If you ever wanted to try fresh “Buttermilch,” this is a great place to do it. Around the alm, you’ll see pigs, goats, and cows. 

3. Hike to Plauener Hütte

Plauener mountain hut is perched high above Speicher Zillergründl in the Zillertal Alps.

Follow the transit instructions in the hike above, as this hike also begins at the Zillergründl Reservoir.

If you’re looking at a Zillertal “Wanderkarte” (hiking tourist map), this is the “Panoramatour im Zillergrund” loop trail numbered 12. 

Panorama Tour in Zillergrund Trail Overview

• Trailhead: Zillergründl Reservoir
• Distance: 15.5 km circuit
• Time Needed: 5:30 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 688 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult 
• Min. Elevation: 1846 meters
• Max. Elevation: 2478 meters
• Route: Speicher Zillergründl – Plauener Hütte – Hohenau Alm – Speicher Zillergründl 

From the bus drop-off point, you’ll walk through a tunnel. Upon exiting the tunnel, continue walking the flat path along the reservoir, until you see a trail that cuts left signed “Plauerner Hütte.”

It takes about 1:30 hours to reach Plauener Hütte (2363 m). You can grab food and refreshments here. Many visitors will return directly to Speicher Zillergründl from the hut.

However, if you’re looking for a longer day hike, continue along the Hannemannweg Trail in the direction of Heilig-Geist-Jöchl. You’ll hike along the Hannemannweg for about 3.6 km (1:30 hours).

And then, you’ll descend via trail 517 to the Reservoir (signed Stausee-Zillergrund). Follow the trail signs to “Staumauer.”

This giant loop will ultimately lead you to Hohenau Alm. From here, it’s a 1-hour walk along the Zillergrund Reservoir back to the bus stop.

Read Next: Where to Hike in the Austrian Alps

4. Visit Stilluptal Valley

Stilluptal is another scenic valley in the Zillertal Alps.

Apart from selected shuttle buses and residents, there’s no traffic allowed in Stilluptal (starting from Gasthof Wasserfall).

So, if you’re looking for a peaceful walk in a scenic valley near Mayrhofen, this is it. 

How to Get to Stilluptal

From the Mayrhofen Bahnhof, you can take a “Linienbusverkehr Otto Kröll” shuttle bus to Gasthof Wasserfall (1129 m). A round-trip ticket costs 8 EUR per person. A one-way ticket costs 6 EUR per person.

Starting in mid-June, some buses go all the way to Grüne Wand Hütte (1438 m). You can also take a direct shuttle taxi to Grüne Wand Hütte with the Gästewagen – Mietwagen Hermann Thaler. 11 EUR one-way / 15 EUR round-trip. It’s a bit confusing, so definitely ask your hotel for help.

You can find the schedule for the shuttle and the taxi here.

By car, you can drive to Gasthof Wasserfall (8 EUR toll), but no further. 

What to Do in Stilluptal

• Walk from Gasthof Wasserfall to Grüne Wand Hütte via the valley road and Stillup Reservoir (2 hours one-way, 7.4 km, 300 m elevation gain).
• Eat lunch at Grüne Wand Hütte.
• Hike from Grüne Wand Hütte to Kasseler Hütte (9.5 km out-and-back, 4 hours, 740 m elevation gain/loss).

5. Trek the Berlin High Trail

The Berlin High Trail (Berliner Höhenweg) is a multi-day hut to hut hike in the Zillertal Alps, which begins and ends in (or near) Mayrhofen.

It’s a challenging trek that requires alpine hiking experience, sure-footedness, and a head for heights.

Highlights of the trek include unsurpassable glacier and peak views, rustic and grand mountain huts, as well as demanding ascents and descents.

Learn More: Berlin High Trail

6. Eat Delicious Tyrolean Food

Mayrhofen is one of the best destinations to eat traditional Tyrolean food. Here are some of our favorite places to eat:

Hotel Neue Post. This hotel and restaurant is a 2-minute walk from Alpenhotel Kramerwirt. This is the best place to eat traditional Tyrolean food. 

Konditorei Kostner. This café and patisserie in Mayrhofen is the place to go for coffee and cake. It’ll be difficult to make a decision, as there are so many cakes to choose from. 

Butcher Hans Gasse. If you find yourself in need of a quick, casual lunch, head to Gasser. We came back twice for their Schnitzelsemmel. 

Alpenhotel Kramerwirt. This traditional Austrian hotel serves delicious Tyrolean food between 11 am and 10 pm every day.

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Learn more about the European Alps:

• The Alps in Summer: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting 
• Hiking in the European Alps: Invaluable Tips