6 Fantastic Things to Do in Mayrhofen in Summer, Tyrol, Austria 

The charming alpine town of Mayrhofen (633 m) is located in Zillertal Valley in Tyrol, Austria. 

Zillertal Valley branches off the Inntal at Jenbach, between the Tux Alps and the Kitzbühel Alps. Rolling mountains and pastureland give way to the piercing Zillertal Alps as you journey south. 

Of all the villages in Zillertal, Mayrhofen is the most atmospheric and interesting. It serves as the best base for exploring the Zillertal Alps and its many valleys. This Austrian-Italian mountain range boasts some of the most spellbinding high-alpine trails and picture-perfect mountain huts in the Alps, including the world-famous Olpererhütte and the stately Berliner Hütte. 

Just south of Mayrhofen, Ziller Valley splits into four valleys: (1) Zillergrund, (2) Zamsergrund, (3) Stillupgrund, and (4) Tux Valley, which are the gateways to the best trails in the region. 

Buses link the village center with the main trailheads and reservoirs in the Zillertal Alps. A rental car may provide greater flexibility, but it’s not a necessity.

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Mayrhofen Summer Map

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Mayrhofen Summer Season

The summer season in Mayrhofen runs from mid/late June until early/mid September. The hiking season tends to be shorter than destinations in the Northern Limestone Alps: Lake Achensee, Filzmoos, Innsbruck, etc…

While it’s possible to visit between late September and late October, keep in mind that it may snow. Also, mountain huts in the Zillertal Alps close by mid-September. 

If you travel to Mayrhofen in late September, time your visit with the annual Almabtrieb, the ceremonial procession of livestock being guided from high alpine pastures down to the valley.

The cattle don ornate flower headdresses and wear huge cowbells, which clang theatrically as they strut through the villages. At the end of summer, Almabtriebe processions take place in Hippach and Mayrhofen. 

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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).

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. 

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1. Hike From Alpengasthaus Breitlahner to Berliner Hütte

The Berlin mountain hut (2042 m) was first erected in 1879 by the Berlin Section of the Alpine Club. To accommodate the growing number of mountaineers, the hut expanded over the years.

The current stone structure with its large entrance hall and decadent dining room was built in 1910-1911. In 1997, the Berliner Hütte was the first DAV (German Alpine Club) mountain hut to be listed as a historical monument. 

We hiked to the Berlin Hut along the multi-day Berlin High Trail. A few years later, we returned to the Berlin Hut on a day hike, starting in Alpengasthaus Breitlahner. 

This out-and-back day hike is easy and straightforward, mostly following a wide farm road. From the Alpengasthaus Breitlahner paid car park, follow trail 523 in the direction of Klausenalm (30 minutes), Grawand Hütte (1:30 hours), Alpenrose (2:30 hours), and Berliner Hütte (3 hours).

The trail ascends 801 meters to the hut, albeit very gently. 

The Berlin hut’s setting is magical beyond words. For the best views of the hut, follow the trail in the direction of Schwarzsee Lake. 

Starting at 11 am, the Berliner Hütte serves warm meals and cakes. Eat on the terrace, or in the grand wood-paneled dining room. 

The Berlin Hut is usually open from mid-June to mid-September. They accept cash and card payments. 

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Trail Stats 

Trailhead | Alpengasthaus Breitlahner Paid Car Park 

Time Needed | 6 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 801 meters

Distance | 18.4 km out-and-back

Difficulty | Easy

Minimum Elevation | 1244 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2038 meters

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2. Hike to Olpererhütte and the Suspension Bridge

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.

We recommend following to Olpererhütte via Friesenberghaus. Though it’s possible to hike directly to Olpererhütte along trail 502 in 1:30 hours, this longer circuit trail along trail 532 is majestic and should not be missed. Read our Olpererhütte trail guide.

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How to Get to the Olpererhütte Trailhead by Transit

Bus 4102 to the Schlegeis reservoir starts at Mayrhofen train/bus station. The journey takes about 50 minutes. Current timetable.

Consult smartride.vvt.at for current prices.

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How to Get to the Olpererhütte Trailhead by Car

It’s possible to drive directly to the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir. From Mayrhofen, drive in the direction of Ginzling and then continue along the 13.3 km Alpenstrasse Schlegeis toll road all the way to the reservoir.

This alpine road is usually open from late May until late October.

Toll Fee | Current toll fee

Online Ticket | Get the online ticket for the Schlegeis alpine road in advance.

Toll Gate | Gasthof Breitlahner

Toll Payment | Cash Only

Parking | There’s no additional fee for parking.

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3. 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.

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4. Eat 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 Gasser | 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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5. Hike from Zillergründl Reservoir to Plauener Hütte

Zillergründl Reservoir (1850 m) is the starting point of several scenic trails in the Zillertal Alps, including the family-friendly path to Hohenau Alm, the small Tibetan-style teahouse decked with prayer flags and prayer wheels.

We recommend following the circular path that links Plauener mountain hut, perched high above Zillergründl Reservoir, with Hohenau Alm.

This day hike starts at Zillergründl Reservoir, accessible by bus. Take bus Line 8328 to Zillergrund Staumauer (Reservoir Wall) from the Mayrhofen Bahnhof.

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

From the bus stop, walk through the tunnel and follow the level path along the reservoir, until you see a trail that branches off to the 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. Follow thje Hannemannweg for 3.6 km (1:30 hours) and then descend along trail 517 to the reservoir, following the signs to Staumauer and Stausee-Zillergrund.

This giant circuit will ultimately lead you across mountain pastures, grazed in summer, to the managed Hohenau Alm. If you ever wanted to try fresh “Buttermilch,” this is a great place to do it.

From the “Little Tibet of Zillertal,” it’s a 1-hour walk along the Zillergrund Reservoir back to the bus stop.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Zillergründl Reservoir

Distance | 15.5 km circuit

Time Needed | 5:30 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 688 meters

Difficulty | Moderately Difficult 

Minimum Elevation | 1846 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2478 meters

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6. 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.

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

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How to Get to Stilluptal

From the Mayrhofen Bahnhof, you can take a “Linienbusverkehr Otto Kröll” shuttle bus to Gasthof Wasserfall (1129 m).

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.

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

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

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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).

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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.

Top Choice – Budget-Midrange | Der Siegeler B&B – this lifestylehotel rocks is a top-rated, freshly renovated bed and breakfast in Mayrhofen, a mere 4-minute walk to the train/bus station. The spacious and bright rooms are decked in a clean alpine-modern style. A generous buffet  and on-site parking is included in the room rate. Guests love the hotel’s sports bar.

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 phenomenal breakfast buffet.

Luxury | Dating back to the 17th century, the 4-star-superior Hotel Neue Post in the center of Mayrhofen is a grand Tyrolean hotel with a traditional soul and a young progressive heart. The hotel’s facilities are unrivaled: the Postwirt restaurant, a modern spa with multiple saunas, a rooftop pool and terrace, and gym. Book half board. Free on-site parking.

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.

Luxury (car needed) | ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort is a dazzling, beautifully-designed property on the bank of the Ziller, outside of Mayrhofen (5-minute drive). This mountain retreat pampers guests with its outstanding spa, outdoor pool, and high-quality full board offering (breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the room rate).

Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen.

Related: Best Places to Stay in Austria in Summer

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More Tyrol Hiking Guides

Grosser Ahornboden / Karwendel:

• Grosser Ahornboden
• Gamsjoch Peak Hike

Lake Achensee:

• Lake Achensee
• Seekarspitze – Seebergspitze Ridge Trail
• Bärenkopf Summit Hike
• Lamsenjochhütte – Hahnkampl Circuit Trail
• Hochiss Peak Hike

Innsbruck:

• Innsbruck Hikes 
• Where to Stay in Innsbruck
• Stone Pine Path, Tux Alps
• Wolfsklamm Gorge 
• Nockspitze Peak Hike
• Hundskopf Via Ferrata

Wetterstein Mountains / Seefeld Plateau:

• Gasital Valley – Rotmoosalm Hike

Ehrwald:

• Lake Drachensee and Coburger Hütte Hike

East Tyrol:

• Innergschlöss Glacier Trail, Hohe Tauern

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