Overview

The town of Mayrhofen is located in the Upper Zillertal, in the heart of the Tyrol. Together with the neighbouring villages of Finkenberg, Ramsau, Brandberg, Ginzling, and Schwendau, it offers a variety of summer sports and activities.

The Zillertal Alps Nature Reserve - an area covering 372 square metres - is made up of narrow gorges, wide valleys, sheer rock faces, glaciers, and towering peaks. Protected by conservation laws, the area is home to rare flora and fauna and is a paradise for all nature lovers. Summer holidays are based around the two mountains: Ahorn, the "Leisure Mountain", and Penken, the "Action Mountain".

The Ahornbahn, Austria's biggest cable car, takes passengers from 1300 to 1965 metres in six minutes. At the top, the panorama platform of the Ahorn is the gateway to numerous hiking paths in the Zillertal Alps Nature Reserve. Embark on a challenging ascent to the peaks or take it easy with easy strolls through mountain meadows and lunch at one of the traditional alpine huts.

One of the most popular family walks is the Leisurely Trail with its interactive stations at the side of the path informing visitors about the sensitive relationship between animals, humans, and nature in the Zillertal Alps. After a walk, cool off in Lake Ahornsee and relax at the lakeside barbecue area. A birds of prey show takes place daily (June to October) at 2000 metres: watch the aerial acrobatics of eagles and other bids of prey.

The Penken Mountain is a haven for bikers. Take the Penkenbahn lift up to 2000 metres and explore mountain bike trails and the two singletracks: the ‘Himmelfahrt' and ‘Hoellenritt'. The singletracks are suitable for varying levels of technical skills and fitness. The first is an easy route with some obstacles and the second leads down to the valley and is designed for advanced downhill bikers.

The Penken is also criss-crossed with mountaintop hiking trails. Choose between 10 routes of varying difficulty, the most challenging being hut-to-hut tours lasting several days. Rock climbers of all levels can choose from 60 climbs at rock climbing parks.

While in the Zillertal Alps, be sure to try the local specialities: mountain huts across the area serve heart meals with real Tyrolean bacon (speck), spicy mountain cheese, and freshly baked bread.

Tickets for the mountain lifts are available in singles, returns or combinations: a single on the Penkenbahn or Ahornbahn is €10.30 adults/€5 children; a return is €16 adults/€8 children; and a combi ticket (both lifts) is €26 adults/€13.50 children. There are discounts for adults with a guest card and group discounts of 11 people or more.

Mayrhofen-Zillertal is easily reached from Innsbruck Airport, 70 kilometres away, and Munich Airport, 190 kilometres. Trains run to Jenbach, from here take the Zillertal train or bus to Mayrhofen. If driving, take the Inntal motorway (A12) and exit at Zillertal. From here, drive 30 kilometres on the B169 to Mayrhofen.