Situated at the end of the Ziller valley, Mayrhofen boasts a wide variety of walks from gentle valley strolls along the Ziller River to steep woodland hikes and beautiful panoramas from the top of the Penken or Ahorn cablecars. Many mountain restaurants offer typical Austrian specialities for a lunchtime treat. The village is lively and bustling, and with tennis, swimming, adventure sports and even summer skiing on the Hintertux Glacier, Mayrhofen is a wonderful base for an active summer holiday. The local steam train is a popular way to get up and down the valley and in the evenings there is a variety of live entertainment in the hotels, bars and cafés. Our resident representatives are available to arrange excursions and special events for people on holidays in Mayrhofen.
Lift and cable-cars:
Penkenbahn: Approx. 23 May to 11 October from 09:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (non-stop operation)
The state-of-the-art 3S Gondola Penken lift is open from approx 23rd May to 11th October each year. The construction of the Penkenbahn marked the beginning of a new era in Mayrhofen with a sleek climb up the near-sheer rock face to the top of the mountain, where numerous hiking trails begin. Transporting 32 people per gondola, it has halved the old journey time to a speedy eight minutes and has the convenience of Wi-Fi access. At the top of the Penken and bottom entrance the sport shop is available providing all sporting equipment that may be needed including bikes for mountain biking down some of the many routes in the valley.
Ahornbahn: Approx. 11 June to 26 October from 08:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (every 15 minutes)
The Ahorn is the largest aerial cableway in Austria. This gondola can transport up to 160 passengers to 2000m in just six and a half minutes. The panoramic views from the Ahorn are impressive allowing views down the Zillertal Valley. Known as the leisure mountain it is perfect for relaxing by the small and family friendly lake.
Churches
There are many churches and chapels in the Zillertal that you are more than welcome to enter and to admire the generally very ornately decorated interior. The church in Mayrhofen is in the centre of the village and there has been a church on this site since the 14th century although there have been many changes over the years. The church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, much of the interior points to the veneration of Mary, including the ceiling painting "Rose by Jericho" created by the artist Max Weiler. It’s also worth visiting the Granatkapelle on the Penken mountain at 2,087m. This chapel is very unique in its design with a real sense of peace and tranquility.
Nature’s Ice Palace
This fascinating natural phenomenon situated at the top of the Hintertux Glacier is an absolute must day out. Magnificent ice shapes in the form of 8-metre-long stalactites, frozen waterfalls and sparkling ice crystals.
There are guided tours every hour around the 5km of caves and of course you will find the best views of the Alps as you go up and over the 3000 metre mark.
Tratzberg Castle
Take a day out to explore the history of one of Europe’s most beautiful castles in the late Gothic style. Dating back to the 13th century and once a hunting lodge for Emperor Maxamilian I, this stunning castle is full of artful ornaments, renaissance paintings and cultural monuments. Located out of the valley in the Inntal. Take the valley train to Jenbach and then the Silver Line nostalgia bus to the castle.
Swarovski Crystal World
Opened in 1995 to celebrate 100 years of Swarovski, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds enchant millions of people from all over the world with moments of wonder. The Giant Play Plan entices visitors to take part in a varied program of events and activities. The Crystal Stage is a sparkling shopping landscape that brings all of the Swarovski product worlds together under one roof.
Zillertal Activcard /Resort Card
The Zillertal Active Card is a fantastic way to get the most out of your stay. The card gives you access to the lifts, buses and trains, open air swimming pools and gives discounts on different attractions in and around the valley.
- 3 days: from € 64/adults, € 32.50/children
- 6 days: from € 91.50/adults, € 46.00/children
- 9 days: from € 125.00/adults, € 62.00/children
- 12 days: from € 156.00/adults, € 78.00/children
There is a €2 deposit to pay which you can get back at the end of the week by returning the card
The great value ‘Mayrhofen - Zillertal Active Card (Z Card)’ is available locally and provides:
- One ascent and descent every day with one of 10 gondolas of your choice
- Free entry to six open-air pools (one visit per day)
- Free use of local buses and trains (not steam trains)
- Discounts on various attractions in the Ziller valley
Prices for guidance only. Available approx 23 May onwards. Lifts usually start the summer season as from approx 19 May onwards (weather permitting).
Family and Kids
Summer should be filled with fun for kids of all ages, and Mayrhofen is packed with new adventures. Natural water playground "Brindlang", nestled in the midst of Scheuling Forest is the perfect place for the whole family. Mayrhofen Leisure park has new and large children's playground with slides, swings and climbing. Further afield there's no shortage of thrills either, whether you want to try mountain biking, rafting, tackling a via Ferrata or even skiing – on a glacier. Children's/family via Ferrate complements the three already existing via Ferrate in Mayrhofen. This family and child friendly route incorporates classic Ferrate terrain (rock faces and walking sections) with interesting high rope course elements. Especially designed for children aged 6 to 14 years.
