Walking in Mayrhofen

Walking Trails:
1,400kms

Terrain:
Diverse terrain from flat valley floors to towering 3,000m peaks of the Zillertal Alps

Mayrhofen at a glance

  • German
  • Euro (EUR)
  • Birmingham Int. (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester Int. (MAN)

Travel included to Mayrhofen

Depart on: Saturday or Wednesday

Fly into: Innsbruck

Transfer time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by coach

Included in your walking holiday to Mayrhofen

  • Inghams Guided Walks from 26 May - 12 Sep 25 and from 1 Jun - 18 Sep 26 (subject to availability)

  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Mayrhofen
  • Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday

  • Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation

Walking in Mayrhofen

Walks and hikes

Walking Trails:
1,400kms
Terrain:
Diverse terrain from flat valley floors to towering 3,000m peaks of the Zillertal Alps

Walking holidays in Mayrhofen offer endless opportunities to explore the stunning scenery of the Zillertal, with over 1,400 kilometres of marked walking trails in the area that cater to all abilities. You can hike to bucket-list viewpoints, walk to gourmet mountain huts for lunch with a view, make memories with the family or take on an athletic challenge in nature. 

Our favourite thing about walking in Mayrhofen is definitely the views. The four valleys that branch away from the Zillertal are all stunning in their own right, from dazzling mountain reservoirs to the Hintertux Glacier, each valley is worth exploring, and the vastness of the area will keep you coming back year after year. Take the ‘Art River’ walk to admire local sculptures, enjoy the Brandberg dairy farm loop with a stop to sample its delicious cheese, or follow the Ahorn Leisure Trail with its panoramic viewing platforms.

We’ve included two full-day walks per week in Mayrhofen, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area. The walks in Mayrhofen are run by Outdoor Sports Zillertal.

In Summer 25 guided walks are available from 26 May - 12 Sep. There are 10 walks to choose from each week, and each walk has a limited number of spaces. There's two different walks per day, Monday - Friday and you can choose up to two per person, per week. Most walks require the use of public buses and/or mountain lifts which are payable locally. You can add the walks onto your holiday by calling us.

The Summer 25 walking program is shown below.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Walks depend on weather, guide availability, and group size, and routes may change. Details are provided on arrival, and some may include a small local transport fee. Walks are not suitable for under 12s (under 18s must be with an adult). Please ensure the walk is right for you, our guides have the final say. See our booking conditions for full details. 

Our guided walks in Mayrhofen

An easy stroll along the edge of the impressive Schlegeis Reservoir - it's fed by glaciers, high in the surrounding mountains which give it its bright blue colour. You'll follow the forest track all the way to the end of the reservoir, with interesting information from the guide along the way, before returning to the Fischerhütte where you can buy lunch.

  • Grade: easy (basic fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 13km
  • Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 160m ascent and descent
  • Terrain: Mainly gentle gravel road, footpath or forest track (may be a little uneven in places)
  • Useful information: There will be a lunch stop at the Fischerhütte (payable locally) and the public bus is required at the start and end of the walk (payable locally)

This walk will run every Monday.

The walk to Grieralm is equal parts challenging and rewarding. The path goes through thick forests, with incredible mountain views through the trees and plenty of birds and wildlife to spot. The scenery changes along the way to more open spaces and valleys, before finishing at Grieralm and a pretty, isolated lake where you can sit and enjoy the stillness.

  • Grade: moderate - challenging (good fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 11km
  • Walking time: approx. 5 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 650m ascent and descent
  • Terrain: mainly rocky single-track footpath, gravel roads or forest track (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at the Höllenstein hut or the Grieralm (payable locally) and the public bus is required at the start and end of the walk (payable locally).

This walk will run every Monday.

This is a very popular walk in the private valley of Stilluptal and is an easy stroll starting from the Grüne Wand Hut at the end of the picturesque valley. The route follows the Waterfall Way along the edge of the river to the brightly coloured Stillup Reservoir. The clue is in the name, and along the way you'll spot numerous waterfalls cascading down the valley sides. There will be a stop where you can buy refreshments or lunch.

  • Grade: easy (basic fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 8km
  • Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 20m ascent and 330m descent
  • Terrain: mainly gravel track, forest path or quiet road (may be a little uneven in places)
  • Useful information: there will be a lunch stop (payable locally) and the private bus is required at the start and end of the walk (payable locally).

This walk will run every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mayrhofen Schleier Waterfall

From the top of the Sommerberg gondola (2,100m) in Hintertux, this route follows an interesting trail via the Tuxerjoch (2,338m) and the Schleier Waterfall along to the Bichlalm Hut, where you can buy lunch before continuing down to the valley. Along the route, there's impressive views of the glacier and surrounding mountains and often a marmot or two to spot too.

  • Grade: moderate (good fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 9km
  • Walking time: approx. 3 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 400m ascent and 700m descent
  • Terrain: mainly single-track, mountain footpath (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at the Bichlalm hut (payable locally), the public bus is required at the start and end of the walk and the Sommerberg gondola is required at the start of the walk (all payable locally).

This walk will run every Tuesday.

Explore a different part of the Ziller Valley on this walk from the top of the Spieljoch lift in Fügen. The route passes through forests and mountain landscapes with spectacular views along the way - keep a look out for wildflowers and the occasional marmot. There'll be a stop at the Gartlalm Hut where you can buy lunch.

  • Grade: moderate (reasonable fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 11km
  • Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 290m ascent and 685m descent
  • Terrain: mainly rocky single-track footpath or gravel track (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at the Gartlalm hut (payable locally), the public bus is required at the start and end of the walk and the Spieljoch gondola is required at the start of the walk (all payable locally).

This walk will run every Wednesday.

You'll enjoy fantastic mountain panoramas on this scenic walk high above the Ziller Valley. It follows a scenic footpath along to the Rastkogelhütte (2,174m) - along the way look out for different species of wildflowers and you might also spot a wild marmot or two. There'll be a stop at either the Rastkogelhütte or Melchboden where you can buy lunch.

  • Grade: easy (reasonable fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 8km
  • Walking time: approx. 3 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 490m ascent and descent
  • Terrain: mainly rocky single-track footpath (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at the Rastkogelhütte or Melchboden hut (payable locally) and the public bus is required at the start and end of the walk (payable locally).

This walk will run every Thursday.

This beautiful walk traverses the Ziller valley from the top of the Gerlosstein lift via the rustic Karlalm hut to the remote mountain village of Brandberg. Along the way, you’ll have beautiful views and quiet walking trails through picturesque meadows and forests.

  • Grade: moderate (good fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 8km
  • Walking time: approx. 4 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 400m ascent and 880m descent
  • Terrain: mainly single-track footpath through forests and meadows (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at the Karlalm hut (payable locally), the public bus is required at the start and end of the walk, plus the Gerlossteinbahn lift at the start of the walk (all payable locally).

This walk will run every Thursday.

Enjoy an easier walk through magnificent scenery along the edge of the Zillergrund reservoir. This area of the Zillertal Alps has a bit of a Himalayan feel to it, especially at the end of the reservoir when you reach the Little Tibet hut where you can buy lunch. They use only products from their remote mountain farm where chickens are running around, and pigs, cows and donkeys are never far away.

  • Grade: easy (basic fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 10km
  • Walking time: approx. 3 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 320m ascent and descent
  • Terrain: mainly gravel track or single-track footpath (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: There will be a lunch stop at the Little Tibet hut (payable locally) and the public bus is required at the start and end of the walk (payable locally).

This walk will run every Friday.

Get the high Alpine feeling on this picturesque walk to the Edelhütte at 2,338m. The Ahornbahn lift does a lot of the uphill for you, so you can enjoy an easier walk with maximum views. The Ahorn mountain is the tallest of Mayrhofen’s three “home mountains” and you’re seemingly within touching distance of its rocky peak. Look out for marmots and wildflowers along the route.

  • Grade: moderate (good fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 6km
  • Walking time: approx. 4 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 400m ascent and descent
  • Terrain: mainly rocky, single-track footpath (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at the Edelhütte (payable locally) and the Ahornbahn lift is required at the start and end of the walk (payable locally).

This walk will run every Friday.

Our favourite self-guided walks in Mayrhofen

  • Grade: Easy 
  • Distance: 4.75km 
  • Walking time: 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours 
  • Terrain: well-maintained wide gravel trail

The clue is in the name for this walk - there are panoramic views in every direction as you wander the gravel tracks that lead from around the top of the Penken and Kombibahn Penken area. See if you can identify the Ahornspitze or Tristner, two striking mountains on the other side of the valley - if you have keen eyes you'll also be able to spot the Stillup Reservoir. Along the route, you'll find lots of activities for families including mountain scooters and adventure playgrounds.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate
  • Distance: 10km
  • Walking time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Terrain: mostly forest paths, single track or gravel roads

Leap out straight onto the trail from Mayrhofen, This lovely local walk has no need for buses or lifts as you enjoy what is on your doorstep. From Mayrhofen the route initially follows the river, before entering the forest - unusually for the region, the forests are a deciduous mix of lime and beech trees. The plant life is particularly impressive along the edge of the Tuxer Gorge - an impressive ravine which reaches depths of up to 70 metres in the areas of the Devil's and Cemetery Bridges.

  • Grade: Challenging
  • Distance: 18km
  • Walking time: 6 hours
  • Terrain: Wide gravel path, forested single track

From the Gasthof Breitlahner this hike weaves up the Zemmgrund through pastures, forests and alpine meadows, past waterfalls and remote mountain huts before eventually arriving at the spectacular Berlinerhütte, an architectural masterpiece. You have to go inside, not only to try to food, but to see the unique interior. Outside, the view is just an impressive with three glaciers visible from the terrace.

Discover Mayrhofen

  • Admire cascading waterfalls as you stroll through the idyllic private valley of Stilluptal
  • Savour a delicious apple strudel while enjoying breath-taking views at the Zimmereben hut
  • Enjoy two guided walks per week with Inghams holidays to Mayrhofen, perfect for exploring the stunning surroundings

Mayrhofen is the ultimate Austrian destination for summer holidays, offering an atmosphere that buzzes with holidaymakers and sports enthusiasts. Surrounded by fresh mountain air and serene landscapes, it’s ideal for a restful escape. For those craving adventure, Mayrhofen has it all: shops in town offer bike rentals and outdoor gear, countless walking routes start right from the centre, and two lifts whisk you effortlessly to altitudes of 1,800 metres, putting the best of the Alps within easy reach.

There's always fun to be found and things to do on a summer holiday in Mayrhofen, whether it's a brass band concert, a traditional Zillertal band playing at the dairy or a sports match on TV at Mike's Sportsbar. Festivals like the Village Festival in Hollenzen (normally mid-September) are worth a visit for a glimpse into local Zillertal traditions and values - it usually revolves around food, schnapps and a good time.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or action, holidays in Mayrhofen promise something for everyone.

Mayrhofen is a vibrant summer destination where outdoor adventures and traditional village life blend seamlessly. Whether you’re seeking excitement on the water, exploring thrilling walking trails, or enjoying local festivals, there’s something for everyone in this charming Austrian village. Hop on a bike in the Zillertal and you're in for a treat -with 1,300 kilometres of trails, there's something to delight all bike enthusiasts. Hire an e-bike and ride up into the Stilluptal to enjoy the picture-perfect private valley, or head to the more challenging single-track trails for some adrenaline-packed downhill action. 

The Zillertal Activcard is an all-in-one ticket to an active summer holiday, allowing one cable card trip a day (there are 10 in the region) to give easy access to many of the region’s walking trails, entry to all six outdoor swimming pools in the valley, free travel on most public transport and discounts on various activities around the area.

Get the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on a family holiday in Mayrhofen - full of fresh air, fun, and adventure for all ages. Spend quality time together exploring family-friendly walking trails or get stuck into the adventurous activities on offer locally, like family rafting or a bike ride. Younger children will love all the play parks too - whether that's the mountain-top climbing frames on the Penken mountain, or having a splash in the Ahornsee lake on the Ahorn mountain. Whether it's outdoor adventures or relaxing in a family-friend hotel, a family holiday in Mayrhofen offers something for everyone.

The family activities continue throughout the valleys and mountain tops a little further away from Mayrhofen too. At the bottom of the Rosenalm lift in Zell am Ziller, there’s a big playground and summer toboggan, and at the top a huge wooden castle and adventure park. Visit the Ice Palace at Hintertux and while you’re there try snowtubing on the glacier, and the wooden marble run at Sommerberg.

Whether hard-core hiking, low-key biking or just heading out to enjoy the view, most people out on the mountain will probably have the same goal: to end up at a Tyrolean Mountain hut to refuel. There are more than enough of them around, all serving local dishes on sun-drenched terraces. The Olpererhütte is a deservedly popular spot for its views over the Schlegeis reservoir and south-facing position, for soaking up the sun all-day long.

Mayrhofen and the Zillertal has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy. 

Summer lifts

There are 10 lifts open in the Zillertal during the summer, normally from the end of May/beginning of June until October. Round trips start from about €28 so if you're planning to use them a lot during your stay it may be worth buying a Zillertal Activcard. The lifts open in the summer are (opening times are subject to change):

  • Ahornbahn, Mayrhofen (normally open 14 Jun to 31 Oct)
  • Penkenbahn and Kombibahn Penken, Mayrhofen (normally open 29 May to 12 Oct)
  • Finkenberger Almbahnen, Finkenberg (normally open 7 Jun to 26 Oct)
  • Eggalmbahnen, Lanersbach (normally open 19 Jun to 12 Oct)
  • Hintertuxer Glacier, Hintertux (normally open all year - Zillertal Activcard covers the lifts up to the Sommerbergalm at 2,100m, pay locally to get up higher)
  • Rosenalmbahn, Zell am Ziller (normally open 7 Jun to 31 Aug)
  • Gerlossteinbahn, Hainzenberg (normally open 29 May to 19 Oct)
  • Isskogelbahn, Gerlos (normally open 14 Jun to 5 Oct)
  • Königsleiten Dorfbahn, Königsleiten (normally open 14 Jun to 5 Oct)
  • Spieljochbahn, Fugen (normally open 24 May to 26 Oct)

Train

The Zillertalbahn is a narrow-gauge railway that runs the length of the Ziller Valley, starting in Mayrhofen and finishing in Jenbach. It stops at many of the villages throughout the valley on route. From Jenbach you can connect to the mainline trains to reach places such as Innsbruck, Salzburg or Munich.

From Tuesday to Thursday the steam train runs once a day.

Buses

The Zillertal is well-serviced by its public bus network which connects you to the surrounding valleys. You can catch public buses to Hintertux Glacier, Schlegeis Reservoir, Zillergrund Reservoir and many of the nearby lifts. Sometimes, a toll payment is required (in cash) in addition to the bus fare. Most buses run from the train station and timetables are available locally.

A private bus runs to the Stillup Valley, which is privately owned and so not serviced by public buses - it runs from the Europahaus Tourist Information.

If you're planning to use the lifts and public transport a lot during your holiday it's worth buying a Zillertal Activcard, which will give you:

  • One return cable car trip per day on any of the ten cable cars
  • Free entry to all six outdoor swimming pools (one visit per day)
  • Free travel on most of the region's public transport
  • Discounts at various partners around the Zillertal

The cards are available for 3, 6, 9 or 12 consecutive days.

The lifts included in the Zillertal Activcard are:

  • Ahornbahn, Mayrhofen
  • Penkenbahn and Kombibahn Penken, Mayrhofen
  • Finkenberger Almbahnen, Finkenberg
  • Eggalmbahnen, Lanersbach
  • Hintertuxer Glacier, Hintertux (Zillertal Activcard covers the lifts up to the Sommerbergalm at 2,100m, pay locally to get up higher)
  • Rosenalmbahn, Zell am Ziller
  • Gerlossteinbahn, Hainzenberg
  • Isskogelbahn, Gerlos
  • Königsleiten Dorfbahn, Königsleiten
  • Spieljochbahn, Fugen

You can purchase the card from the lift pass offices at the Penkenbahn or Ahornbahn, or at the train station.

Travel to Mayrhofen

Travel by air

Flights to Innsbruck depart on Saturdays or Wednesdays between 24 May - 04 Oct 25 and 23 May - 03 Oct 26

Fly from:

  • London Gatwick (Wednesday or Saturday), Manchester (Saturday only), Birmingham (Saturday only) or Edinburgh (Saturday only)

Transfer time:

  • Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by coach

Please be aware transfer times may vary depending on weather conditions and volume of traffic, especially during peak season.

Things to do in Mayrhofen

At 3,250 metres this is the highest point you can get to on the lifts and, as you can imagine, the views are amazing from up here. The Nature's Ice Palace is a fascinating day out, exploring the depths of the Hintertux Glacier from within the ice where you'll find sparkling ice crystals, stalactites and even a glacial lake.

Ahorn Genussplatz Mayrhofen Copyright Frank Bauer Www.Frankbauer.Com Www.Mayhofen.At

Stride the stepping stones, dip your feet into the Ahornsee lake and wander the family-friendly leisure trail on the Ahorn mountain. Most of the paths on this mountain are pushchair-friendly, and there’s plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the view while the children splash, climb and play. Young adventurers can also tick off their first summit at the Filzenkogel, which is around one hour from the top of the Ahorn lift.

Image: (copyright Frank Bauer)

Penken Bike Park Copyright Frank Bauer Www.Frankbauer.Com Www.Mayhofen.At

As well as all the family-friendly walking trails you’ll find on the Penken mountain (many of which are pushchair-friendly) you can take bikes on the lift, and there’s plenty of trails to explore. You can also try mountain scooting or discover one of the mountain play areas – one of them at Penkenjoch has an eight-metre-tall wooden bear.

Image: (copyright Frank Bauer)

Mayrhofen Ahornsee

Water enthusiasts of all ages will love the Zillertal with its six outdoor pools and adventure bathing lakes throughout the mountains. Slides and splash pools at the Mayrhofen and nearby Hippach pools will delight families with young children.

At the adventure pool in Mayrhofen, there’s heaps of indoor and outdoor fun to be had, with slides, a crazy river, and multiple pools to enjoy, plus plenty of space for relaxing. It's the perfect activity on a summer holiday! A pleasant walk down the valley, following the river path will get you to the outdoor pool at Hippach, which is great fun for little ones with slides, a large pool, children’s pool, and grassy areas to run around. There's also the Ahornsee bathing lake at the top of the Ahornbahn lift where children can splash and play while parents relax and take in the view.

Krimml Waterfalls

Marvel at the natural wonder of Krimml waterfalls set amidst the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park. Follow the path right next to the falls for fantastic photo opportunities of the 380 metre falls that cascade over three levels. A small National Park fee may be payable locally. This excursion is a half-day trip.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Mayrhofen Zillertal Cycle Trail Copyright Zillertal Tourismus Heiko Mandl

With 1,300 kilometres of routes, the Zillertal is heaven for biking, whether on gravel, bumpy single-track trails or quiet mountain roads. Hire an e-bike and ride up into the Stilluptal to enjoy this picture-perfect private valley, or head to the more challenging single-track trails for some adrenaline-packed downhill action. The Penken Mountain’s FunSportStation is made for young thrill-seekers. There’s a bike park with mini electric motorcycles to play around on. If the children are into scooters, here’s where you can step it up a level by trying out the ‘mountain scooter’ that handles trickier terrain more like a mountain bike. The whole family can head out onto the trails on mountain scooters (once everyone’s got to grips with it).

Image: (copyright Zillertal Tourismus Heiko Mandl)

Tubing Near Mayrhofen Copyright Dominic Ebenbichler Www.Mayrhofen.At

The River Ziller flows the length of the Zillertal, and provides plenty of opportunities for fun.

Get kitted out with a wetsuit and boots and hit the water on a family rafting adventure on the on the calmer sections, or try out river-tubing or canyoning. Explore the Zemmgrund canyon from within, abseil waterfalls, jump into pools and slide down the rocks - teenagers will love these action-packed activities.

Image: (copyright Dominic Ebenbichler)

Mayrhofen Via Ferrata Adobestock 329602381

The most popular via ferrata are the routes to the Zimmereben Hut. There are different routes to suit all ability levels and some are a real challenge. You'll be rewarded with incredible views on your climb and you can tuck into a strudel and a coffee or beer at the hut when you reach the top. If the Zimmereben routes whet your appetite and you're keen for more, the route on the Gerlosteinwand is longer and lots of fun, with equally spectacular views - remember to take your own treats for the top though.

Mayrhofen Playground Penken Finkenberg Adobestock 384417002

There’s playparks and adventure spots at all over the place in Mayrhofen and the Zillertal, which is great news for families with active young explorers. In the forest around Waldfestplatz there’s various wooden play areas and you can try crazy golf. Then head up the Ahorn or Penken mountains for more family adventures.

At the bottom of the Rosenalm lift in Zell am Ziller, there’s a big playground and summer toboggan, and at the top a huge wooden castle and adventure park. You could also try the high ropes course near Mayrhofen to test your head for heights and balance.

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Mayrhofen FAQs and travel advice

Mayrhofen offers a variety of walking trails, catering to all levels. The easy Stilluptal walk showcases stunning waterfalls and a turquoise glacier reservoir. Families will enjoy the scenic 8.1km Penken Panoramaweg, which features panoramic views and activities. For the adventurous, the challenging hikes to Olperhütte and Friesenberghaus or the summit of Ahornspitze offer breathtaking scenery and require sure-footedness. The Berlinerhütte and Schwarzsee hike, a 25km trail, leads to iconic alpine huts and the picturesque Schwarzsee lake.

Mayrhofen offers several beginner-friendly walks. The Stilluptal features an easy valley floor path with waterfalls and a turquoise reservoir, accessible by a private bus. The Penken Panoramaweg is an 8.1km trail perfect for families, offering panoramic views and activities like mountain scooters and play parks. For those with pushchairs, the Ahorn Leisure Trail includes bird-watching stations and viewing platforms, making it an accessible and enjoyable option.

Yes, you can find guided walks in Mayrhofen. Included in your holiday we offer exclusive full-day walks twice a week from a program of eight walks, specifically for guests. Read our Guided Walks guide to find out more.

Mayrhofen is surrounded by the vast Zillertal Nature Park, which has 1,700km of trails great for spotting wildlife. Bird lovers can watch birds of prey in Eagles Valley or catch a show at the Ahorn Eagles Stage. Other interesting routes include the 'Art River' walk past sculptures, and the Brandberg dairy farm loop where you can try local cheese. The Ahorn Leisure Trail also has bird-watching stations and a viewing platform for observing wildlife.

You can find hiking maps and trail guides for Mayrhofen on the Zillertal Tourism website. There, you'll discover a variety of recommended routes and detailed tour maps to help plan your hikes. Additionally, you can ask your resort representative, who will be happy to provide further recommendations and assistance.

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