hikes in Mayrhofen

Jewel of the Tyrolean Alps, Mayrhofen offers some of the best hiking in Austria. This stunning region is home to soaring peaks, lush valleys and scented forests, and is littered with accessible, well-trodden hiking trails. Located close to the stunning Ziller Valley, Mayrhofen attracts hikers with an adventurous spirit, offering plenty of breathtaking hikes and stunning alpine views. If you’re looking for the perfect base to explore the Austrian Alps, Mayrhofen is the place for you.

Mayrhofen and the Zillertal boast over 869.9mi of hiking trails, passing through some classic Austrian mountain landscapes. With soaring peaks often topping 9843ft, an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna, and spectacular alpine views, this region is a hiker’s dream. Hike from refuge to refuge, taking advantage of over 150 mountain huts, where you can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep and some traditional Austrian food. Wherever you go, you can expect a warm welcome.

Mayrhofen is a quintessential Austrian alpine town, oozing charm and character, and is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing vacation. After a grueling day out in the mountains, you can expect an excellent range of restaurants and bars, offering some of the best Austrian cuisine you’ll find anywhere. Whether you visit in summer or winter, this lively town has plenty to offer, and it’s a great place to learn a little more about Austrian cuisine, culture and history.

The Zillertal Alps offer some of the finest hiking in Austria, so what are you waiting for? This is a bucket list destination with a whole host of bucket list hikes. Here’s a list of some of our favorites.

Top 11 Hikes In Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen offers classic Alpine scenery, with towering peaks, lush, green meadows and expansive views at every turn. This is classic hiking territory and perfect for advanced hikers who are looking for a challenge. There are many strenuous hikes that will test your fitness and your skills, making this a real bucket list destination for thrill-seeking adventurers. However, Mayrhofen is also an ideal family destination, with plenty of easy hikes that don’t involve grueling ascents. Take the ski lifts high into the mountains, and enjoy the views without breaking a sweat. Whatever you’re looking for, this beautiful corner of Austria has something to offer.

• Zittauer Hütte Hike: This moderate hike offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the Tyrolean Alps, with plenty to see along the way. You’ll pass by a glacier in the final stages of its retreat, a serene lake and beautiful mountains. This ascent is a little steep but the path follows wooden and stone stairs, meaning that it’s a relatively easy climb. Make sure to stop for something to eat at Zittauer Hütte, where you can enjoy a fabulous meal with some stunning views.
• Friesenberghaus and Olpererhütte Hike: This thrilling hike will give you some spectacular views over the Schlegeis Reservoir, passing by two lovely, picturesque mountain huts. The route climbs steadily with wonderful views right from the start, and they just keep getting better and better. We’d recommend stopping for lunch or even for the night at Olpererhütte, which serves up delicious homemade food.
• Ahornspitze Hike: This spectacular hike will take you high up into the mountains, all the way to the 9751ft summit of Ahornspitze. The path is steep, especially after the first rocky plateau, but the views from the top are simply amazing. Make sure to start early, as you’ll need to descend in time to take the last ski lift back down to Mayrhofen. If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, the hike to Edelweisshütte is a great option
• Plauener Hütte Hike: This lovely mountain hike will take you all the way up to the charming Plauener Hütte, high above Mayhofen. This is a wonderful place for a meal and also offers overnight accommodation, but the real attraction of this hike is the views. Enjoy a stunning vista of the mountains and the Zillergrundl reservoir, and depending on the time of year you may also catch a glimpse of some beautiful sparkling glaciers.
• Kleiner Gilfert Hike: This moderately easy hike is suitable for the whole family, ascending on a wide easy path all the way up to Kleiner Gilfert. The view from the top is simply stunning, with a fabulous vista over the Tuxer glacier. You’ll also find an unusual monument at the top – an enormous peace cross representing nine major religious faiths. This is a wonderful place for a picnic, where you can sit back, relax and admire the majesty of the Austrian Alps.
• Hamberg Hike: This beautiful hike ascends gently through a lovely forest all the way up to the summit of Hamberg. You’ll pass by delightful mountain huts, rising above the treeline to a large grassy plain, before you finally reach the top where some spectacular views await. Start your hike early so you have time to relax for a while at the summit – on a clear day this is a wonderful place to while away an hour or two.
• Tristner Hike: If you’re an experienced adventurer looking for a seriously challenging hike in Mayrhofen, this trail is the one for you! The summit of Tristner offers an amazing view over the Zillertal, but to get there, you’ll have to work hard. This trail rises steeply through the forest and across green, grassy meadows before ascending a rocky ridge that takes you all the way to the top. Be warned – this is an exhausting hike so take your time, stop for plenty of breaks, and come prepared with good quality boots and walking sticks. This is the best challenging hike in Mayrhofen.
• Panoramaweg Penken Hike: This wonderful route is an excellent family hike, suitable for all ages and ability levels. The views from the gondola on the way up will give you a taste of the spectacular scenery you can expect on this popular route, all with relatively little effort. You’ll pass by a series of playgrounds, perfect for younger visitors, before climbing to a gorgeous chapel, with stunning mountain views. This is one of our favorite family hikes in Mayrhofen.
• Berlinerhütte Over Mörchnerscharte Hike: Looking for a bit of a challenge in some spectacular terrain? This fantastic, strenuous hike will require stability and endurance, but we think it’s worth every bit of effort. The route forms part of the annual Steinbichmarsch, a local test of strength and fitness, and the ascent is certainly steep. However, you’ll enjoy some breathtaking views, and the feeling of satisfaction once you’ve completed the hike is seriously thrilling.
• Maxhütte Hike: This fun, family-friendly hike is a great way to spend an afternoon in the Alps with the kids, with lovely views and plenty to see along the way. It’s an excellent route for hot days, as you can cool off by splashing in the stream, before ascending to the Maxhütte, where you can enjoy a cold beer and the best goulash in the region! Older kids will love this hike, but it’s not suitable for very young families or those travelling with a stroller.
• Themenwanderung Bergmähderweg Hike: This moderate route is an excellent option for botanists, passing through several stunning wildflower meadows and traditional farmland. The route ascends relatively steeply, but the hike is not too long, and the views from the top over the majestic Ahornspitze are simply marvelous. Take your time, and enjoy the natural spectacle unfold before your eyes.

When Is The Best Time To Hike In Mayrhofen?

Mayrhofen is a year-round outdoor sports destination, with hiking, backpacking and climbing in the summer, and skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter. However, the best time for hiking in Mayrhofen is between June and October, when the snows have cleared from most of the high trails, and the meadows are blooming with alpine flowers. The summer months are a wonderful time to visit, but Mayrhofen often experiences high rainfall in July and August, so make sure to bring your waterproofs! The school holidays can also be very busy, as families flock to the mountains and the Ziller Valley. As a result, we think that the best time to hike in Mayrhofen is September. At this time, the leaves are beginning to turn, creating a magnificent, kaleidoscopic display of autumn colors, the weather is usually mild and clear, and the trails are much quieter.

Other Outdoor Activities In Mayrhofen

The Ziller Valley is a paradise for outdoor adventurers, with a whole range of fantastic sports and activities on offer. Visitors flock to this region for the magnificent hiking, but there are plenty of other outdoor activities in Mayrhofen, which makes an excellent base for getting out into the mountains. Try your hand at rock climbing, trail running, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, canyoning, fishing or even wildlife watching! In winter, the town is transformed into a popular ski resort, offering the possibility of downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice climbing.

How To Plan A Trip To Mayrhofen

This beautiful corner of Austria has everything you need for an outdoor adventure. If you’re thinking of putting Mayrhofen on your hiking bucket list, we’ve got all the information you’ll need to make your trip a success. Check out our guide to planning a trip to Mayrhofen, complete with all the latest information about the Ziller Valley and recommendations for where to stay and eat in Mayrhofen. We’ve gathered insider tips on all the best hikes, so you’ll be able to make the most of your trip. To explore a little further afield, don’t miss our guide to hiking in the Austrian Alps.

Frequently-Asked-Questions About Mayrhofen

How much of Austria is covered by the Alps?
Over 62% of Austria is covered by the Alps, including the area around Mayrhofen. There are three major alpine ranges (the Northern, Central and Southern Alps) running through the country, from the west to the east.

What airport is near Mayrhofen?
The closest airport to Mayrhofen is Innsbruck, which takes around 2 hours to reach by road. Salzburg airport may be used as an alternative option, but the journey takes around 3 and a half hours.

How high are the Alps in Austria?
The highest mountain in the Austrian Alps is the Grossglockner, which stands at an elevation of 12461ft above sea level. The highest peak in the Zillertal Alps, near Mayrhofen, is the Hochfeiler, which stands at an elevation of 11516ft.