In this article, we’ve compiled comprehensive information about Mayrhofen, including a selection of enjoyable attractions in the surrounding area.
Table of Contents
- Mayrhofen – General Information
- Weather in Town
- Attractions around Town
- Cable Cars
- Additional Essential Information
- More Attractions in the Area
Mayrhofen – General Information
The charming town of Mayrhofen is situated in the heart of the Zillertal Valley in North Tyrol, just about an hour’s drive from Innsbruck, Tyrol’s capital. Surrounding the town, which sits at an elevation of 633 meters above sea level, are impressive high mountains – Ahorn and Penken. The area around Mayrhofen offers a wealth of activities throughout the year. In winter, the surrounding mountains become excellent ski resorts, and in summer, once the snow has melted, you can enjoy scenic hikes among the peaks. Mayrhofen is truly a hiker’s paradise, with hundreds of marked trails for all skill levels.
To reach the mountain peaks surrounding the town, you can use convenient cable cars that operate even during the summer months. In fact, the cable car to Ahorn Peak is the largest in Austria, capable of carrying up to 160 people at a time.
For those who dream of skiing even in the summer, this is a fantastic possibility at the Hintertux Glacier, located at a breathtaking altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level. The glacier’s ski resort is open all year round! The journey to the glacier from Mayrhofen takes a mere 20 minutes.
Because Mayrhofen is so popular, you’ll find a wide variety of hotels and guesthouses in and around the town. You can explore recommended places on the curated list available on Booking.com – Click Here to find your perfect stay.
Weather in Town
Most activities around Mayrhofen take place outdoors, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared and check the weather forecast before you arrive. You can see the current temperatures here.
In general, winter tends to have fewer rainy or snowy days than summer. In town, winter temperatures usually range between -1 and -5 degrees Celsius, while conditions on the mountain peaks are, of course, colder. During summer, daytime temperatures are comfortable, typically ranging from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Keep in mind that temperatures can drop noticeably at night, so it’s wise to bring some warm, long clothing. If you plan to take a cable car up to the peaks, also be prepared for chilly winds at the summit.
During summer, you can expect more rain, and it’s not uncommon for nearly half the month to be rainy. It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella and dress in layers—light clothing close to your body, topped with longer, warmer layers that are preferably waterproof and windproof.
On the majestic mountain peaks surrounding the town, you’ll discover a number of enjoyable attractions worth exploring:
Eagle’s Stage Ahorn
Perched at 2,000 meters, Ahorn Peak hosts Europe’s highest raptor enclosures. The site features a scenic open-air arena seating 800, where an hour-long show brings you face-to-face with eagles, owls, falcons, and kites. Feel the rush as these magnificent birds glide just meters above your head while expert trainers demonstrate their power and share behind-the-scenes insights.
You can begin your journey into the world of raptors on the educational path leading to the show stage. Just outside the cable car station on Ahorn Peak, you’ll find an informative trail with boards detailing fascinating facts about these birds of prey. The path will lead you directly to the show stage.
This is what the Eagle’s Stage looks like
Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Raptor Enclosure
This exclusive tour will give you an intimate look into the world of raptor trainers. You’ll discover their daily routine, learn what it takes to become a trainer, and gain insights into what’s important when working in such a unique environment. You’ll also have the special opportunity to witness the feeding of the birds. Afterward, there will be a short break, followed by the start of the main raptor show.
These tours run from mid-June to mid-October, every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please remember that advance registration is required.
Meeting Point for the tour: The entrance to the Eagle’s Stage. The tour begins promptly at 10:00 AM.
Suitability: This tour is suitable for children aged 16 and above. This tour is also accessible for people with disabilities.
Tickets for the tour can be conveniently purchased at the cable car station. Make sure to buy them by Tuesday at 4:00 PM.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
- Operating Hours: From mid-June to mid-October, the show takes place every day except Fridays, at 2:00 PM.
- Entry possible from: 1:45 PM
- Show Duration: Approximately one hour.
- The show stage itself is open every day except Wednesdays, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Entrance during these hours is free. You’re welcome to simply sit and soak in the magnificent views.
- The stage is fully accessible for people with disabilities.
Cost:
- Raptor Show only:
- Adult – €11.40
- Child (up to 15 years old) – €6.30
- Cable Car Up and Down + Raptor Show:
- Adult – €32.30
- Child (up to 15 years old) – €15.60
- Cable Car Up and Down + Raptor Show + Behind-the-Scenes Tour:
- Adult – €59.00
Official Website
Address: Filzenboden 922, 6290 Mayrhofen
Map:
Ahorn Leisure Trail
The Ahorn Leisure Trail is a delightful walking path, ideal for the whole family and even suitable for strollers. The trail loops around Ahorn Mountain and features a variety of fun attractions along the way. You can stop to enjoy stunning views from several observation points overlooking the Zillertal Valley and the Stilluptal Valley, including a unique observation deck shaped like an eagle’s nest. The trail also includes informative boards that introduce visitors to the fascinating alpine nature.
Furthermore, along the route, you’ll discover a small Alpine lake, Lake Ahorn, and the refreshing Ahorn Stream where you can cool your feet and revitalize yourself.
Between the mountain’s summit and the charming Ahornhütte hikers’ hut, there’s a delightful playground for the little ones. And near the Filzenalm hut, you’ll find a lovely petting zoo. To reach this wonderful trail, you’ll need to take the cable car to the top of the mountain.
This is what the Ahorn Leisure Trail looks like
Kunstraum Ahorn
In this special room, located at the upper cable car station, you’ll find a captivating exhibition of various paintings by talented local artists.
Funsportstation on Penken Mountain
Fancy a bit of sports at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level? If that sounds like your kind of fun, then you absolutely shouldn’t miss the sports activity area on Penken Mountain! The park offers a wide array of exciting activities, including zorbing on water, thrilling mountain scooters for downhill rides, cycling, slides, challenging via ferratas (climbing routes), and much more!
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
- Operating Hours: From May to October. Open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Cost:
- Zorbing: €7.00
- Scooters (up to 4 hours usage):
- Adult – €12.50
- Child (up to 15 years old) – €7.00
Please note:
- Most activities in the park are suitable for children aged 7 and above, and with a minimum height of 1.30 meters.
- It’s important to know how to ride a bicycle for certain activities.
- Zorbing is suitable for children aged 5 and up. No prior instruction is needed. You can enjoy being inside the giant ball for up to 10 minutes.
- You must leave an ID as a deposit.
- Wearing a helmet is mandatory. Helmets and protectors can be borrowed for free at the park area.
- Dress code: It is highly recommended to arrive wearing closed shoes.
Getting There:
You can reach the park by taking the Penkenbahn cable car, and then continue to the Kombibahn Penken.
Address: Hauptstraße 472, 6290 Mayrhofen
Map:
Cable Cars
There are several convenient cable cars that will transport you from the town of Mayrhofen to the mountain peaks where all the exciting activities mentioned earlier are located.
Cable Cars to Ahorn Mountain
- Ahornbahn: Operates from mid-June to the end of October, running from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with departures every half hour.
- Ahornbahn (second cable car): Operates in July and August starting at 7:30 AM. From mid-May to early October, it runs from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
- Kombibahn Penken: This cable car operates on the same dates. Ascents begin from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, with the last descent at 4:30 PM.
Please note: Operating times may vary depending on the expected (or unexpected) weather conditions.
You can find the Current Cable Car Prices here.
You can also purchase the Zillertal Valley discount card to receive free cable car rides, among other benefits.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Official City Website
For more detailed information, you can visit the Official website of the attraction areas on the mountain peaks near Mayrhofen.
Address: 6290 Mayrhofen
Map:
More Attractions in the Area
Mayrhofen is perfectly situated in the heart of the Zillertal Valley, which is brimming with enjoyable activities. For comprehensive information about the Zillertal Valley and all the amazing activities it offers, be sure to read more here.
For those eager to experience skiing even in the summer months, this is indeed possible in the area around the Hintertux Glacier (Hintertux), located at a remarkable altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level. The ski resort on the glacier operates all year round! The journey to the glacier from Mayrhofen town takes a mere 20 minutes.
