Mayrhofen – Active holidays in the heart of the Zillertal
Mayrhofen is located in the rear Zillertal in Tyrol and is considered one of Austria's most popular holiday resorts. Nestled between the mighty peaks of the Zillertal and Tux Alps, the town offers a perfect blend of alpine flair, active recreation, and a cozy atmosphere. Whether summer or winter – Mayrhofen is the heart of the Zillertal and the ideal starting point to discover the mountain world in all its facets.
Short info:
- Where is Mayrhofen? In the rear Zillertal, Tyrol
- Accessibility: By car via the Zillertalstraße B169 or by Zillertalbahn to the final stop Mayrhofen
- Altitude: Around 630 meters
- cable cars: Penkenbahn in the middle of town, Ahornbahn at the southern end of the town
- Summer activities: Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding
- Winter activities: Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, tobogganing
- Highlights: Penken & Ahorn area, Zillertalbahn, Snowbombing Festival
- Family-friendly: The maple area is particularly suitable for children
The town of Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen, with almost 4,000 inhabitants, is the tourist centre of the Zillertal It combines tradition with a modern lifestyle. The town center, with its charming pedestrian zone, offers numerous shopping opportunities, cozy cafés, Tyrolean inns, and international restaurants. Hikers, skiers, families, and connoisseurs alike meet here.
Particularly practical: Both the Penken and the Ahornbahn depart directly from the village. This makes Mayrhofen one of the few Alpine resorts where you can safely leave your car behind while on vacation. Thanks to the excellent connection via the Zillertal Railway, the valley is easily accessible from all over Tyrol.
A tip for all those who want to live centrally: The Neuhaus Zillertal Resort is located in the heart of town and offers modern rooms as well as a spacious spa area – ideal for relaxing after an active day.
The Penkenbahn – the sporting centre of the Zillertal
The Penkenbahn is located right in the town center (Ahornstraße 853) and is the heart of Mayrhofen's sports scene. In just eight minutes, the modern 3S gondola takes you up to over 1,700 meters above sea level. At the top, a vast hiking and skiing area opens up with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
In summer the Penken A paradise for active vacationers: countless hiking trails, the Penken panoramic circular trail, downhill trails for mountain bikers, and launch sites for paragliders make it a versatile destination. The FunSportStation park is particularly popular, where you can try out summer activities like mountain scooters and trampolines.
In winter, the area transforms into one of Tyrol's largest ski centers. More than 140 kilometers of slopes, modern lifts, and famous runs like the "Harakiri"—with a gradient of 78 1/3 tonnes, the steepest groomed slope in Austria—provide pure adrenaline. There are also numerous wide slopes for families and leisure skiers.
The Ahornbahn – panoramic mountain and family favorite
At the southern end of the village (Ahornstraße 5) is the valley station of the Ahornbahn, Austria's largest aerial tramway. It takes visitors to an altitude of around 2,000 meters and is especially popular with families, hikers, and recreational skiers.
In summer, gentle hiking trails await you up there, including the panoramic circular trail with a viewing platform and the popular Ahornsee lake, where you can relax in a deckchair or watch children play. For families, the "Ahorn Kinderparadies" area has been created, where young visitors can discover nature through play.
In winter, the Ahorn area is ideal for beginners and leisurely skiers. The wide, sunny slopes are perfectly groomed, and the Ahorn run offers a relaxing glide down to the valley. A special highlight is the Ahornhütte – known for its sun terrace and breathtaking panorama over the Zillertal.
Summer in Mayrhofen
As soon as the snow melts, Mayrhofen reveals its green side. Over 200 kilometers of marked hiking trails lead to mountain lakes, alpine pastures, and viewpoints. Particularly beautiful are tours into the Zemmgrund Valley, to the Grünseehütte, or up to the Edelhütte at Penken.
For mountain bikers, there are a variety of routes, including the famous Zillertal High Alpine Road. Paragliders use the Penken as a starting point for experiencing the valley from a bird's eye view. Those who prefer a more leisurely ride can take the historic Zillertal Railway through the valley and enjoy the views of meadows, villages, and peaks.
Winter in Mayrhofen
When winter arrives, Mayrhofen transforms into an Eldorado for winter sports enthusiasts. The Mayrhofen ski area – with Penken, Rastkogel, and Eggalm – is one of the most modern in the Alps. Over 140 km of slopes, fun parks, and cozy huts ensure a diverse experience.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are winter hiking trails, cross-country ski runs, and toboggan runs. Families especially appreciate the quiet atmosphere at mapleIf you're in the mood to party, Mayrhofen also offers a lively après-ski scene with bars and music until late into the night.
A highlight of the winter is the Snowbombing Festival, which combines music, sports and party atmosphere and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Culture, enjoyment and relaxation
Mayrhofen also has a lot to offer away from the slopes and hiking trails. Traditional events such as the cattle drive in autumn and the Advent market in winter take place throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy Tyrolean classics such as Kasspatzln (cheese spaetzle), Gröstl (spiced pancakes), and Kaiserschmarrn (sweet pancakes).
After a long day in the mountains, wellness hotels, saunas, and spa areas invite you to relax. Those who want to stay centrally will find Neuhaus Zillertal Resort the perfect combination of comfort, regional cuisine and proximity to both cable cars.
