Best things to do in Mayrhofen

Featuring glacial caves, stream trains and Tyrolean treats, make the most of Mayrhofen in summer with this ultimate list of things to see and do.

When it comes to classic activities that the whole family can get behind, a ride on a steamer is always a winner. It's travel at its most romantic: slow and cinematic. And on the Zillertal railway, which has been around since 1902, you’ll really feel like you’re stepping back through time.

Sit back and relax in a beautifully restored wooden carriage as you trundle past alpine pastures, chocolate-box villages and lofty peaks. You can choo-choose to hop off and explore at any of the stops along the route from Mayrhofen to Jenbach, or simply stay put and enjoy the scenery the whole way up and down the valley.

One of our favourite days out in Austria, a visit to the country’s highest waterfalls lives up to the hype. A tiered waterfall which crashes down a whopping 380m in three stages, these falls really are nature at its roaring best. And with the scent of pine in the air, the mist on your face and birdsong in the background, it’s one of those treats for all the senses.

The falls are in the nearby Hohe Tauern National Park, so you’ll need to hop on a couple of buses to visit from Mayrhofen – or make things easier by booking onto the scenic half-day tour and getting picked up at your accommodation. Once there, you can follow a 4km trail which climbs up 430m to the top of the falls (at a top height of 1,470m), with several viewing platforms along the way. Then it’s a case of who can snap the best shot – try to capture rainbow colours as the light hits the spray from the water for a colourful addition to your camera roll.

It we’re talking mind-boggling views and Mayhrofen must-dos, a visit to the Olperer mountain hut (or hütte) and its Insta-famous hanging bridge may well top the list.

The hut takes its name from the third highest peak in the Zillertal Alps, which it sits just below. Grab a table on the terrace and marvel at the turquoise waters of the Schlegeiss Reservoir in a massive mountain bowl beneath you as you tuck into some traditional regional fare. The bridge is close by – head that way next and get a friend to camera-click you into the perfect postcard as you walk along it.

It’ll take you a bit of time to get here, so you’ll want to plan ahead. An hour-long bus goes from Mayrhofen train station to the base of the reservoir, and it’s then a 1.5-2 hour hike, climbing 600m in elevation, to reach the hut.

Make your way around a glacial cave system – that’s a cave inside a glacier – with ice stalactites, giant ice crystals and frozen waterfalls all around. You can even opt for an extended tour, which includes a boat ride on a glacial lake inside the cave. Who knew you could do that?

Just as exciting for teens, tots and adults alike, it’s a different kind of day trip that has photobook memories written all over it. And it’s open all year round, in all weathers too – though just keep in mind that warm, waterproof clothing is always a wise idea.

If you’re a foodie who loves sampling the local flavours, you’ve got plenty on your plate here. Head to a mountain hut to pair rustic vibes and valley views with devour-able regional dishes. Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles), Tiroler Gröstl (potato and meat hash with egg), and Zillertaler krapfen (savoury pastries) all make the meal highlight reel.

Mayrhofen has a rich farming heritage, and the weekly farmer’s markets is the perfect opp to pick up products of the pastures – they make for great picnics or souvenirs. If you’re here with kids, don’t miss a visit to the Erliebniessen Dairy & Show Farm – little ones love to experience farm life, and you’ll learn how cheese is made in the region.

There’s also a strong café culture in Mayrhofen and its neighbouring villages – think homemade cakes on a sunny terrace with a mountain backdrop. For a bevvy with an ABV, you’ll want to pop into a bar to try the locally brewed beers – or visit a schnapps distillery for tastings.

For a proper adrenaline rush, steer a white-water raft through the rapids of the Ziller river, surrounded by pine forests and views of the Zillertal Alps.

And if you’re sold on the rush of rafting, you can even give canyoning a go. This hybrid activity combines rockpool jumping, abseiling, swimming and climbing – it’s kind of the ultimate thrill if you love to get up close with the elements, and this area is perfect for it.

Want to ride the river, but not sure these activities are for you? Kayaking’s just right if you want something a little more slow-paced – both activities are some of the best active things to do in Austria.

For soaking up the authentic atmosphere of a Tyrolean farming town, nothing beats catching one of the summer festivals that take place. Local food festivals, such as the Schmankerlfest in Hippach and the Mayrhofen Street Festival, are perfect for trying new bites – and are usually lively affairs too with traditional street entertainment.

Folk and brass music festivals, such as the Blechlawine Festival and the Ursprung Buam Festival, serve up the sounds of the valley and really put the horn in Ahornspitze (that’s the local peak, if you’re asking).

The Zillertal Alps High Mountain Nature Park is up there as one of the best places in Austria to go hiking or cycling. With snow-capped peaks, deep valleys and wildflower meadows all around, it’s a spot that cries out to be explored. Better yet, there are trails for all ages, fitness levels and abilities – so nobody’s left out on the outdoor fun.

Many of these paths are high-altitude, making summer lifts such as the Ahornbahn and Penkenbahn cable cars a proper highlight. They’ll take you from down in the valley floor right up among the peaks, unlocking next-level views and routes that sprawl out in all directions. Want a short walk that clips the clouds? Check out our no. 1 easy-going route from Mayrhofen.

You can buy individual lift tickets for the Ahornbahn and Penkenbahn cable cars through our local reps, plus Flexi tickets that give you multiple ascents over several days. Or if getting out into the mountains is something you’re keen to do a lot of while here, you’re best picking up a summer card. The Zillertal Activcard is available from the tourist office and gives you access to 10 summer lifts in the region, as well as discounts on other experiences and transports in the area.

Is Mayrhofen a maybe? Start planning your trip, or head this way for more Austria holiday inspo.

Author: Marty Fraser-Turner

Last updated: 07.11.2025