Geography Of Mayrhofen
Situated in the back part of the Zillertal, east of the Inn river tributary Zemmbach, Mayrhofen is near the end of the valley, where three side valleys, also known as “Gründe” converge: Zemmtal, Stilluptal, Zillergrund and Tuxertal. These valleys provide access to natural features, alpine meadows and various hiking trails.
With an area of 178.8 square kilometers, Mayrhofen is the fourth largest municipality in Tyrol in terms of land area. It runs alongside Finkenberg, Brandberg, Schwendau, Hippach, Ramsau im Zillertal, Zell am Ziller, Gerlosberg, Hainzenberg and Tux. Its border also coincides with the Italian province of South Tyrol.
The Zillertal Alps, a mountain range included in the East-Central Alps, surround Mayrhofen. Rising 3,510 meters above sea level, the Hochfeiler is the highest mountain in the Zillertal Alps. Among the several notable mountains within the Mayrhofen municipal area are:
- The Ochsner ( 3107 m ) – Rising above the Zillergrund valley, it dominates the pyramid-shaped mountain Ochsner (3,107 m). It is named after the Austrian climber and adventurer Ludwig Ochsner, who first climbed it in 1865.
- The Zsigmondyspitze ( 3089 m ) – A rocky top overlooking the Stilluptal valley, the Zsigmondyspitze (3,089 m). Its name is a tribute to the pioneers of mountaineering in the Zillertal Alps, Emil and Otto Zsigmondy, Hungarian brothers.
- The Floitenturm ( 2805 m ) – Rising above the Floitenbach stream, the unique tower-shaped construction known as the Floitanturm (2,805 m) Popular for climbing, it offers routes of varying challenges.
- The Großer Löffler ( 3379 m ) – Second highest summit in the Zillertal Alps, the Großer Löffler (3,379 m). Situated on the border between Austria and Italy, it offers a wide perspective of the nearby glaciers and valleys.
Remnants of the previous ice age, many glaciers abound in the Zillertal Alps. With an area of 8.4 square kilometers and a maximum thickness of 120 meters, the Hintertux Glacier is the largest glacier in the region. Attracting thousands of people each season, the Hintertux Glacier is among the few glaciers in the world available for skiing all year round.
Around 4,000 people live in Mayrhofen, in various villages and areas. At a height of 633 meters, the main town of Mayrhofen is made up of many neighborhoods, including Straß, Hollenzbrücke, Dorf-Haus, Edenlehen, Hochstegen, Rauchenwald, Kumbichl, Dornau, Laubichl and Durist. Typical Tyrolean architecture with wooden houses, balconies and floral decorations defines the city center. Along with a church, museum, cinema, library and music pavilion, the city has
In addition to the main town, Mayrhofen comprises the villages of Hollenzen and Eckartau, located on the other side of the river Ziller. Comprised of a church, a school and a sports field, Hollenzen is a rural community. The residential community of Eckartau features a church, a kindergarten and a golf course.
Located in the Zemmtal valley, 17 kilometers from the main city, Ginzling is the furthest district of Mayrhofen. Ginzling has a distinct Tyrolean local status: the territory to the left (Dornauberg) of Finkenberg and the district to the right of Zemmbach belong to Mayrhofen. Ginzling has a municipal committee managed under the direction of the mayor. Composed of a church, a museum, a natural park and a memorial in honor of the resistance fighters of the Second World War, Ginzling is a historical and cultural center.
Location and Surroundings
Geographical Position
Situated in East Tyrol, close to the border with Salzburg, Mayrhofen is 633 meters above sea level. Four valleys converge there: the Stilluptal, the Tuxertal, the Zemmtal and the Zillertal. The city has a population of around 4,000 people in an area of 178.8 square kilometers.
Neighboring Regions
Several towns and districts around Mayrhofen offer varied landscapes and attractions. To the north, it runs alongside the Zillertal Arena ski area, Schwendau, Hippach and Ramsau im Zillertal. To the east it borders Zell am Ziller, Gerlos and Krimml – known for their reservoirs and waterfalls. Its southern neighbors are Finkenberg, Tux and Hintertux, home to Austria’s only year-round ski resort, the Hintertux Glacier. Part of the High Alps Nature Park Zillertal Alps, it is bordered to the west by Brandberg, Ginzling and Finkenberg.
Access Points
Mayrhofen is easily accessible from various transport points of view. Access by car can be via the Inntal Autobahn (A12), which connects Innsbruck and Kufstein, then via the Zillertal Bundesstraße (B169), which runs through the Zillertal valley. The train journey leads to the Zillertalbahn, a narrow gauge railway between Jenbach and Mayrhofen with several stops along the way. Using the regional and intercity bus system, Mayrhofen can be reached from several cities in Tyrol and beyond. It is accessible by plane from the nearest airports: Munich (190 km), Salzburg (170 km) and Innsbruck (75 km).
Physical Geography
Landforms in Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen lies on a wide, flat plain surrounded by rocky mountains. The river Ziller, which runs from south to north, divides the city and connects it to the river Inn near Jenbach. Several tributaries feed the Ziller River; they come from glaciers and snowfields in the surrounding mountain ranges. Forming the four valleys that come together at Mayrhofen, the Tuxerbach, the Zemmbach and the Stillupbach are the most significant tributaries.
Rivers and Lakes
Mayrhofen has several rivers and lakes with picturesque views and leisure possibilities. Running through the city, the Ziller River is the main waterway providing irrigation, hydroelectric power and water for fishing. The main tributaries – the Tuxerbach, the Zemmbach and the Stillupbach – flow through the Tuxertal, the Zemmtal and the Stilluptal respectively. While the Stillupbach is famous for its artificial lake, the Stillup Reservoir, which is used for drinking water and electricity generation, the Tuxerbach and the Zemmbach are equally popular for rafting and rowing. Other lakes in Mayrhofen are also used for water supply and recreational activities: the Ahornsee, the Durlassboden reservoir and the Schlegeis reservoir.
Mountain Ranges Nearby
Several mountain ranges, part of the East-Central Alps, surround Mayrhofen. The best known offer varied and difficult terrain for skiing, climbing and hiking: the Zillertal Alps, the Tux Alps and the Kitzbühel Alps. Rising above 3,000 meters, the Zillertal Alps are the tallest and most vast mountains; among them are the Großer Möseler (3,480 m), the Hochfeiler (3,509 m) and the Olperer (3,476 m). Tyrol’s largest glacier, the 8.4 square kilometer Hintertux Glacier, and a year-round ski resort depart from the Zillertal Alps. With peaks ranging between 2,000 and 2,500 meters – such as Rastkogel (2,762 m), Wanglspitze (2,414 m) and Penken (2,095 m) – the Tux Alps are lower and more moderate. Popular for their alpine pastures, lodges and cable cars – which offer simple access and spectacular views – the Tux Alps With heights ranging from 2,000 meters, the Gerlossteinwand (2,166 m), the Kreuzjoch (2,055 m) and the Isskogel (2,264 m) , the Kitzbühel Alps are the lowest and most forested. Part of the Zillertal Arena ski area, the Kitzbühel Alps are known for its ski resorts such as Zell am Ziller, Gerlos and Krimml.
Human Geography
Population Distribution
Third in the Zillertal valley, Mayrhofen has a population of around 4,000 people, after Zell am Ziller and Fügen. Below the Tyrol average (58.9 people per square kilometer), the population density is 22.4 people per square kilometer. Concentrated mainly in the city center, along the Ziller river, and in the four valleys that branch off from it, is the population. The population is also seasonal, as the number of visitors and seasonal workers increases greatly during winter and summer.
Urban Development
Mayrhofen displays its historic and modern aspects in its mixed urban development. Narrow streets, wooden houses and vibrant facades define the city center’s classic, small design. To satisfy guests’ needs and preferences, the city center also has a pedestrian area that includes shops, cafes, restaurants and motels. Composed of the City Hall, the museum, the parish church of São Nicolau and the cinema, the city center also has a cultural and religious center With more modern houses, apartments and chalets – which provide greater comfort and privacy – the outskirts of the city they have a more contemporary and spacious arrangement. Additional green areas such as parks, gardens and playgrounds – which offer additional leisure and relaxation – also abound on the city’s outskirts.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Mayrhofen is connected to the rest of the region and the country through a well-developed infrastructure and transport network. The city has a railway station, which serves as the terminus of the Zillertalbahn, a narrow-gauge railway connecting Mayrhofen with Jenbach and thus the main railway network. The city also has a bus station, the nucleus of the regional and intercity bus network that connects Mayrhofen with other towns and cities in Tyrol and beyond. Along with several secondary roads leading to the four valleys branching off from the Zillertal valley, the city has a road system comprising the Zillertal Bundesstraße (B169). Two main stations, the Penkenbahn and the Ahornbahn, which respectively transport visitors to the ski resorts of Penken and Ahorn, make up the cable car network that the city also has.
Natural Attractions
Nature Reserves
Several natural areas owned by Mayrhofen offer protection and preservation of the flora and animals nearby. The most famous are:
- Comprising the Zillertal Alps and the Tux Alps, the 422 square kilometer High Alps Nature Park, Zillertal Alps, is a natural park. Along with a variety of animals including chamois, ibex, marmots, eagles and bearded vultures, the natural park has more than eighty glaciers, eighty lakes and five hundred mountains. To enhance the natural and cultural legacy of the area, the natural park also offers themed trails, guided tours and educational activities.
- Comprising 1,856 square kilometers, Hohe Tauern National Park is a national park spanning the states of Tyrol, Salzburg and Carinthia. Among the largest national parks in Austria and Europe, the highest peaks in the Eastern Alps – the Großglockner (3,798 m), the Großvenediger (3,674 m) and the Krimmler Wasserfälle (380 m) – are found here. Among the more than 10,000 species of animals and plants found in the national park are several endemic or threatened species, including the edelweiss, the alpine salamander and the alpine ibex. Along with tourist centers, museums and exhibitions that inspire and educate visitors, the national park offers a variety of activities including hiking, cycling, skiing and animal watching.
- Comprising the 2,422 square kilometer Zillertal Alps Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses the Tux Alps, the Kitzbühel Alps and the Zillertal Alps themselves, part of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme, the biosphere reserve also seeks to promote the harmonious cohabitation of people and of the environment. Three zones make up the biosphere reserve: the central zone, which is strictly protected and comprises the High Alps Nature Park of the Zillertal Alps and the Hohe Tauern National Park; the buffer zone, which is moderately used and comprises the surrounding forests, pastures and villages; and the transition zone, which is intensely used and comprises urban and agricultural areas. With the aim of raising awareness and promoting collaboration between people and nearby stakeholders, the biosphere reserve also supports various programs and initiatives such as the Zillertal Alpine Cheese Route, the Zillertal Alpine Honey Festival and the Climate School of the Zillertal Alps.
Scenic Points of Interest
Mayrhofen has several picturesque places of interest with stunning views and unforgettable experiences. The most prominent are:
- Rising 2,973 meters above sea level, the Ahornspitze is the highest mountain in the Tux Alps. The highest cable car in Austria, the Ahornbahn transports visitors from Mayrhofen to the Ahorn plateau at an altitude of 1,980 meters. From there, hikers can follow a designated path to the summit – which takes around three hours. Along with a popular photo spot, the Ahornspitze offers a panoramic view of the Zillertal valley, the Zillertal Alps and the Hintertux glacier, along with a cross-shaped summit sign.
- At 2,095 meters high, the Penkenjoch mountain pass connects the Zillertal valley to the Tuxertal river. Reaching Penkenjoch from Mayrhofen to the Penken ski region, the Penkenbahn is a cable car at an altitude of 1,790 meters. From there, cyclists and walkers can explore the paths and trails, while skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes and amusement parks. Together with a large wooden heart, which is a favorite photo spot, the Penkenjoch presents a perspective of the Rastkogel, the Wanglspitze and the Penken.
- Situated at 1,116 meters, the artificial lake known as Stillup Reservoir is found in Stilluptal. From Mayrhofen, you can access the Stillup Reservoir by vehicle or bus; alternatively, you can get there on foot or by bike via the Stillup Valley. In addition to fishing and shipping, drinking water and electricity generation are used at Stillup Reservoir. Along with a dam, which is a favorite spot for photographs, the Stillup Reservoir offers views of the Zillertal Alps, the Tux Alps and the Kitzbühel Alps.
Administrative Divisions
One of nine districts in the state of Tyrol, Mayrhofen is the administrative capital and largest city in Schwaz. With an area of 1,887 square kilometers and a population of over 84,000 people, Schwaz is There are 39 municipalities in Schwaz, each divided into towns and villages. Comprising the Austrian state of Tyrol, the Italian autonomous province of South Tyrol and the Italian autonomous province of Trentino, the Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino Euroregion also includes the district of Schwaz within the scope of cross-border cooperation. Along with conserving its natural and cultural legacy, the Euroregion seeks to promote the social, cultural and economic integration of the Alpine area.
