How To Get Around In Mayrhofen
Walking is one of the easiest and most fun methods of traveling around Mayrhofen. With so many shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance, the town is small and pedestrian-friendly. Stroll along the main street where you will discover entertainment, souvenirs and local and foreign food. Walking along the river promenade will also allow you to enjoy stunning views and relax to the sound of the water.
If you are more daring, you can explore the surrounding meadows and forests where you can find local fauna and natural beauty. From the city, you can also use some of the hiking trails and cable cars to reach higher heights and stunning views.
If your passion is cycling, the options that Mayrhofen offers will surprise you. The city is part of a system of cycle paths and cycle paths that spans the entire Zillertal valley and beyond. From simple, flat paths to demanding, mountainous paths, you can choose between varying degrees of difficulty. In addition, there are themed routes such as the Zillertal Nature Park Route, the Zillertal Cheese Road and the Zillertal Beer Road.
One of the few rental companies in the city allows you to rent a bicycle; You can bring your own or Another option is an e-bike, a bicycle with an electronic motor assisting with pedaling. In this sense, you will be able to enjoy your surroundings without getting too tired. There are many electric bike charging points in the valley at hotels, restaurants and cable car stations.
Busing is another very cheap and practical way of getting around Mayrhofen. The city often operates buses to connect it with neighboring cities and attractions in the Zillertal valley. The bus can take you to places like the Schlegeis Reservoir, where you can see the turquoise lake and the remarkable dam. The Hintertux Glacier is another destination where you can explore ice caves or ski all year round. Alternatively, you can visit the Zillertal Arena ski region, which has 50 ski lifts and more than 140 km of slopes.
The Zillertal Activcard, a tourist card with access to cable cars, swimming pools and local museums, also includes the cost of the bus. The Zillertal Activcard can be purchased at the tourist office or at your hotel. Costing 66 euros for adults and 33 euros for children, the card is valid from May to October.
Using a cable car is one of the most fascinating and beautiful ways to get around Mayrhofen. Two cable car stations in the city transport one to the mountains: the Ahornbahn and the Penkenbahn. The Penkenbahn takes you to the Penken mountain, where you can practice various winter and summer sports. On the slopes you can ski, snowboard, sled or walk; alternatively, try the Harakiri slope, the steepest ski slope in Austria. Also visit the Fun Sport Station to try snowshoeing, snow biking or snow tubing.
The Ahornbahn takes you to the Ahorn mountain, where you can enjoy tobogganing, winter walks or panoramic views. Also visit Leisure Mountain; You can play in the children’s section, relax on the terrace or watch the birds of prey exhibit.
The Zillertal Activcard also includes cable car tickets; otherwise, you can buy them at the stations. To repeat the trip, cable car tickets for adults cost 25 euros and tickets for children cost 12.50 euros.
Free Ski Bus Lines
The six free ski bus lines that Mayrhofen offers to connect the ski lift bases to various areas of the city are among its greatest qualities. These bus services aim to simplify your skiing experience by allowing you to quickly access the slopes without worrying about driving or parking. The free ski bus routes consist of:
- Line A: Between Mayrhofen’s two main cable car stations, Ahornbahn and Penkenbahn, runs Line A. You can enjoy panoramic views, winter walks or go tobogganing on the Ahornbahn journey to the Ahorn mountain. The Penkenbahn takes you to the Penken mountain, where you can try the Harakiri slope – Austria’s steepest ski slope – or ski, snowboard, sled or ride the slopes. The journey takes about five minutes and the Line A bus runs at consistent fifteen-minute intervals.
- Line E: Although it runs through the city center and the river promenade, Line E runs between Ahornbahn and Penkenbahn via a separate path. If you like getting to know the city or savoring the picturesque views along the route, this line is perfect. The journey takes around ten minutes and the Line E bus runs at consistent fifteen-minute intervals.
- Line C: Between Ahornbahn and Horbergbahn, another cable car station leading to the Penken mountain, Line C runs. Situated in the nearby town of Hippach, the Horbergbahn offers another viewpoint of the Penken mountain. The journey takes about fifteen minutes, and the Line C bus runs at consistent twenty-minute intervals.
- Line D: Following a similar route to the Line C bus, Line D runs in the opposite direction of the Penkenbahn and Horbergbahn. The journey takes around 15 minutes and the Line D bus runs at consistent 20-minute intervals.
- Green Line: Between Mayrhofen and Hintertux, a glacier resort offering year-round skiing and snowboarding, there is a green line. Two other cable car stations, Finkenberger Almbahn and Rastkogelbahn, stop the Green Line bus on the route to the Penken mountain. The Green Line bus runs at consistent 30-minute intervals and is free; the journey takes around 50 minutes.
- Red Line: Another ski resort in the Zillertal valley, the Red Line runs from Mayrhofen to Gerlos. The Red Line bus stops at Zell am Ziller train station so you can connect with other buses or trains nearby. The Red Line bus runs at regular 60-minute intervals and is free; the trip takes about forty minutes.
Tips for Using the Free Ski Bus Lines
- Depending on the season and demand, free ski bus lines operate from early morning until late at night. Online, at bus stops or at the tourist office, you can check the timetables and precise routes.
- Only skiers and snowboarders with a valid ski pass or Zillertal Activcard – a tourist card that allows access to local lifts, swimming pools and museums – are eligible for the free ski bus services. Your accommodation or cable car stations will allow you to purchase a ski pass or Zillertal Activcard.
- Generally crowded at peak times, especially in the morning and afternoon when most skiers are traveling to or returning from the slopes, the free ski bus routes are available. Arriving early at the bus stop is advisable, as is being polite and respectful towards other passengers and the bus driver.
- Usually kept under the bus or on a separate trailer, free ski bus routes have a limited capacity for ski equipment. Therefore, you must carefully load and unload your skis and poles and identify them with your name and telephone number. Also, avoid storing valuables or personal items in your ski equipment, as they could be stolen or lost.
