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Somewhere in the beautiful Tirol (Tyrol / or Tirolo in Italian) lies the town of Mayrhofen.
The combination of natural beauty, tradition, and awesome people makes this one of the best destinations in the world. Yes we are in Austria, the home of “The sound of music” and when you look at the mountains you just want to sing “The hills are alive….” (not that the film was made exactly here on this spot, but we’ll get to that later.)
Mayrhofen is a picturesque resort town nestled in the beautiful Zillertal Valley in the Austrian Alps. When you arrive in Mayrhofen, you can expect to be greeted by stunning alpine scenery, charming Tyrolean architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Mayrhofen is surrounded by majestic mountains, lush forests, and pristine alpine meadows. The scenery is simply breathtaking, with panoramic views wherever you look.
In winter the snow-covered mountain slopes and little villages all covered with their white snowy blankets are simply awesome. In autumn a beautiful show of autumn color and in summer the most amazing jaw-droppingly beautiful scenes are everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Tirol is worth a visit year-round.
Firstly, let me tell you that we do have members on our team who have only seen Austria in winter for ski trips – and that is fantastic. It is an exceptional experience with some of the best ski slopes in the world. Add to that cozy cabins with fireplaces all ready with Glühwein and cheese fondue and obviously, you have a winning combination.
But we also have the other half of our team that is simply super crazy about the summers in Austria. Those that think there is no other time of the year to visit Tirol and that you are missing out on a lot if you only go in winter. And that is the part of the team that is writing this post right now. 🙂 So here we go.
If you visit during the winter months, you’ll find yourself in the heart of one of Austria’s premier ski resorts. The Penken and Ahorn mountains offer a wide range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. You’ll see people zipping down the pistes, enjoying the fresh powder, and soaking up the winter sunshine.
Much of the ski domain is above 1,600m in altitude.
As the day turns into evening, you can expect the village to come alive with the sounds of après-ski. Mayrhofen is known for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars, pubs, and restaurants offering everything from live music to DJ sets. You’ll see people gathering to enjoy drinks, snacks, and good company after a day on the slopes.
Mayrhofen hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including music festivals like Snowbombing and Altitude Comedy Festival. These events add to the town’s lively atmosphere and provide entertainment for visitors of all ages.
During Springtime (beginning of April) the Snowbombing festival is held here annually and it is a huge fun event for everyone. Zillertal is also known as “the valley of music” and the sounds of traditional brass bands and music groups continue throughout the Alps as they teach and pass their knowledge on to the next generation.
Here you’ll find that young people also have a great love for their traditional music and there are quite a few very talented and awesome young bands that will impress any teenager… and their parents. The summer music events bring you big names in Folk music like Marc Pircher, die Mayrhofner, Freddy Pfister Band, Ursprung Buam any many more. We definitely recommend attending one of the many festivals or weekend music parties. If unsure when in Mayrhofen, just ask the locals. The nightlife and weekend parties are quite an experience and they will quickly tell you where to go for some fun.
During summer, just walking and “getting lost” in the charming town and exploring the different shops, is a great activity and costs you nothing. There is beautiful architecture everywhere in the town, and Scotland Yard pub is a popular stop should you get thirsty. You can relax outside on the beautiful terrace and enjoy the beautiful vistas. At the time of our visit, they also offered an outdoor game area with Pool, Table Tennis, and Table Soccer for the kids to enjoy.
Mountain biking and paragliding are excellent if you love a bit of adrenaline. Throughout the town, you’ll notice the distinctive cable cars and chairlifts that provide access to the surrounding mountains. These iconic structures offer not only transportation but also stunning views of the alpine landscape as you ascend to higher elevations.
In my opinion, one of the must-see places in Mayrhofen is the Ahorn der Mayrhofner Bergbahnen / Ahorn Mountain Restaurant. Also one of the best places to visit with children. (see video)
On the Ahorn mountain, easily accessible from Mayrhofen by the Ahornbahn cable car, the family can attend fantastic interactive shows with eagles, owls, and falcons at the Eagle’s Stage Ahorn (Adlerbühne Ahorn). The show does come with awesome views as well, so try to keep your eyes only on the animals. LOL
Currency and Payment: The currency used in Austria is the Euro (EUR). While many places accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and transactions.
Language: The primary language spoken in Mayrhofen is German. English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas, but it’s helpful to learn a few basic German phrases or carry a translation app for convenience.
Transportation: Mayrhofen is well-connected by public transportation, including trains and buses. If you plan to explore the surrounding area, consider renting a car for flexibility. Additionally, the village is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate on foot.
Ski Passes and Lift Tickets: If you’re visiting for skiing or snowboarding, purchase your ski passes and lift tickets in advance to save time and potentially money. There are various ticket options available, including single-day passes and multi-day packages.
Mountain Safety: When enjoying outdoor activities in the mountains, prioritize safety. Pay attention to weather forecasts, follow trail markers, and equip yourself with appropriate gear, including sturdy footwear and layers of clothing.
Snow skiing and snowboarding must-haves!
A great idea is to visit ErlebnisSennerei, the show dairy in Hollenzen, a district of Mayrhofen. Here you will learn more about the origin and production of hay milk products. It is an adventure for the whole family and with farm animals and interactive games for the kids, they also offer the experience to taste their products. Their farm shop and the popular “Sennereiküche” restaurant (dairy kitchen) are well worth a visit. All in all, this is a fun event for families.
Indulge in delicious Tyrolean cuisine at one of Mayrhofen’s restaurants or mountain huts. Try hearty dishes like schnitzel, dumplings, and strudel, paired with locally brewed beer or Austrian wines.
The “Erlebnisbad Mayrhofen” provides an indoor pool, outdoor pool, and wellness area and is a great place to spend a family day.
Featuring an indoor pool with an average temperature of 31 degrees a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, as well as waterfalls, and the “Schwimmbad-Stüberl” for those getting hungry. (Address: Waldbadstrasse road 539 – 6290 – Mayrhofen)
Home to one of the most loved Christmas carols of all time.
This charming 300-year-old building was home to the Strasser Family in the 19th century.
“Around 1832, when Gruber’s melody was performed by folk singers from Austria’s Ziller Valley (Zillertal), several musical notes were altered, and the “Silent Night” melody became what we know today.” – Germanway.com
The museum has a special section dedicated to the interesting history of the Christmas song “Silent Night”.
Visiting Mayrhofen in winter, especially during the Christmas season, is a magical experience. The “Mayrhofner Advent am Waldfestplatz” (Mayrhofen Advent at the Forest Festival Grounds) is a delightful Christmas market that captures the festive spirit of the season.
The Mayrhofner Advent market offers a charming and traditional atmosphere, with wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland as you wander through the market.
Browse the stalls to discover a wide range of handcrafted gifts, souvenirs, and decorations made by local artisans. From wooden toys and ornaments to textiles and ceramics, you’ll find unique treasures to take home as mementos of your visit
It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas and create lasting memories during your visit to Mayrhofen in winter.
Travel Tip(s)
Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.
Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.
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