Epic Hike to Olpererhütte and the Suspension Bridge, Zillertal Alps, Austria

Olpererhütte (2,388 m) is a mountain hut in the Zillertal Alps in Tirol (Tyrol), Austria.

Famed for its panoramic view of the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir (also called Schlegeis Stausee), this deservedly popular refuge is the ultimate hiking destination in the Austrian Alps.

Whether you’re dreaming about that Instagram-famous suspension bridge (official names: Kebema Brücke, Zillertaler Hängebrücke, or Olperer Panoramabrücke), or having an epic lunch view, Olperer mountain hut will likely exceed your already high expectations.

This hike to Olpererhütte begins at the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir.

From the town of Mayrhofen in Zillertal Valley, you can reach the trailhead by bus, or by car. The toll road to the reservoir is usually open between early May and late October, depending on snow conditions.

We highly recommend hiking to Olpererhütte and the suspension bridge via Friesenberghaus. Though there’s a shorter and more direct way to hike to Olpererhuette, this longer ascent route steers you to a memorable stretch of the multi-day Berlin High Trail. Along this circuit trail, there are unsurpassable views of the Schlegeis Stausee reservoir, Schlegeiskees glacier, and the Zillertal Alps. Trust us.

In this guide to visiting Olpererhütte, you’ll learn about how to get to the Olpererhütte trailhead by bus and by car, when to hike to Olpererhütte, trail options, and where to stay.

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Olpererhütte Hiking Map

The most direct way to Olpererhütte follows trail 502. It takes 1:30 hours to hike 3.1 km to the hut. The total elevation is 600 meters. As stated in the intro, we highly recommend hiking the longer circuit trail, so you don’t miss out on the most beautiful stretch.

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How to Get to the Olperer Hut Trailhead

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Bus

Take bus 4102 to Schlegeisspeicher reservoir from the Mayrhofen Bahnhof Train/Bus Station.

There are 16 buses that depart each day, starting at 7:35 am. Bus schedule.

Take the earliest bus you can. You will pay 10 EUR per person for a one-way ticket (8 EUR for the ride, 2 EUR toll fee). The return ticket is 20 EUR per person.

The ride lasts about 50 minutes. The last bus leaves at 6:10 pm at Schlegeisspeicher reservoir.

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Car

You can also drive directly to the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir. From Mayrhofen, drive in the direction of Ginzling. You’ll drive the 13.3 km Alpenstrasse Schlegeis road all the way to the reservoir.

This alpine road is usually open from late May until late October, depending on snow conditions.

In Mai, June, September and October you can drive the Alpenstraße Schleigeisspeicher between 7 am and 6 pm. In July and August it opens an hour earlier (6 am – 6 pm).

There’s a 15.50 EUR toll per car (11.50 EUR per motorbike), which you’ll pay near the toll station at Gasthof Breitlahner. The toll must be paid in cash only.

Note: There’s no additional fee for parking. I recommend driving, if you don’t want to worry about catching the bus back to Mayrhofen, as the last one leaves at 6:10 pm. 

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When Can You Hike to Olpererhütte and the Suspension Bridge

The road to the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir is open from late-May until mid-October.

Depending on the weather conditions, the start of the season or the end of the season may be postponed. If you’re traveling here during the shoulder season, check this website for updates.

The best time to visit Olpererhütte is in summer and early Fall. In Spring, you will likely encounter snow on the trail.

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Friesenberghaus and Olperer Hut Hike Description

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Schlegeisspeicher Reservoir to Friesenberghaus (2 hours)

From the bus drop-off point at Schlegeisspeicher reservoir, head to Dominikushütte (in the direction of the tunnel).

Before reaching Dominikushütte, you’ll see a signed junction indicating the direction of Friesenberghaus (signed 2 hours) along Trail 532.

The narrow trail ascends gently. You’ll cross a river via a wood plank and continue through the forest.

Eventually, you’ll cross a marshy meadow over wooden planks.

The views open up and you’ll see Schlegeis Stausee. The trail continues to ascend to Friesenberghaus. 

Atmospheric and cozy, Friesenberghaus is a perfect place for lunch. The hut staff is swift and friendly, and the food is very good.

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Friesenberghaus to Olpererhütte (1:30 – 2 hours)

After lunch, you’ll descend a few meters from the hut in the direction of Friesenbergsee lake.

After a water crossing, you’ll start a steep 170 meter ascent. It looks more daunting than it is, since you’re not going all the way to the top.

The trail levels and you’ll hike along a breathtaking balcony trail to Olpererhütte (1:15 hours).

This stretch of the Berliner Höhenweg is remarkable, as you’ll have continuous views of the Schlegeis Stausee below cradled by 3000+ meter-high peaks.

Shortly before reaching Olpererhütte, you’ll hike across that Instagram-famous suspension bridge.

The suspension bridge spans the small stream, not the reservoir. It merely looks that way, because it’s an optical illusion. To get the photo, hike up along the stream bed until the bridge appears to be bisecting the reservoir.

From the bridge, it’s a 5-minute walk to Olpererhütte.

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Olpererhütte to Schlegeisspeicher Reservoir (1 hour)

Olpererhütte is a managed refuge. They sell food and drinks throughout the day to day hikers and accommodate hut-to-hut hikers overnight.

You can sit inside, or outside (preferably.

After sufficiently enjoying the food, wine (their wine list is phenomenal), the resident goats, and epic views of Olperer hut, descend back down to Schlegeisspeicher via the direct path (signed 1 hour).

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Staying the Night in Olpererhütte

If you want to extend your Zillertal Alps experience, you could also stay the night in Olpererhütte.

This allows you to enjoy the hut at sunset when most day visitors are already gone.

You’ll be sharing the hut with hikers who are trekking the Berlin High Trail, as well as visitors who are planning 2, or 3-day hiking tours in the Zillertal Alps.As beautiful as Olpererhütte is, it’s first and foremost a mountain refuge for hikers. So, sleeping and bathroom quarters are shared.

Showers | 3 EUR for a 4 min shower

Drinking Water | Tap water is safe to drink

Electronic Charging Stations | Readily available in rooms

Payment | Credit cards and cash are accepted

Food | Really good.

Half Board or à la carte | We recommend opting for à la carte. The half-board portions were really small. Note: the management has changed, since we last visited. So, it’s very possible that the food and portions have changed.

Rooms | The hut offers shared rooms for 4 people and shared rooms for 8 people.

Related: Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria: 10 Essential Tips

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Where to Stay in Mayrhofen

If you’re planning on hiking to Olpererhütte as part of a road trip, or a summer holiday in the Zillertal, we recommend staying in Mayrhofen. Here are three excellent options:

Budget | Walking distance to the town center, Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof is a traditionally-furnished guesthouse with mountain views, a relaxing garden, bar, and outdoor pool. Breakfast is included. Parking is plentiful. 

Budget-Midrange | Der Siegeler B&B – this lifestylehotel rocks is a charming, recently refurbished bed and breakfast in Mayrhofen, a short walk away from the main train and bus station. Partake in the lively atmosphere of the on-site sports bar, where camaraderie thrives and memories are made. 

Luxury | Indulge in pure luxury at Hotel Neue Post, a timeless Tyrolean treasure with roots dating back to the 17th century. Nestled in the heart of Mayrhofen, this 4-star-superior haven effortlessly blends heritage with modern comforts such as a rooftop pool, sauna complex, and well-equipped gym. Delight your palate at the esteemed on-site restaurant, and make your stay even sweeter with a half board booking.

Adults-Only Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only is a luxurious hotel in Mayrhofen featuring beautiful spa facilities, outstanding cuisine, and alpine-modern furnishings. This is the best place to stay in Mayrhofen for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.

Full-Board Luxury | The riverside ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort is a stylish, light-flooded property just outside of Mayrhofen (5-minute drive). This haven of hospitality seamlessly intertwines timeless charm with contemporary elegance, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in pure indulgence: two spa areas, high-quality gourmet  full-board experience, and year-round activity program. 

Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen.

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