Penkenalm above Mayrhofen makes a very fine vantage point
| Start | Mayrhofen (Penkenalm: 1980m) |
| Distance | 7km |
| Height gain | 280m |
| Height loss | 280m |
| Grade | 1–2 |
| Time | 2½hrs |
| Location | West of Mayrhofen |
Above and to the west of Mayrhofen the slopes of the Penken have been scarred with pistes and laced with cableways and ski tows. In summer it’s an eyesore. But this is just one side of the story, for there are also meadows full of flowers, a host of trails and tracks, and splendid views. This walk is just one of a number of possible circuits, best taken in the early summer when the alpine plants are in full bloom. A combination of gondola and chairlift gives quick and easy access.
Take the Penkenbahn gondola from the southern end of Hauptstrasse, then the Penkenlift chairlift to its upper station at Penkenalm (1980m). An obvious track rises a little left ahead to pass a group of rocky towers and hillocks, soon gaining fine views left across the Zillertal to the Ahornspitze and into the Stillupgrund. Remain on the track to reach a junction among ski lifts and the large Penkentenne restaurant (refreshments).
Curve right on the track which descends briefly, then goes along the ridge crest towards Wanglspitze and Rastkogel. Shortly come to a footpath on the left (No 57) signed to Naudisalm. This is the one to take. At first angling to the right as you descend the Baumgartenalm slope, it then takes a series of zigzags down to a junction and a bench seat with views of Lanersbach in the Tuxertal.
Turn left along the narrow Moorlehrpfad (direction Finkenberg) – a path with occasional nature trail signs that takes you across boggy slopes and through wonderful flower meadows of Niedermoor. There are duckboards in places. Eventually come onto a farm track, and a few paces later take a footpath which contours a little below the track. Again this returns you to the track to run along the hillside between meadows with views across the Zillertal.
Penkenalm above Mayrhofen makes a very fine vantage point
The track forks with a sign indicating the way to the Penkenhaus restaurant (5mins below to the right). Ignore this option and keep ahead, soon reaching a signed footpath on the left. This now climbs the vegetated slope in long sweeps, and emerges at the Penkentenne restaurant and the familiar ridge crest track. Turn right and retrace the outgoing walk along the track to Penkenalm and the chairlift for the descent to Mayrhofen.