Mayrhofen: The Jewel of the Austrian Alps

• HelloServus
  [SAYR-voos]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf VEE-der-zayn]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [BEE-tuh]
• Thank youDanke
  [DAHN-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-SHOOL-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gayt es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oond deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee ENG-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-SHTAY-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh HET-uh gair-nuh dee SHPY-zuh-kar-tuh, BEE-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ESS-uh kine FLYSH]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte zahlen, bitte
  [ikh murk-tuh TSAH-len, BEE-tuh]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [HIL-fuh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [gay vekh]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [ROO-fen zee dee po-LEE-tsai]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [ROO-fen zee EYE-nen AHRTsht]
• I'm lostIch bin verloren
  [ikh been fer-LOH-ren]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krahngk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh murk-tuh KOW-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh SHOW-uh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel KOS-tet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo TOY-uhr]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [KERN-en zee den PRYS ZEN-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpet ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsayn]
• MorningMorgen
  [MOHR-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [NAHKH-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [AH-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [GESH-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [HOY-tuh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [MOHR-gen]
• 1eins
  [ayns]
• 2zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3drei
  [dry]
• 4vier
  [feer]
• 5fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6sechs
  [zeks]
• 7sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8acht
  [ahkht]
• 9neun
  [noyn]
• 10zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [voh ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-DREH-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kannst du mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kahnst doo meer dahs tsee-gen (owf dehr KAR-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr NEKH-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [IY-nuh FAHR-kar-tuh (nahkh)]

The origins of Mayrhofen date back to the early medieval period, with the first documented mention of the village in 1200. Settlers were drawn to the Zillertal Valley for its fertile land and resources. The name 'Mayrhofen' is derived from 'Meierhof', which refers to a large farmstead, indicating its agrarian roots. During the Middle Ages, the area was predominantly agricultural, with small farms and homesteads dotting the landscape.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the Habsburg dynasty played a significant role in the development of the Tyrolean region, including Mayrhofen. The Habsburgs' influence brought political stability, which allowed local communities to thrive. The region saw the construction of churches and the establishment of market rights, further enhancing its economic and social structure.

Tourism in Mayrhofen began to take shape in the late 19th century, with the arrival of the railway in the Zillertal Valley in 1902. This made the area more accessible to visitors from across Europe. The breathtaking scenery and the promise of alpine adventures drew an increasing number of tourists. The establishment of hotels and guesthouses during this period marked the beginning of Mayrhofen's transformation into a popular tourist destination.

During World War II, Mayrhofen, like many other Austrian towns, experienced hardship and upheaval. The area was occupied by Nazi forces, and the local population faced significant challenges. After the war, Mayrhofen slowly recovered, with efforts to rebuild and revitalize the tourism industry. The post-war period saw a resurgence in visitors, drawn by the region's natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its residents.

Today, Mayrhofen is renowned for its vibrant culture and as a hub for alpine sports. It hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the famous Snowbombing music festival and the Almabtrieb cattle drive, where decorated cattle are brought down from the mountain pastures. Skiing, snowboarding, and hiking are major attractions, supported by modern infrastructure and a deep respect for the area's natural and cultural heritage.

Mayrhofen is located in the Zillertal Valley in Tyrol, Austria. The nearest international airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN), approximately 70 kilometers away. From Innsbruck, you can take a train directly to Mayrhofen, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, Munich Airport (MUC) is about 190 kilometers away, and Salzburg Airport (SZG) is about 170 kilometers away. Both offer train connections to Mayrhofen with transfers at various points. Driving is also an option, with well-maintained roads leading to the town.

Mayrhofen is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the Zillertal Valley, the Zillertalbahn train and local buses are convenient options. A Zillertal Activcard is advisable for unlimited travel on public transport and access to various attractions. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. For those looking to explore more freely, car rentals are available in nearby larger towns.

The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Mayrhofen. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in the town center for cash withdrawals.

Mayrhofen is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. Standard precautions should still be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Mayrhofen. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. There are several pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as mountain weather can change rapidly. Avoid overly casual wear in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don’t put feet on seats or eat and drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüß Gott' or 'Hallo.' A firm handshake is also customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Tyrolean Gröstl and Kaiserschmarrn. Don’t forget to tip, typically around 5-10%.

To experience Mayrhofen like a local, visit the weekly farmers' markets where you can buy fresh produce and regional specialties. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share tips about the area. Don't miss hiking the Penken and Ahorn mountains for stunning views. For a unique experience, attend the Almabtrieb festival in autumn, where cattle are decorated and paraded through the town as they return from alpine pastures.