Discover Mandarfen: Rifflsee, mountain trails and winter experiences

Mandarfen combines an impressive mountain landscape with an unusually wide range of opportunities for active and varied days on holiday. The Rifflsee cable car is a defining starting point: it travels up from Mandarfen to 2,232 m and reaches Rifflsee, the highest mountain lake in Austria. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Mandarfen can therefore easily tailor their focus to their planned experiences – such as mountain hikes, winter sports or shared discoveries at the lake.

To Rifflsee by cable car

The valley station of the Rifflsee cable car is located in Mandarfen. The cable car operates in both the winter and summer seasons and takes passengers to the ski and hiking area in just under five minutes. This means that an excursion does not begin only after a long journey to higher altitudes, but directly with the ride to Rifflsee and the activities available there.

At the lake, you can enjoy an approximately 45-minute ride on a 140 m² wooden raft. During the trip, visitors learn details about the history and present day of the Pitztal Valley. Around Rifflsee there are also panoramic high-altitude hikes, family hikes and climbing gardens. The combination of mountain lake, trails and raft trip thus offers different ways to get to know the landscape.

Hikes with varying levels of difficulty

The Rifflsee circular hiking trail begins and ends at the Sunna Alm. Those who prefer a circular route will find a clearly described course here. The Fuldaer Höhenweg connects the mountain station of the Rifflsee cable car with the Taschachhaus. Another option is the Plodersee loop: It begins in Mandarfen, leads through the Hirschtal valley to Rifflsee and runs below the Sunna Alm restaurant and the mountain station of the Rifflsee cable car.

For experienced mountain hikers, the four-day Pitztal tour offers a more challenging start. The first day begins in Mandarfen/Mittelberg and follows a difficult hut approach to the Taschachhaus at 2,434 m. The ascent covers 740 metres of elevation gain and takes 2:30 hours. This information helps you choose accommodation and plan your day to suit a demanding touring programme, without confusing short excursions with longer days in the mountains.

A return trip by mountain bike can also be planned. At the material cableway, you can borrow a mountain bike for the return journey to Mandarfen by prior telephone registration. From the Pitztaler Sagensteig, you can return to Mandarfen via the valley hiking trail. Such different return routes expand the options for holiday days when you do not want to take the same route there and back.

Skiing, cross-country skiing and an easy introduction

In winter, the range of activities extends from skiing to cross-country skiing. The Rifflsee ski area and the Pitztal Glacier are connected via the valley run and together form a ski area with 67 kilometres of slopes. Cross-country skiing is also possible at Rifflsee. For families and beginners, the Mandarfen practice lift offers suitable conditions with gentle slopes; it makes it easier for children and beginners to get started with skiing.

Those searching for a holiday apartment in Mandarfen with a flexible mix of winter and summer experiences will find a suitable thematic starting point in the village: The Rifflsee cable car operates in both seasons, while the specific activities vary depending on the time of year.

History and an accessible section of trail

Mandarfen and its surroundings also offer discoveries that are less sporty. In the area of Puitkogel near Plangeross and Mandarfen, there are old, in some cases short mining tunnels dating from the 13th century. Precious metals were sought there at an early stage, but nothing was found. This historical connection adds a special story about the mountain landscape to the natural experiences.

The first section of the Sculpture Trail begins at the valley station of the Rifflsee cable car. The stone sculptures are located along a paved path, making this section easily accessible by wheelchair. For a holiday day with less elevation gain, this trail can be an alternative to mountain tours, the ski area and the lake.

Choose Mandarfen as your starting point

When choosing your accommodation, it is worth first deciding on your preferred travel rhythm: a circular trail and raft trip, a longer hut tour, winter sports or a quieter day with the Sagensteig and Sculpture Trail. This keeps the search for a holiday apartment or holiday home aligned with your actual plans. For other places and your next travel idea, you can also look at Wiese, Boden, Zaunhof and Plangeross.

To the overarching travel overview: Sankt Leonhard in the Pitztal Valley.