Hi there. My first post here. I have been to Switzerland with my elderly parents four times and am thinking about taking them to Austria Alps this summer. I would like to allot 5 full days to explore Tyrol after landing in Zurich. We are renting a car at the airport. So far, I put Mayrhofen (2 nights), Seefeld (1 night) and St. Anton (2 nights) on my list. After that, we are heading back to Switzerland and stay in Berner-Oberland area for 4 days. My parents love mountains, but they are old, so there will be just light day-hikes. I have never been to Austria Alps, so I would like to hear ANY suggestions regarding planning and hiking. Thank you for your time!
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Germany, Germany
813 posts
Are you driving to Mayrhofen the day you land in Zurich (presumably in the morning?)? I think that's a bad idea. You'll all be really jetlagged and then spending 5 hrs in a car is going to be torture. There's a lot of tunnels on the E60 highway which makes it not really a relaxing drive for the driver. Mapquest says it takes 3hr45min, but you'll need to stop and eat, use the bathroom, etc. Plus, we've encountered slow goings a few times, the trucks, a tourbus, can all slow you down. Unless you drive straight through with good traffic, it's going to take you longer than the mapquest says. My guess is 5 hrs including a 30. In January we were near Imst and only went 10km in 2 hrs. We had to turn around and head a different way. Unless you've got a reason (family there) to go to Mayrhofen, I suggest you go to Serfaus, Lech or Ischgl instead. They are less driving time from Zurich airport (and back to Bern/Interlaken area) and with all the same Alps beauty. The towns are all well known ski areas with plenty to see and do. In fact in January when we were skiing in the area, there were lots of hikers (some very elderly) using the well marked trails on the mtn. Plus, you're closer to St. Anton.