Rofan Cable Car

The Rofan Cable Car is a gateway to one of Tyrol's most beautiful mountain ranges. The journey itself is a scenic delight, offering increasingly expansive views of Lake Achensee, often referred to as the 'Fjord of the Alps,' as you ascend. Once at the top station (Erfurter Hütte), visitors are greeted by a 360-degree panorama of the Karwendel and Rofan mountains. The area is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including golden eagles and chamois, which can often be spotted by keen-eyed hikers.

Beyond traditional hiking, the Rofan area caters to adventure seekers. The AirRofan Skyglider is a unique attraction where participants are pulled backward up the Gschöllkopf mountain before soaring down at speeds of up to 80 km/h. For climbers, the Rofan offers excellent sport climbing routes and the famous 5-peak via ferrata (Achensee 5-Gipfel-Klettersteig), which connects five central peaks in the range. Even if you prefer a more relaxed visit, the sun terraces of the mountain huts provide the perfect spot to enjoy a slice of Apfelstrudel while soaking in the alpine atmosphere.

Reasons to Visit

• Effortless access to high-alpine terrain and spectacular views of Lake Achensee.
• A wide variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, from families to expert mountaineers.
• The thrilling AirRofan Skyglider experience for adrenaline junkies.
• Excellent traditional Tyrolean cuisine available at the mountain huts near the top station.
• A prime location for paragliding, offering some of the best thermal conditions in the region.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid hiking in the afternoon during summer without checking the forecast, as alpine thunderstorms can develop quickly.
• Do not attempt via ferrata routes without proper equipment (helmet, harness, via ferrata set) and experience.
• Avoid wearing inappropriate footwear like sandals or smooth-soled sneakers on the mountain trails.
• Don't forget to check the time of the last cable car descent to avoid an unexpected and long hike down.

Local Transportation Tips

The base station of the Rofan Cable Car is conveniently located in Maurach. It is easily accessible by car, with a large parking lot available for visitors. If you are using public transport, the regional bus service connects Maurach with other villages around Lake Achensee and the Jenbach train station. The Achenseebahn, a historic steam cog railway, also terminates near the lake in Maurach, providing a nostalgic and scenic way to reach the area from Jenbach.

Travel Etiquette

• Greet fellow hikers on the trail with a friendly 'Servus' or 'Grüß Gott'.
• Always stay on marked trails to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem.
• Take all your trash back down to the valley with you; do not leave litter on the mountain.
• Close any cattle gates behind you to prevent grazing animals from wandering off.
• Yield to uphill hikers if you are descending on a narrow trail.

Recommended Age Group

The Rofan Cable Car offers an accessible alpine experience that caters to a wide range of ages and abilities.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. The cable car is accessible for strollers, but the high altitude and rapidly changing weather require careful preparation and appropriate clothing.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the exciting cable car ride, the easy walking paths near the top, and watching the paragliders take off.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Thrill-seeking teens will be drawn to the AirRofan Skyglider and the more challenging hiking or climbing routes.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Excellent hiking, via ferratas, paragliding, and traditional mountain hut dining cater perfectly to active adults.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The cable car provides effortless access to high-altitude panoramic views, and there are flat, well-maintained walking paths near the top station suitable for leisurely strolls.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The base and top stations of the Rofan Cable Car are wheelchair accessible.
• The cable car cabins can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
• The Almstüberl restaurant at the top station is accessible and features an accessible restroom.
• While the immediate area around the top station is relatively flat, most hiking trails are uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Rofan Mountains are geologically distinct from the neighboring Karwendel range? While the Karwendel is primarily composed of rugged limestone, the Rofan features a mix of limestone and dolomite, resulting in its unique, slightly softer, and greener landscape, which is particularly rich in alpine flora.

Cool Statistics

• Elevation of the top station: 1,840 meters (6,036 feet).
• Travel time from base to top: Approximately 5 minutes.
• Top speed of the AirRofan Skyglider: 80 km/h (50 mph).
• Length of the Achensee 5-peak via ferrata: Approximately 2 kilometers of climbing.