In Mandarfen, options range from a short ride to Rifflsee to challenging hikes with overnight stays in mountain huts. When planning, it helps to distinguish between the starting points and the nature of each option: a lift ride, a circular hike and a multi-day approach are different ways to experience the area.

Rifflsee and the Rifflseebahn

The Rifflseebahn runs uphill from Mandarfen at 2,232 m and reaches Rifflsee, Austria’s highest mountain lake. Its valley station is in Mandarfen. The lift operates in both the winter and summer seasons and takes passengers to the ski and hiking area in just under five minutes. Since it operates seasonally, it is advisable to check the current timetable before travelling.

At Rifflsee, there is also a roughly 45-minute ride on a 140 m² wooden raft. Along the way, visitors learn about the history and present-day life of the Pitztal valley. Seasonal availability may vary; if you are planning to take the raft ride, check in advance whether it is offered on your travel dates.

Hiking trails with different starting points

The Plodersee loop starts in Mandarfen and leads through the Hirschtal valley to Rifflsee. It runs below the Sunna Alm restaurant and the mountain station of the Rifflseebahn. The Rifflsee circular trail has a different, clearly specified start and end point: both are at Sunna Alm. This information helps distinguish the trails by their starting points without treating them as the same route.

The destination Taschachhaus is another place where it is worth taking a close look at the name of each tour. The Fuldaer Höhenweg connects the mountain station of the Rifflseebahn with Taschachhaus. By contrast, the first day of the four-day Pitztal tour starts in Mandarfen or Mittelberg and follows a challenging hut approach to Taschachhaus at 2,434 m. The ascent is listed as 740 vertical metres and 2:30 hours. This time refers to the ascent; it is not the duration of the entire four-day tour. Conditions can affect access on alpine routes.

Winter: skiing and cross-country skiing

The Rifflsee ski area and the Pitztal Glacier are connected by the valley run. Together, they form a ski area with 67 kilometres of pistes. At the Mandarfen practice lift, gentle slopes provide suitable conditions for families and beginners; they also make it easier for children and beginners to get started with skiing. Cross-country skiing is also possible at Rifflsee. This is a different winter option from skiing on the pistes and should be taken into account when choosing your day’s activities.

The Talloipe offers a longer cross-country skiing route: it runs from Wiese to Mandarfen and is more than 21.7 kilometres long. This distinguishes two different scales: cross-country skiing directly at Rifflsee and a trail with the named towns as its endpoints. Cross-country ski trails and pistes operate seasonally; check current conditions before making plans.

Other trails and accessible sections

The first section of the Sculpture Trail starts at the valley station of the Rifflseebahn. It is easily accessible by wheelchair because the stone sculptures are located along a paved path. This description applies to the first section of the trail. On the Pitztaler Sagensteig, the valley hiking trail leads back to Mandarfen. So, alongside alpine tours, there are also specific trail sections to choose from, each with its own route.

Discover more destinations: Zaunhof, Plangeross, Boden, Wiese.

Return to the main travel overview: Sankt Leonhard Im Pitztal.