Hiking Olpererhütte was a dream for me.I´ve been looking forward to this hike since beginning of Spring and waited until the snow finally melted and that the hiking trails were finally open again.Finally, last week I had few days free and we drove off to Mayrhofen in Austria as our base . The weather was excellent so we decided to drive up to Ginzling up to the parking area in the direction of Schlegeis Reservoir, or also known as Schlegeisspeicher Stausee.Unlike the other Reservoir hike that we´ve done in Kaprun, this one offers some physical fitness of moderate difficulty for hikers since its a continous going up. I´ve done some research and know for sure that it would be a big challenge for us, maybe a bit nerve wrecking because of the elevation gain of almost 876meters.Personally, reaching Olpererhütte at 2,388m in 1 1/2 hours including our photo stops was definitely an epic hike that is worth sharing here.

See these views? really awesome, right?! I am speechless everytime I am thinking of this.

Our rented Apartment is in Mayrhofen and driving to Schlegeis Reservoir took us about 45mins.We had our Breakfast stop first in Uderns then drove further.The road going up to the reservoir is a toll road so you need to pay a fee in cash.The drive from the foot of Gizling valley to the  Alpenstrasse Schlegeis road all the way to the reservoir is 13,3 kms. , both very scenic, but also a steep serpentine road, which is typical of Austria.

I think June is a perfect time to hike this mountain since its not that blazing hot just like we´ve did in our other epic hikes in the Dolomites in Italy.Starting early is also a good chance to beat the crowds . We took our time and enjoy the wonderful nature that is all around us.From the parking area of 1,800 meters high, sudden wind really hits us and it was really unexpectable, brought us chilling to the bones as we hurried up dressing up in layers. Up in the mountains, one must always be prepared.

The hiking trail is rugged, with lots of stone boulders, rough gravel and ruddy landscape but the view surrounding us never dissapoints. From here we have an outstanding views of the Zillertal mountains , still much covered in snow, and the wonderful Glacier that stands behind us.My daughter never whines, she waited for me many times and we had a really good rapport this time evernthough she prefers to be in the swimming pool swimming and having some water fun.

From here we already heard the thunderous sound of the waterfall and that make our hearts thud a bit more. After our awesome waterfall experience hiking to the Dalfaz Alm in Achensee last week, we are both excited to see another breathtaking waterfall.I dunno about you, but waterfalls just makes me happy.This experience reminds me of our previous waterfall hike in Krimml, which is also nearby to this area.

My daughter busied herself admiring the Zamserbach Waterfall which cascades directly in front of us, then from our side and suddenly cascading right in front of us again.The entire hike was really amazing. There are so many cascading water streams and alpine waterfalls which makes this hike particularly spacial.I just can´t help but to stop, exhale and admire this pure beauty in front of me. My knees and adrenaline is being challenged but there´s no reason to give up, never.

Hiking up to the Olpererhütte required some energy so its really important to wear sturdy hiking boots for secure hiking.The rock steps can be really slippery and the entire stretch is open.

Once we finally get a glimpse of the hut, i got so excited.A few more elevation and we finally reached the top where we saw proud smiling hikers drinking their beers, chatting and admiring the beautiful view of the Stausee and surroundings below. From here the view is just spectacular.From here, we continued to hike further to reached the Instagram worthy spot—the Zillertal Suspension bridge.

Its a 5 minute walk from the Olpererhütte so we decided to explore the bridge first before the mass of crowds come.Olperehütte offers food and drinks for tired hikers and offer overnight lodgings as well. Imagine sleeping here and waking up to this grandeur beauty which would be totally awesome.the only thing that can distract us now from this views is : Hunger.We were definitely so famished, exhausted, thirsty so when our food were served, we immediately dig in. The traditional Wiener Schnitzel, the Skiwasser in Raspberry flavors and to finish up with our “Kaisersmarrn” …we can´t complain of this luxury.

Both our hearts & stomach were happy.

There was already a line in the bridge so we have to queued ourselves until we have our turn.My daughter was particularly cooperative to take turns in taking our photos. From the vantage point here to create an illusion that the bridge is hanging with an insane view of the Slegeisspeicher Stausee under and with the snow-capped mountain backdrop, one must position himself directly in front and sit on the rocks of the waterfalls.The water cascading just inches above from where I sit is what I really enjoyed the most!

The hike is crazy zigzag rendevous and hiking down back to the parking lot is another story. Either way, this hike is definitely worth of a day´s muscle pain.In the end, I can only say that it was definitely one of the best day of my life and I am just so grateful to be able to have the strength to do this hike.

How about you, what keeps you motivated from day to day?What was your last adventure?

Until then,Tschüß!