Climb a dam
Via ferrata Schlegeis 131
Climb a dam
The rules for managing COVID-19 apply at the VERBUND excursion destinations. In particular, we ask our guests to follow the rules on social distancing and – where required – to wear a mask (e.g. in enclosed rooms). Where possible, we will help you to support the rules – please also help us with this. The situation makes it necessary to adjust procedures, activities and offerings. We are doing our best to create an optimal visitor experience and apologise in advance if some of the offerings are not available in the usual form. The announcements and events can only take place if they can be implemented on a legal and organisational basis.
The Schlegeis reservoir is surrounded by the High Alps Nature Park Zillertal Alps, which has shaped 397 km2 of the Zillertal valley since 1991. Excellent routes and hiking trails as well as numerous shelter and pasture chalets make the region and its impressive backdrop the ideal point of departure for easy hikes, tours of moderate difficulty, lofty high-elevation trails and sporty summit tours. The area around the Schlegeis reservoir offers the perfect place for pleasure hikers and demanding alpinists.
The reservoir holds a total of 126.5 million m3 of water – the Schlegeissperre is VERBUND’s longest dam, with a length of 725 metres. You can explore its inner workings on the dam wall tour. There, you can learn interesting facts about electricity generation from hydropower, the features and history of the structure, as well as the unique fauna and flora. If you’d like to learn more about the Zillertal power plant group, then you’ll find what you want right next to the power plant in the town of Mayrhofen. The VERBUND information centre is located there. The exhibition offers interesting information about electricity generation and is open all year round with free admission.
The Schlegeis dam offers all adventurous types a special way to experience the mix of nature and technology. A via ferrata is installed directly on the dam wall. With its easy level of difficulty, it is also suitable for beginners. In addition to the via ferrata, plenty of action and adventure is provided by a 600 metre-long flying fox, a 131 metre-high abseiling station and various climbing routes. Equipment can be hired on site, and the 131 metre-high wall can be conquered under professional guidance.
Choose from our range of vouchers and give a special kind of mountain experience with a visit to the Schlegeis reservoir.
The Schlegeis Alpine Road is closed. We will reopen in May 2021.
The Schlegeis Reservoir can only be accessed via the Schlegeis Alpenstrasse Alpine Road, which is a toll road. The toll booth is open daily from 6 or 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Schlegeis Alpenstrasse is regulated by traffic lights, waiting times are a maximum of 15 minutes.
Schlegeis Alpenstrasse toll booth: N 47° 03' 39.3" E 11° 44' 56.5"
From Mayrhofen, drive by way of Ginzling along the Zillertal road until you get to the toll booth. From here, follow the Schlegeis Alpenstrasse Alpine Road for about 7 km until you get to the reservoir. There is free parking both in front of and behind the reservoir.
Important information: On days with lots of visitors, there may be a shortage of space at the Schlegeis car parks. Getting there by car will consequently be suspended for a few hours. On the way, please check the signs for availability at the car parks or take the public bus line 4102 (from Mayrhofen or Ginzling).Information also available by calling +43 (0)50 313 23201
For all touring coaches, a height limit of 3.6 m and a length limit of 13 m apply from Ginzling onwards.
Upon request, the bus company Christophorus Reisen can organise rides to the reservoir with approved buses. Telephone enquiries on +43 (0)5285 6060.
You can get there in an especially environmentally friendly way by public transportation.
You can get to Mayrhofen with bus line 8330 of the Zillertaler Verkehrsbetriebe. Buses of the Christophorus company will then take you the rest of the way to the Schlegeis reservoir. You can find the departure times in the current schedule for bus line 4102 Mayrhofen - Ginzling - Schlegeis reservoir (German only).
Tip: Use the VVT weekly ticket – one ticket for all means of public transport within a region. For an easy way to reach your destination!
Toll charge |
1 day |
Block of 3 |
Block of 10 |
Motorcycle |
€10.00 |
- |
- |
Car |
€ 14.00 |
€ 35.00 |
€ 110.00 |
Bus (15 or more persons) |
€ 3.60 per person |
The ‘Wanderherbst’ autumn of hiking takes place on 6 and 13 September 2020, with an ascent discounted by 50%
The precise opening times will be announced in due course.
The start or end of the season may be adjusted due to weather conditions.
Day | Time | Month |
daily | 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. | May, June, September and October |
daily | 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. | July and August |
Length of road |
13.3 km |
Hairpin turns |
8 |
Tunnels |
4 |
Altitude of the reservoir |
1,800 m |
Dam width |
725 m |
Dam height |
131 m |
The reservoir stores a total of 126.5 million m3 of water - the Schlegeis Dam is VERBUND's longest, at 725 m. You can check out its inner workings with a dam tour.
More information on the power plants in the Zillertal Valley
Check out the inner workings of the 725 m wide and 131 m high Schlegeis Dam. The one-hour tour inside the Schlegeis Dam is offered every full hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from June to October.
Our knowledgeable staff offers you the rare opportunity to get to know the inner workings of the 131 m tall, double-curved arch-gravity dam. You walk into the first inspection walkway of the 725 m long dam, the longest that VERBUND has. Our guides are eager to explain the complicated technical measuring and control devices in the dam in a way that you can understand.
Meeting place and registration for the tour at the marked meeting point in front of the Bergrestaurant Schlegeis. This is also where you get the tickets for your tour beforehand. We request that you notify us in advance of groups of 15 or more persons.
Prices
Adults | € 5.50 |
Children (up to 5 years) | free |
Children (6 to 15 years) | € 3.00 |
The VERBUND Mayrhofen Info Centre is located directly next to the power plant in the village of Mayrhofen. The exhibit offers interesting facts relating to electricity generation in the Zillertal Valley and is open all year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free of charge.
Guided tours for groups and schools