The Mieders Alpine coaster or summer toboggan run is one of the top mountain attractions in the Innsbruck region. You will understand why once you’ve blitzed down the 2,8 km track for the first time. Read all about the pricing structure and the other (free) mountain attractions of the Serlesbahnen in Mieders Austria.
Fast Facts
| Info | Adults | Kids (6-10) |
| Price one ride without cable car | €17,00 | €11,00 |
| Price one ride with cable car | €26,00 | €11,00 |
| Cable car opening times | Varies by season (see below) | |
| Starting point | Serlesbahnen Mieders |
The more you ride, the cheaper it gets. For example, three return trips with the cable car and alpine coaster will set you back €61,50. See more detailed price structure below.
Reasons to Ride the Mieders Alpine Coaster
- With a difference in altitude of 640 m from the top to the bottom, the Mieders Alpine coaster is one of the steepest of its kind in the world. You can reach speeds of up to 42 km/h while navigating your way around 40 bends.
- You’ll get to ride in a gondola with views over the Stubai valley. This popular Alpine coaster starts at the Koppeneck mountain station of the Serlesbahnen, the cableway in Mieders near Innsbruck. From there, it winds down through the trees and over the cableway clearing to the valley station. To reach the top, you can walk or take the cable car — most people choose the quicker, easier ride up.
- The coaster cars are easy to handle. All you must do is hold on to the brake lever between your legs and pull it back to avoid feeling like you’re on a runaway train.
Can Children Ride the Mieders Alpine Coaster?
Children riding on their own sit on a special cushion to make them more secure if they are small in stature. Small kids ride in the same car with an adult. You can also ask for two cars to be joined, with the more experienced driver sitting in front. And of course, everyone must buckle up.
Insider Tip
The worst thing that can happen to you on the Alpine coaster? To have a slow coach in front of you when you want to go fast. For this reason, leave enough room between you and the next person when you start.
Not close to Innsbruck during your summer holiday in Austria? Don’t worry, there will be an Alpine coaster near you. Like the Keltenblitz Alpine slide near Salzburg which is a great half-day trip from the city of Mozart.
Mieders Alpine Coaster Price: Different Options
The more you ride the Alpine coaster in Mieders, the cheaper it gets. The fee structure looks complicated at first, with different discounts applying for families and the holders of the Freizeitticket Tirol and the Stubai Card. Children are divided into 4 different age groups, with those under 6 riding for free.
Here are a few basic prices (without discounts) to give you an idea what to expect:
| No of Rides (Up + Down) | Adults | Kids (6-10) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | €26,00 | €11,00 |
| 2 | €49,00 | €21,00 |
| 3 | €61,50 | €26,50 |
| 5 | €100,50 | €43,00 |
What Are the Serlesbahnen Opening Times?
The Serlesbahnen’s opening hours vary by season. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 14 May – 26 June and 31 August – 26 October: Daily 09:00–16:30 (until 17:00 on weekends and holidays, when the toboggan run is open).
- 27 June – 30 August (high season): Daily 09:00–17:00 (until 18:00 on weekends and holidays).
- 27 October – 1 November (late season): Cable car runs 09:00–16:00; toboggan run only 13:30–16:00, weather permitting.
More Mieders Attractions and Activities
If you think the ride is a bit pricey, the good news is that the Mieders Alpine coaster isn’t the only attraction on the mountain.
There is a lot more value for your money at the Koppeneck mountain station in the form of the Serlesseen and Serles Park. The first are man-made lakes with a variety of water play features. While the kids try out all the fun activities, the adults can enjoy some quiet moments on a picnic blanket or stroll around the bigger lake in the shadow of the Serles mountain.
Serles Park includes a wooden water canal system, a giant sandpit with jungle gym, and a wooden float that can be pulled across one of the lakes. The attractions are free to enjoy by all, but take heed of the general rules and regulations posted at the gates. For example, swimming isn’t allowed even if it is a water attraction and most children get partly or thoroughly wet.
Hiking, Eating and Drinking
The Koppeneck mountain station is a good starting point for a few short and easy hikes. Those to traditional mountain huts or restaurants are especially popular.
- Almgasthof Hochserles – Right next to the Koppeneck mountain station above the Serlesseen. There is a nice outside seating area overlooking a playpark with swings and slides for the kids.
- Ochsenhütte – A traditional mountain hut restaurant, only a short walk (about 30 minutes) to the left of the Koppeneck mountain station. It also has a children’s play area.
- Maria Waldrast – The one-hour hike to Europe’s highest functioning monastery, Kloster Maria Waldrast, is perhaps the most popular. It is also possible to sleep here.
- Alpengasthof Sonnenstein – This mountain restaurant is a 45-minute downhill walk from the Koppeneck mountain station.
The Serles Train
Good news for families with small children, elderly parents, or anyone short on time: a “train” now runs between Koppeneck and Maria Waldrast. The Serleszug is pulled by a tractor and stops at the Ochsenhütte along the way. It runs up to 5 times daily from 30 May to 27 September (weekends only in May and October), with a 6th departure added on weekends between 27 June and 30 August in fine weather.
Find the time schedule and up-to-date prices here.
Practical Tips for Riding the Mieders Alpine Coaster
- To save money, you can also walk to the Koppeneck mountain station but allow enough time for it.
- On your first ride, take it slow for the first 100 m or so until you get the hang of it. And always pay attention to signs next to the track that warn you about steep parts and when to slam on the brakes.
- The German word for an Alpine coaster is Sommerrodelbahn. Officially, the Mieders Alpine coaster is called the Serlesblitz (Serles lightning bolt).
- If you like the idea of cows and the sound of their bells in an Alpine pasture, this is the place to find them. They were all around the Serlesseen on the day of our last visit. You’re not allowed to take pictures while riding the Mieders alpine coaster. An action camera tied around your stomach or head is the best solution to film your ride.
- The Alpine coaster shuts down if there is the slightest chance of rain. The kids were very disappointed when they missed their third turn because of a looming shower. They had to take the cable car down but were given a complimentary ticket each.
- The above information only applies to the summer months, roughly from May to October. In winter, the area around the Mieders Alpine coaster is a ski resort. Please double check the opening status, especially in May and October, on the official websites of the different attractions and restaurants.
Insider Tip
With so much happening on the Serles mountain and in the Stubai Valley in general, you can easily spend three or more days here. It’s a good base for hiking or exploring Innsbruck, which is only a 15-minute drive away. In summer, guests staying in the Stubai valley get a Stubai Super Card which gives them free access to many services and attractions.
Where to Stay in Mieders
Staying within walking distance from the Mieders Alpine coaster is possible with the following options.
Best Hotel
Hotel Serles – The Hotel Serles is just down the road from the Serlesbahnen valley station. We stayed here to go skiing on the Stubai glacier in winter and can thoroughly recommend it. The location is great, the food is excellent, and guests can opt to go on organised outdoor activities in summer as well as winter.
Best Self-Catering Accommodation
Milcherhof – The Milcherhof is an absolutely stunning apartment only 500 m from the Mieders Alpine coaster valley station. It sleeps up to 6 people and has every amenity you can think of. Naturally, it is very popular with regular guests returning year after year.
Best budget accommodation
Ferienwohnung Driendl – A bit more basic and some say it could do with a facelift, but the Ferienwohnung (holiday apartment) Driendl is in the center of the village with everything you need nearby. If you are going to be out and about exploring all day, you won’t need more than this to come back to in the late afternoon or evening.
Getting to Mieders
By car – Take the A13 Brenner Motorway from Innsbruck (you´ll need a vignette). After crossing the Europa Bridge, take the Schönberg exit into the Stubai Valley. A toll fee of €4,00 is charged at a toll gate just after the exit. You can pay cash or by credit card. Parking at the cable car station is free.
By bus – Take Bus 590 from the Innsbruck main train station and get off at Mieders Serlesbahnen. The journey takes around 23 minutes.
How much does the Mieders Alpine Coaster cost?
A single ride costs €26,00 for adults and €11,00 for kids aged 6-10 when you include the cable car up, or €17,00 for adults without it. The more you ride, the cheaper it gets per trip, for example three return trips cost €61,50 for adults.
Can children ride the Mieders Alpine Coaster?
Yes. Small children can ride on a special cushion for extra security or share a car with an adult. Two cars can also be joined together with the more experienced rider in front, and everyone must buckle up.
When is the Mieders Alpine Coaster open?
Opening hours vary by season. From 14 May to 26 June and 31 August to 26 October it’s daily 09:00-16:30 (17:00 on weekends and holidays). During the high season, 27 June to 30 August, it runs daily 09:00-17:00 (18:00 on weekends and holidays). Always check the official website before your visit, especially in the shoulder months.
How do you get to Mieders?
By car, take the A13 Brenner Motorway from Innsbruck (a vignette is required) and exit at Schönberg into the Stubai Valley, where a small toll fee applies. By public transport, take Bus 590 from Innsbruck main train station to Mieders Serlesbahnen, a journey of around 23 minutes.
*Disclosure*
Having fun in Austria, and then writing about it is hard work 😆 . That’s why some links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use any of them to make a purchase. It’s totally cool if you don’t. I love to help anyway. If you do, it will help us discover another part of Austria to write about.
Such beautiful pictures. Looks like a fun place to visit.