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Holidays in Wildschönau- Niederau
The Wildschönau Valley, and its entry village of Niederau, is a quintessential Tyrolean high valley, renowned for its authentic charm, rich farming traditions, and year-round alpine activities.
Description & Nature
Niederau is the first of the four traditional "church villages" (Niederau, Oberau, Auffach, and Thierbach) you encounter when entering the Wildschönau Valley. It is immediately recognizable by the pointed steeple of its parish church and the Markbachjoch mountain rising directly behind it.
The Wildschönau Valley, nestled in the Kitzbühel Alps, is known for its gentle, grass-covered mountains rather than the stark, rocky peaks of other regions, making it a paradise for hiking. The landscape is characterized by:
Lush alpine meadows and dense forests.
Traditional wooden chalets and over 260 working mountain farms.
The Kundler Klamm (Gorge), one of Austria's most beautiful gorges, where the Wildschönauer Ache river runs. It forms the natural entrance/exit to the valley and is a popular walking path.
History & Culture
The valley was first mentioned in historical records around 1193–95. Local life is deeply rooted in mountain farming culture, which has shaped the landscape and traditions for centuries. Many farms have been owned by the same families for generations, some holding the title of Erbhof (hereditary farm) for over 200 years.
Legend: Local lore says the valley was once a vast lake. A dragon living on the shores was killed by a farmer, and in its death throes, it smashed the rocks, allowing the water to drain through the gorge that became the Kundler Klamm. The valley's coat of arms depicts this legendary dragon.
Museums: You can gain an insight into the valley's past at the z'Bach Mountain Farming Museum in Oberau, which showcases the sober life of Tyrolean mountain farmers with over 1,200 exhibits.
Typical Foods (Culinary Specialties)
Wildschönau cuisine is traditional, hearty, and emphasizes local farm produce like dairy, cheese, and cured meats.
Specialty Description
Krautinger Schnapps The valley's most famous and unique specialty. This highly traditional, medicinal, but very drinkable schnapps is made exclusively in Wildschönau from white beet. It is a must-try digestif.
Wildschönauer Käse Exquisite cheese specialities, especially the Almkäse (alpine cheese) and Graukäse (grey cheese), produced fresh daily at mountain dairies like the Holzalm on the Markbachjoch.
Kiachl Large, round, thick-rimmed fritters made from yeast dough. They can be served savory (with Sauerkraut or Krautplatt'n—cabbage) or sweet (with cranberry sauce or apple sauce).
Breznsuppe A rich, comforting soup made with pretzels, a traditional dish often found in local inns.
Kasspatzln A Tyrolean version of Spätzle (soft egg noodles) tossed with melted cheese and topped with crispy fried onions.
Broda Kropfn A type of sweet or savory fried pastry/doughnut unique to the region.
Activities (Summer & Winter)
Summer Activities
Niederau is a prime location for mountain exploration via the Markbachjochbahn cable car.
Hiking & Walking: The valley offers over 300 km of marked trails. Popular routes accessible from Niederau include the gentle Franziskusweg (a themed walking path to Oberau), tours around the Rosskopf, and the challenging hike up to the Großer Beil, the highest peak in the valley.
Paragliding: The Markbachjoch is a famous launching point for paragliders and hang-gliders, offering magnificent views of the valley.
Mountain Biking: The region is a great spot for mountain bikers, with routes like the Tirol Bike Safari passing through.
Culture & Fun: Visit the Wildschönau Sculpture Park (near Markbachjoch) or relax at the Hammock Park with panoramic views. The outdoor swimming pool in Oberau is popular for cooling off.
Winter Activities
Niederau is the ski center of the Wildschönau and part of the vast Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau area.
Skiing & Snowboarding: The Markbachjoch area features easy beginner slopes right in the village center, as well as more challenging, longer runs.
Tobogganing: A thrilling toboggan run starts from the top of the Lanerköpfl chairlift.
Winter Hiking: Enjoy leisurely snowshoe hikes or take a dedicated winter walk, such as the trail to the Foisching Deer Park.
Cross-Country Skiing: The Penning cross-country track, which is about 4 km long, is available for Nordic skiers.
Shops
Shopping in Niederau and the Wildschönau Valley focuses heavily on regional specialties, artisan goods, and outdoor gear.
Regional Products & Souvenirs:
Tiroler Dorfladl (in Niederau): A charming "concept store" offering traditional Austrian clothing, local textiles, decorations, souvenirs, and regional homemade products from local suppliers.
Niederau Cheese Cellar: The place to buy handmade alpine cheese and other regional dairy products.
Essentials: A Spar grocery store is conveniently located in Niederau for all your daily needs.
Sporting Goods: Sport Blachfelder offers a wide range of specialized equipment, including gear for hiking, biking, and skiing/snowboarding, as well as rentals and service.
Festivals & Events
The Wildschönau is known for its lively customs, with numerous festivals held throughout the year.
Almabtrieb (Cattle Drive): A major traditional festival in the autumn when the cows, decorated with flowers and bells, are brought down from the high alpine pastures into the valley for the winter. This is a huge celebration of Tyrolean customs.
Niederau Village Advent: A cozy and festive event during the pre-Christmas season, featuring traditional crafts and local food.
Traditional Evenings: Regular village evenings and concerts are held in the summer and winter, offering a chance to meet locals and experience folk music and dance.
Handicraft Market: During the summer, the z'Bach Mountain Farming Museum hosts a weekly handicraft market where regional artisans sell their goods and local delicacies are served.
Description & Nature
Niederau is the first of the four traditional "church villages" (Niederau, Oberau, Auffach, and Thierbach) you encounter when entering the Wildschönau Valley. It is immediately recognizable by the pointed steeple of its parish church and the Markbachjoch mountain rising directly behind it.
The Wildschönau Valley, nestled in the Kitzbühel Alps, is known for its gentle, grass-covered mountains rather than the stark, rocky peaks of other regions, making it a paradise for hiking. The landscape is characterized by:
Lush alpine meadows and dense forests.
Traditional wooden chalets and over 260 working mountain farms.
The Kundler Klamm (Gorge), one of Austria's most beautiful gorges, where the Wildschönauer Ache river runs. It forms the natural entrance/exit to the valley and is a popular walking path.
History & Culture
The valley was first mentioned in historical records around 1193–95. Local life is deeply rooted in mountain farming culture, which has shaped the landscape and traditions for centuries. Many farms have been owned by the same families for generations, some holding the title of Erbhof (hereditary farm) for over 200 years.
Legend: Local lore says the valley was once a vast lake. A dragon living on the shores was killed by a farmer, and in its death throes, it smashed the rocks, allowing the water to drain through the gorge that became the Kundler Klamm. The valley's coat of arms depicts this legendary dragon.
Museums: You can gain an insight into the valley's past at the z'Bach Mountain Farming Museum in Oberau, which showcases the sober life of Tyrolean mountain farmers with over 1,200 exhibits.
Typical Foods (Culinary Specialties)
Wildschönau cuisine is traditional, hearty, and emphasizes local farm produce like dairy, cheese, and cured meats.
Specialty Description
Krautinger Schnapps The valley's most famous and unique specialty. This highly traditional, medicinal, but very drinkable schnapps is made exclusively in Wildschönau from white beet. It is a must-try digestif.
Wildschönauer Käse Exquisite cheese specialities, especially the Almkäse (alpine cheese) and Graukäse (grey cheese), produced fresh daily at mountain dairies like the Holzalm on the Markbachjoch.
Kiachl Large, round, thick-rimmed fritters made from yeast dough. They can be served savory (with Sauerkraut or Krautplatt'n—cabbage) or sweet (with cranberry sauce or apple sauce).
Breznsuppe A rich, comforting soup made with pretzels, a traditional dish often found in local inns.
Kasspatzln A Tyrolean version of Spätzle (soft egg noodles) tossed with melted cheese and topped with crispy fried onions.
Broda Kropfn A type of sweet or savory fried pastry/doughnut unique to the region.
Activities (Summer & Winter)
Summer Activities
Niederau is a prime location for mountain exploration via the Markbachjochbahn cable car.
Hiking & Walking: The valley offers over 300 km of marked trails. Popular routes accessible from Niederau include the gentle Franziskusweg (a themed walking path to Oberau), tours around the Rosskopf, and the challenging hike up to the Großer Beil, the highest peak in the valley.
Paragliding: The Markbachjoch is a famous launching point for paragliders and hang-gliders, offering magnificent views of the valley.
Mountain Biking: The region is a great spot for mountain bikers, with routes like the Tirol Bike Safari passing through.
Culture & Fun: Visit the Wildschönau Sculpture Park (near Markbachjoch) or relax at the Hammock Park with panoramic views. The outdoor swimming pool in Oberau is popular for cooling off.
Winter Activities
Niederau is the ski center of the Wildschönau and part of the vast Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau area.
Skiing & Snowboarding: The Markbachjoch area features easy beginner slopes right in the village center, as well as more challenging, longer runs.
Tobogganing: A thrilling toboggan run starts from the top of the Lanerköpfl chairlift.
Winter Hiking: Enjoy leisurely snowshoe hikes or take a dedicated winter walk, such as the trail to the Foisching Deer Park.
Cross-Country Skiing: The Penning cross-country track, which is about 4 km long, is available for Nordic skiers.
Shops
Shopping in Niederau and the Wildschönau Valley focuses heavily on regional specialties, artisan goods, and outdoor gear.
Regional Products & Souvenirs:
Tiroler Dorfladl (in Niederau): A charming "concept store" offering traditional Austrian clothing, local textiles, decorations, souvenirs, and regional homemade products from local suppliers.
Niederau Cheese Cellar: The place to buy handmade alpine cheese and other regional dairy products.
Essentials: A Spar grocery store is conveniently located in Niederau for all your daily needs.
Sporting Goods: Sport Blachfelder offers a wide range of specialized equipment, including gear for hiking, biking, and skiing/snowboarding, as well as rentals and service.
Festivals & Events
The Wildschönau is known for its lively customs, with numerous festivals held throughout the year.
Almabtrieb (Cattle Drive): A major traditional festival in the autumn when the cows, decorated with flowers and bells, are brought down from the high alpine pastures into the valley for the winter. This is a huge celebration of Tyrolean customs.
Niederau Village Advent: A cozy and festive event during the pre-Christmas season, featuring traditional crafts and local food.
Traditional Evenings: Regular village evenings and concerts are held in the summer and winter, offering a chance to meet locals and experience folk music and dance.
Handicraft Market: During the summer, the z'Bach Mountain Farming Museum hosts a weekly handicraft market where regional artisans sell their goods and local delicacies are served.
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