Schwendau
Schwendau is a quaint town nestled in the picturesque Zillertal region of Austria. Located in the Schwaz area, this town boasts a population of 1762 as of January 1, 2022. The town’s great natural surroundings—which include alpine meadows, forests, and agricultural areas adding to its large area—are typified by Schwendau, the town, offers some common facilities alongside Hippach, its adjacent community. Fascinatingly, both municipalities have municipal offices housed in the same building.
Schwendau’s rich history begins about 1200 years ago, when it was originally noted as Swentowe in a land registry. Archaeological digs conducted in 2015 point to a castle possibly existing on the Burgstallschrofen hill until the 14th century. Established as a governmental municipality in 1817, the town saw notable expansion during World War Two.
The Schwendau economy depends critically on tourism as well as business and agricultural sectors. The Ski Zillertal 3000 ski resort draws a sizable number of guests with about 300,000 overnight stays recorded in 2019. Travel is busiest in January, February, and March; July and August follow.
Among the various noteworthy sites Schwendau has is the Zillertal Alps Nature Park and the Schwendau Parish Church. Renovated in the early Baroque style following an earthquake in 1698, the church, dedicated to the Saints Ingenuin and Albuin, boasts exquisite altars. Among the outdoor pursuits accessible in the Nature Park Zillertal Alps are cross-country skiing, hiking, glacier exploring.
The magnificent Zillertal Alps, a nature park noted for its eighty glaciers and breathtaking lakes, surrounds Schwendau. Two among the many natural beauties defining the area are the Schlegeis Reservoir and Lake Zillergründl. Visitors may explore these places via hiking, riding, and other outdoor pursuits.
Schwendau has something for history buffs to discover as well. Providing insightful analysis of the rich history and evolution of the valley, the Regional Museum Zillertal gives a whole view of the area. The Zillertal Adventure Dairy offers a unique opportunity to learn about the conventional cheese-making process and its significance within the nearby society.
A great leisure park for outdoor enthusiasts is Summer World Hippach. Among the several facilities it provides are a playground, tennis court, swimming pool, and mini golf course. To let guests fully enjoy the stunning natural surroundings, the community provides a range of outdoor pursuits including Nordic Walking paths, mountain bike and cycling routes, and the Zillertal Cycle Route.
One can get Schwendau via vehicle, train, bus, or plane. Should you decide to drive, the A12 motorway is the one you should follow. Once you get to Zillertal, just leave and keep on Zillertal Road until you get to Schwendau. Should your inclination be for train travel, the Zillertal Railway provides a practical path from Jenbach to Hippach. From there, a bus or strolling will let you quickly get Schwendau. Should you choose to ride a bus, you can get the regional buses from Munich, Salzburg, or Innsbruck to Schwendau. Should you decide to fly, you can find yourself at Munich airport, Salzburg, or Innsbruck. From there, a shuttle service or a cab will get you right to Schwendau.
Walking, biking, bus riding, and cable car use are among Schwendau’s handy choices for getting around. Whether your preferred mode of transportation is walking or riding, the Zillertal Cycle Route is an amazing chance to discover the lovely valley towns. Convenient local bus service around Schwendau with frequent stops at several points of interest is offered. The Horberg Cable Car is another choice that will get you to the Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000.
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Geography Of Schwendau
Nestled in the rear Zillertal valley, Schwendau is a lovely municipality and village in the Austrian state of Tyrol. Surrounded by the magnificent Zillertal Alps, a nature park comprising eighty glaciers and several lakes, Schwendau boasts an amazing natural scene. With an area of 17.36 km2 and a population of roughly 1,700, Schwendau is a little yet energetic hamlet.
Apart from its mild temperature, Schwendau is well-known for its varied topography and natural attractiveness. From the river valley to the high mountain summits, from the verdant alpine meadows to the peaceful manmade lakes, Schwendau presents a variety of settings for discovery. From its monuments and areas of interest, the community also clearly shows a rich history and culture.
Nestled in the stunning western part of Austria, Schwendau lies in the Schwaz district of the Tyrol state. It is connected to the Mayrhofen-Hippach Tourism Association, which covers several other Zillertal valley communities. Schwendau has coordinates of 47°11′51′N 11°51′36′E. On the right banks of the Ziller river, 620 m above sea level.
Weather & Climate In Schwendau
Köppen-Geiger climate classification places Schwendau, in the Zillertal valley, as having a cold and temperate climate. Dfb is the classification used here, hence the climate is humid continental with warm summers. Schwendau’s temperature is similar to those of other surrounding areas including Mayrhofen, Zell am Ziller, and Finkenberg.
Schwendau’s four seasons provide range of events and experiences. The scene gets vibrant and aromatic in spring when the snow melts and the flowers bloom. The temperature rises, and now is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor pursuits including Nordic walking in the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, riding, and hiking.
With temperatures around 20°C and lots of rain, summer is the busiest season in Schwendau. With its swimming pool, playground, mini golf course, and beach volleyball court, Summer World Hippach, a leisure area draws a lot of guests. In Schwendau, winter is the coldest and snowy season.
Demographics Of Schwendau
Schwendau has a 1,725 population as of January 1, 2023. Comparatively to last year, when it was 1,717, the population has risen by 0.5%. Starting with a count of 1, 114 Schwendau residents, the population of the town has been continuously rising since 1971. Every decade the population has steadily increased; the 1990s had its maximum level of 18.9%.
Regarding age and gender structure, Schwendau has a rather young population, with a median age of 38.1 years, somewhat below regional and national averages. Men and women make roughly equal proportion in the population. 45–59 years is the biggest age range; next are 60+ years and 30–44 years. 0–14 years is the smallest age group; next comes 15–29 years.
With a tiny proportion of other EU and non-EU residents, most people in Schwendau are Austrian. While some people speak different languages, the most of the population speaks German. The majority of people follow Roman Catholic religion; Protestant, Muslim, and other religions follow behind.
Economy Of Schwendau
Visitors wishing to see the Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000, the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, the Summer World Hippach, and the Zimmererhäuslmühle go to Schwendau. Schwendau provides a spectrum of hotel choices, eating experiences, guest information and services.
The economy of Schwendau and the Zillertal valley depends greatly on tourism. According to reports from the Mayrhofen-Hippach Tourism Association in 2020 Schwendau welcomed 35, 525 visitors and noted 197, 206 overnight stays.The COVID-19 epidemic has caused a notable drop of 40.6% and 42.3% relative to 2019.
With 23,012 tourists and 137,674 overnight stays reported in 2020, Schwendau’s winter season saw a notable surge of visitors.The winter season in 2020 saw notable rise in overnight stays as well as visitor count. Comprising an amazing 227 km of slopes and 59 lifts and cable cars, the Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000 is a very popular skiing destination.
History Of Schwendau
With a long and well-documented past going back to prehistoric times, Schwendau is a historic community. Various tribes and civilizations like the Illyrians, Celts, Romans, and Bavarians called the area home. Originating from the Old High German term “swentowe,” the village’s name denotes “pasture clearing,” hence reflecting its agricultural and forestry beginnings.
The building and destruction of Schwendau Castle, the swings in the mining industry, religious and political conflicts, and the expansion of tourism and infrastructure have all shaped the medieval and modern history of the community. Built in the 12th century, the castle was a vital administrative center and fortification; nevertheless, a fire in the 14th century destroyed it.
Late in the 19th and early in the 20th centuries Schwendau saw improvements in infrastructure and tourism. This was so because of its natural beauty, historical landmarks, cultural events, and leisure activities appealing to guests. The building of the Zillertal Railway and the formation of the Mayrhofen-Hippach Tourism Association helped to enable the development.
Tourism In Schwendau
Surrounded by the breathtaking Zillertal Alps, a nature park with eighty glaciers and several lakes, Schwendau has a great abundance of natural beauty for exploration. The village is closely connected to the nearby town of Hippach, and the two have various shared facilities including the Summer World Hippach, a leisure park with a swimming pool, mini golf course, tennis court, and playground.
Popular for tourism, Schwendau presents a variety of events for guests to savor all year long. Skiing is a big attraction in the winter as Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000 offers lots of chances for winter sports aficionados. Among the several outdoor pursuits accessible in the summer are hiking, riding, flying, and tobogning.
With its natural beauty, historical buildings, cultural events, and leisure activities, Schwendau’s tourism industry is rather important for its economy and draws guests. The Mayrhofen-Hippach Tourism Association includes the community among numerous others in the Zillertal valley.With 197, 206 overnight stays, Schwendau received 35, 525 visitors overall in 2020.
Best Time To Visit Schwendau
With a cool and moderate temperature, Schwendau is a village that presents a range of activities all year long. Your tastes and interests will determine the ideal visiting date. December to February is the perfect period to visit if you appreciate Christmas events and winter sports. You can make benefit of the well-known skiing venue Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000 during this period.
March to May is the advised visit season for individuals who value natural beauty and cultural legacy at Schwendau. With chances to tour the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, the spring season brings rebirth and awakening. Popular pursuits that let you appreciate glaciers, lakes, and meadows are hiking, bicycling, and Nordic walking.
June through August is the ideal time to visit Schwendau if you’re looking for summer entertainment and leisure pursuits. This season draws lots of visitors with mild temperatures and enough of rain. The Summer World Hippach presents a spectrum of facilities. Furthermore offering breathtaking vistas and hiking paths are the Schlegeis Reservoir and Lake Zillergründl.
How To Get In Schwendau
Schwendau is easily reached from several kinds of transportation. One choice is to ride the train—more especially, the Zillertal Railway—which provides a picturesque valley travel. From early morning till late evening, the trains run hourly and First boarding a regional or intercity train to Jenbach, the main railway hub in the Tyrol region, visitors must then access the Zillertal Railway.
Another choice is to ride the bus; the regional bus network serves Schwendau with several stations. Convenient links to nearby towns, villages, and ski resorts in the valley come via the busses. Early morning till late evening, the regional buses follow a regular schedule.
Schwendau is reachable by the Zillertal Road (B169), which links the village to other valley towns, cities, and the A12 highway, therefore driving is another choice. One may see driving distances and times from big cities such Innsbruck, Munich, and Zurich. Drivers have to have a current driver’s license, car registration certificate, evidence of insurance, and vignette.
How To Get Around In Schwendau
For guests to tour the town and the nearby valley, Schwendau provides several ways of mobility. With the Zillertal Railway offering a beautiful trip along the Ziller river to other cities and villages in the region, the train is a handy choice. Operating hourly, the train is a fantastic means of reach for sites including the Zillertal Alps Nature Park and Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000.
The bus provides still another choice, linking Schwendau to ski resorts, other valley communities, and attractions. Frequent runs of the regional buses over the day make for a practical means of mobility around the region. Schwendau is situated along the Zillertal Cycle Route, a picturesque road that winds the Ziller river and links Schwendau with other villages for people who like riding.
Schwendau boasts many picturesque walking pathways that are easily included into the Tyrol region’s vast hiking system for lovers. As guests tour the valley and its sights, these trails offer a varied and rewarding experience.
Attractions & Landmarks In Schwendau
Travelers wishing to take in a range of activities and sites frequent Schwendau. With chances for skiing and snowboarding, the Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000 is one of the key attractions. Another attraction is the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, whose eighty glaciers and many lakes create an amazing natural scene for skiing, riding, climbing, and walking.
Summer World Hippach provides a leisure space including a swimming pool, playground, mini golf course, and beach volleyball court for those looking for a more laid-back experience. Worth seeing also are the Schlegeis Reservoir and Lake Zillergründl, which provide amazing views and walking paths.
Apart from its natural beauties, Schwendau presents a range of cultural sites. Notable sight is the Burgschrofen Kapelle, with its graceful architecture and lovely perspective of the surroundings. Restored from the 18th century, the Zimmererhäuslmühle is a museum and cultural center highlighting the past of the hamlet.
Things To Do In Schwendau
Popular tourist destination Schwendau presents a broad spectrum of events for guests to enjoy. This little town has something for everyone regardless of your visit season—winter or summer.
Schwendau is paradise for skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Comprising an amazing 227 kilometers of slopes and 59 lifts and cable cars, the village is a part of the Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000 Whether it’s a mild blue run or a difficult black run, skiers of various ability may locate their ideal slope. The two halfpipes and twelve snow parks in the vicinity also allow snowboarders benefit.
Schwendau becomes a dreamland for cyclists and hikers in the summer. The hamlet lies within the large Zillertal Alps Nature Park, which boasts breathtaking glaciers and lakes over its territory. With guided trips and instructional programs, hikers can investigate a range of paths and trails varying in complexity and length. The environment park presents amazing vistas and varied settings ranging from glaciers to lakes, meadows to woodlands.
Schwendau Info Card
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Schwaz district, Tyrol state, Austria |
| Coordinates | 47°11′51″N 11°51′36″E |
| Altitude | 620 m above sea level |
| Area | 17.36 km2 |
| Population | 1,725 (as of 2018) |
| First mentioned | 1200 as “Swentowe” (clearing of a pasture) |
| Emblem | An axe |
| Parish church | Dedicated to the Saints Ingenuin and Albuin, built in the 13th century, restored in early Baroque style |
| Nature park | Zillertal Alps, with 80 glaciers and numerous lakes |
| Skiing area | Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000, with 227 km of slopes and 59 lifts and cable cars |
| Family name | Schwendau, originated from the village, dates back to the 1400s |
| Tourism | 35,525 tourists and 197,206 overnight stays in 2020, mainly from Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands |
