Districts & Neighborhoods in Wildschönau
Wildschönau is a picturesque high valley located near Wörgl in the Kitzbühel Alps. With a population of around 4,400 people, it is a popular tourist destination in the district. The valley is made up of four charming church villages – Niederau, Oberau, Auffach, and Thierbach – each offering their own unique attractions.
Niederau, the largest village in Wildschönau, is known for its ski resort that caters to beginners and intermediates. It also offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The village is home to the oldest church in the valley, St. Sixtus Church, which dates back to the 15th century. Niederau hosts the annual Wildschönau Almabtrieb, a traditional festival celebrating the return of cattle from alpine pastures.
Oberau, the administrative center of the municipality, is a picturesque village with old farmhouses and a Baroque church. It is a popular destination for hikers and bikers, offering trails that showcase the natural beauty of the valley. The Healing Herb Trail leads to the Norderbergalm, a mountain hut that grows and sells medicinal herbs. Oberau also has a museum of local history.
Auffach, located at the end of the valley, is the gateway to the Schatzberg ski resort. It offers a modern cable car, toboggan run, snow park, and ski school. Auffach has a rich mining history and is home to a mining museum that showcases the technology and history of mining in Wildschönau. Visitors can also explore the original mine shaft on guided tours.
Thierbach, the smallest village in Wildschönau, is a tranquil and idyllic place situated on a sunny plateau above the valley. It can be accessed by a narrow road or hiking trail. Thierbach has a strong sense of community and is the only village in Wildschönau with its own mayor and council. The village has a unique tradition of baking bread, which dates back to the 18th century.
Overall, Wildschönau offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy, from skiing and hiking to exploring the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the valley’s villages. With its stunning natural beauty and welcoming communities, it is a must-visit destination in the Kitzbühel Alps.
Niederau: The Gateway to Wildschönau
Niederau is the most populous and largest village in Wildschönau, a municipality in the district of Kufstein in the Austrian state of Tyrol.It is one of the district’s tourist centers and is located at the entrance of the 24 km long high valley near Wörgl.
Niederau is well-known for its ski resort, which has slopes for both beginners and intermediates, as well as cross-country and snowshoeing trails.A cable car connects Niederau to the Markbachjoch, a mountain with a panoramic view of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Niederau has a rich cultural heritage because it is home to the valley’s oldest church, St. Sixtus Church, which dates back to the 15th century. The Gothic tower and Baroque interior of the church house a valuable painting of the Last Supper by the Tyrolean artist Christoph Anton Mayr. In September, Niederau also hosts the annual Wildschönau Almabtrieb, a traditional festival commemorating the return of the cattle from the alpine pastures.A parade of decorated cows, music, dancing, and local delicacies are all part of the festival.
Niederau is a charming village with many old farmhouses and a church with a pointed steeple that overlooks the Markbachjoch mountain.Visitors to Niederau can enjoy the natural beauty, tradition, and hospitality of Wildschönau.
History of Niederau
The town of Niederau was first mentioned in 1193-95, when the Bavarian count Henry of Lechsgemünd-Rettenberg transferred some of his subjects to the Herrenchiemsee cloister.
Niederau was originally a farming village, and the name “lower meadow” means “lower meadow.” The village was part of Rattenberg County, which was ruled by the Counts of Andechs-Merania until 1248 and then by the Wittelsbach dynasty until 1504. Niederau became part of the Habsburg lands in 1504 and was administered by the Kufstein court.
The Tyrolean peasant wars in the 16th century and the Napoleonic wars in the 19th century both had an impact on Niederau. In 1809, the villagers joined Andreas Hofer’s Tyrolean rebellion against the French and Bavarian occupation. Niederau joined the Austrian Empire in 1816, and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
In the twentieth century, Niederau became a popular tourist destination, particularly after the construction of the cable car to the Markbachjoch in 1957. The Wildschönau railway, which connected the village to Wörgl and the Inntal, was also beneficial to the village. The railway was decommissioned in 1976, but the track was repurposed as a cycling and hiking trail.
Attractions and Activities in Niederau
Niederau has a wide range of attractions and activities to suit visitors of all ages and interests. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, biking, or learning about the village’s history and culture, Niederau has something for everyone. Here are some of the village’s highlights:
- The St. Sixtus Church is the oldest church in the valley, and a landmark of Niederau. It was built in the 15th century, and has a Gothic tower and a Baroque interior. The church contains a valuable painting of the Last Supper by the Tyrolean artist Christoph Anton Mayr, as well as a wooden statue of St. Sixtus, the patron saint of the village. The church also has a cemetery, where some famous personalities are buried, such as the composer Franz Biebl and the writer Ludwig Ganghofer.
- The Markbachjoch is a mountain with a panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding peaks. It can be reached by a cable car from Niederau, which operates from May to October and from December to April. The Markbachjoch is a popular destination for hikers and bikers, as it offers many trails and routes that explore the natural beauty of the area. One of the most famous trails is the Healing Herb Trail, which leads to the Norderbergalm, a mountain hut that grows and sells medicinal herbs. The trail also passes by the Franziskus Chapel, a small chapel that was built in 1999 to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II to Wildschönau.
- The Niederau Ski Resort is one of the main attractions of the village, especially in winter. It offers slopes for beginners and intermediates, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The ski resort has a ski school, a ski rental, and a ski bus service. The ski resort is also connected to the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, a larger ski area that covers 109 km of slopes and 45 km of ski routes. The ski area also has a toboggan run, a snow park, and a ski museum.
- The Wildschönau Almabtrieb is a traditional festival that celebrates the return of the cattle from the alpine pastures in September. The festival features a parade of decorated cows, music, dancing, and local delicacies. The festival is a way of expressing gratitude for a successful summer season, and of preserving the customs and traditions of the valley. The festival also includes a farmers’ market, a craft market, and a cheese market. The Wildschönau Almabtrieb is one of the largest and most colorful festivals in Tyrol, and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Oberau: The Heart of Wildschönau
Oberau is the second most populous and largest village in Wildschönau, a municipality in the district of Kufstein in the Austrian state of Tyrol. It is the administrative center of the municipality and is located in the middle of a 24 km long high valley near Wörgl.
Oberau is a picturesque village with many old farmhouses and a St. Peter and Paul Baroque church.Oberau also has a local history museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to Wildschönau’s history, culture, and traditions.
Oberau is a popular hiking and biking destination because it has many trails and routes that explore the valley’s natural beauty. The Healing Herb Trail, which leads to the Norderbergalm, a mountain hut that grows and sells medicinal herbs, is one of the most well-known.The trail also passes by the Franziskus Chapel, a small chapel built in 1999 to commemorate Pope John Paul II’s visit to Wildschönau.
History of Oberau
Oberau was first mentioned in 1313 as “Obirnaw”. The name means “upper meadow” and refers to its valley location. Oberau was part of Rattenberg County, which was ruled by the Counts of Andechs-Merania until 1248, and then by the Wittelsbach dynasty until 1504. Oberau became part of the Habsburg lands in 1504 and was administered by the Kufstein court.
Oberau was influenced by the 16th century Tyrolean peasant wars as well as the 19th century Napoleonic wars. In 1809, the villagers joined Andreas Hofer’s Tyrolean rebellion against the French and Bavarian occupation.Oberau joined the Austrian Empire in 1816, and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Oberau became a tourist destination in the twentieth century, particularly after the Wildschönau railway opened in 1966, connecting it to Wörgl and the Inntal. The railway was decommissioned in 1976, but the track was repurposed as a cycling and hiking trail.Oberau also became the seat of the municipal government and the location of the local history museum.
Attractions and Activities in Oberau
Oberau offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether it is skiing, hiking, biking, or exploring the history and culture of the village, Oberau has something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights of the village:
- The St. Peter and Paul Church is a Baroque church that was built in 1741, and is often called the “Cathedral” of Wildschönau because of its size. The church has a magnificent facade, a dome, and two towers. The interior of the church is decorated with frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and altars. The church also has a pipe organ, a baptismal font, and a reliquary. The church is a landmark of Oberau, and can be seen from many parts of the valley.
- The Museum of Local History is housed in an ancient farmhouse, and is exactly halfway between the two villages of Niederau and Oberau. The museum showcases the history and culture of Wildschönau, and displays more than 1200 artifacts and exhibits related to the life, work, and traditions of the mountain farmers. The museum also offers guided tours, workshops, and events. The museum is a place where visitors can learn about the heritage and identity of Wildschönau.
- The Healing Herb Trail is a hiking trail that leads to the Norderbergalm, a mountain hut that grows and sells medicinal herbs. The trail starts from the Markbachjoch cable car station in Niederau, and passes by the Franziskus Chapel, a small chapel that was built in 1999 to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II to Wildschönau. The trail also passes by the Z’Bach Mountain Farming Museum, where visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the valley. The trail is a way of discovering the natural and cultural treasures of Wildschönau.
- The Outdoor Swimming Pool is a fun and refreshing attraction for visitors in summer. The pool is located in Oberau, and has a large swimming area, a children’s pool, a slide, a diving board, and a sunbathing lawn. The pool also has a playground, a cafe, and a volleyball court. The pool is open from May to September, and is free of charge for guests with the Wildschönau Card. The pool is a place where visitors can enjoy the sun, the water, and the views of the valley.
Auffach: The Gateway to the Ski Juwel
Auffach is the third most populous and largest village in Wildschönau, a municipality in the district of Kufstein in the Austrian state of Tyrol. It is situated at the end of a 24 km long high valley near Wörgl and serves as the entrance to the Schatzberg ski resort, which connects to the Alpbach valley.
Auffach has a modern cable car that takes skiers and snowboarders to the Schatzberg, where they can enjoy 109 kilometers of slopes and 45 kilometers of ski trails.Auffach also has a sledding hill, a snow park, and a ski school.
Auffach has a long mining history, as it was the site of Tyrol’s first silver mine in the 15th century. Although the mine closed in 1874, its legacy can still be seen in the village. In Auffach, there is a mining museum that displays the history and technology of mining in Wildschönau.The museum also provides guided tours of the mine shaft, where visitors can see the original mining equipment and tools.
History of Auffach
Auffach was first mentioned in 1390, when it was known as “Awen.” The name “wood hauling” refers to the company’s role in the local timber industry. Auffach was part of Rattenberg County, which was ruled by the Counts of Andechs-Merania until 1248, and then by the Wittelsbach dynasty until 1504. Auffach became a part of the Habsburg lands in 1504, and was administered by the Kufstein court.
The Tyrolean peasant wars in the 16th century and the Napoleonic wars in the 19th century both had an impact on Auffach. In 1809, the villagers joined Andreas Hofer’s Tyrolean rebellion against the French and Bavarian occupation.Auffach joined the Austrian Empire in 1816, and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
When the first silver mine in Tyrol was discovered in the Schatzberg mountain in the 15th century, Auffach grew into a mining village. The mine was run by the Fugger family, a powerful Augsburg banking dynasty. Hundreds of people were employed at the mine, which produced silver and copper. Due to ore depletion and competition from other mines, the mine was closed in 1874.Although the mine shaft was sealed, some of the buildings and structures were saved.
In the twentieth century, Auffach became a popular tourist destination, particularly after the construction of the cable car to the Schatzberg in 1957. The cable car provided access to the ski resort, which has since been expanded and modernized.A lift connection with the Alpbach valley was built in 2012, resulting in the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area, one of Tyrol’s most family-friendly ski areas.
Attractions and Activities in Auffach
Auffach has a wide range of attractions and activities to suit visitors of all ages and interests. Auffach has something for everyone, whether it’s skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, or learning about the village’s history and culture. Here are some of the village’s highlights:
- The Schatzberg Cable Car is a modern cable car that transports skiers and snowboarders to the Schatzberg, the ski mountain of Auffach. The cable car operates from December to April, and from May to October. The cable car has a capacity of 160 people, and takes about 8 minutes to reach the top. The cable car also offers a panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding peaks.
- The Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau is a ski area that covers 109 km of slopes and 45 km of ski routes. The ski area is connected by a lift to the Alpbach valley, and offers skiing fun for all levels of difficulty. The ski area also has a toboggan run, a snow park, a ski museum, and a ski school. The ski area is one of the most family-friendly ski areas in Tyrol, and has been awarded the seal of quality for family holidays.
- The Mining Museum is housed in a former mining building, and displays the history and technology of mining in Wildschönau. The museum has several exhibits and models that illustrate the mining process, from the extraction of the ore to the smelting of the metal. The museum also has a collection of minerals, coins, and documents related to the mine. The museum also offers guided tours of the mine shaft, where visitors can see the original equipment and tools used by the miners. The museum is open from May to October, and by appointment.
- The Schönanger Alm is a mountain hut and a restaurant that is located at the end of the valley, 5 km from Auffach. The Schönanger Alm is a special nature and recreation area on the high meadows, and offers a stunning view of the mountains. The Schönanger Alm is also the starting point for many hiking tours, such as the Breitegg, Sonnjoch, or the Grosser Beil mountains. The Schönanger Alm also has a show dairy, where visitors can watch the cheese making process and buy local products. The Schönanger Alm is open from May to October, and from December to April0.
Thierbach: The Hidden Gem of Wildschönau
Thierbach is the tiniest and most isolated village in Wildschönau, a municipality in the district of Kufstein in the Austrian state of Tyrol. It is situated on a sunny plateau above the valley and can be reached via a narrow road or a hiking trail.
Thierbach is a peaceful and picturesque village with a few farms, a school, a church, and a guesthouse.Thierbach is a place where time seems to stop and visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Thierbach has a strong sense of community because it is the only village in Wildschönau with its own mayor and council. Thierbach also has a unique bread baking tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Every week, the villagers bake their own bread in the village’s communal oven. The bread is made with rye flour and water and seasoned with caraway seeds and salt.The bread is then stored in wooden boxes, where it can last for months.
History of Thierbach
Thierbach was first mentioned in 1427, when it was known as “Dierpach.” The stream that runs through the village is referred to as “animal brook” in the name. Thierbach was part of Rattenberg County, which was ruled by the Counts of Andechs-Merania until 1248 and then by the Wittelsbach dynasty until 1504. Thierbach became a part of the Habsburg lands in 1504, and was administered by the Kufstein court.
Thierbach was influenced by the 16th century Tyrolean peasant wars as well as the 19th century Napoleonic wars. In 1809, the villagers joined Andreas Hofer’s Tyrolean rebellion against the French and Bavarian occupation.Thierbach joined the Austrian Empire in 1816, and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Thierbach grew into a farming village known for its cheese production. The village also had a school established in 1825 and a church built in 1840. St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children and travelers, is honored in this church. The church has a straightforward exterior, a wooden tower, and a Gothic altar.The church also has a cemetery, which contains some of the valley’s oldest graves.
Thierbach remained a remote village until 1958, when it was connected to the power grid. The village also lacked a road until 1962, making it only accessible by foot or horseback.The village has maintained its traditional way of life and authentic charm.
Attractions and Activities in Thierbach
Thierbach has a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors seeking a relaxing and authentic experience. Thierbach has something for everyone, whether it’s hiking, biking, or learning about the village’s history and culture. Here are some of the village’s highlights:
- The Thierbach Bread is a specialty of the village, and a symbol of its tradition and identity. The bread is baked every week in a communal oven, which is heated by wood. The bread is made from rye flour and water, and is flavored with caraway seeds and salt. The bread is then stored in wooden boxes, and can last for several months. The bread is a staple food of the villagers, and is also sold to visitors and tourists. The bread is a delicious and nutritious treat, and can be enjoyed with butter, cheese, or jam.
- The Thierbach School is the smallest school in Austria, and has only 9 pupils. The school is located in a wooden building, and has one classroom, one teacher, and one assistant. The school follows the same curriculum as other schools in Tyrol, but also offers special activities and projects, such as hiking, skiing, baking, and gardening. The school is a place where the children learn and grow in a friendly and familiar environment. The school is open to visitors, who can observe the lessons and interact with the pupils.
- The Thierbach Hiking Trail is a hiking trail that leads around the village, and offers a panoramic view of the valley and the mountains. The trail starts from the church, and passes by the school, the guesthouse, the farms, and the stream. The trail is easy and suitable for all ages, and takes about an hour to complete. The trail is a way of discovering the beauty and charm of Thierbach, and of enjoying the fresh air and the silence.
- The Thierbach Guesthouse is the only accommodation in the village, and offers a cozy and comfortable stay. The guesthouse has 10 rooms, which are furnished with wooden furniture and decorated with traditional fabrics. The guesthouse also has a restaurant, which serves local and regional dishes, such as cheese dumplings, schnitzel, and apple strudel. The guesthouse also has a terrace, where guests can relax and admire the view. The guesthouse is a place where visitors can experience the hospitality and warmth of Thierbach.
