History Of Wildschönau

Wildschönau has a rich history that goes back to 1193-95, when a group of people were relocated to the Herrenchiemsee cloister by Bavarian count Henry of Lechsgemünd-Rettenberg. One of the testimonies of the deed issued in that circumstance was from a ministerialis named “Adelbertus de Wiltsconenŏwe” (Albert of Wildschönau).

It is likely that the valley was settled by Bavarian farmers in the 12th and 13th centuries, who cleared the forests and cultivated the land. Each of the four church villages was established as a separate parish, complete with its own church and cemetery. The church in Thierbach, dating back to the 13th century, is the oldest one.The churches in Niederau and Oberau were constructed during the 14th century, while the one in Auffach was built in the 15th century.

The valley has been a part of the county of Tyrol since 1363, when it was acquired by the Habsburgs from the Wittelsbachs. The valley was under the jurisdiction of the court of Rattenberg, which also had authority over the neighboring Alpbach valley. The valley was divided into four quarters, each corresponding to one of the four church villages. Each quarter had its own judge and council. The valley had a unique position within Tyrol, as it experienced a significant level of independence and self-governance. In 1511, the valley established its own set of laws and customs, known as the “Wildschönauer Weistum” (Wildschönau Statute). The statute outlined the various rights and responsibilities of the inhabitants, covering areas such as land use, inheritance, taxation, military service, and social welfare.The valley was given the opportunity to brew and distill its own liquor, resulting in the creation of the renowned “Krautinger” beet schnapps.