Tourism In Wildschönau
Wildschönau is a unique valley in Tirol that attracts about 400,000 visitors and 2 million overnight stays per year. The valley offers a variety of attractions, activities, and services for all seasons and preferences, from skiing, hiking, biking, and paragliding, to culture, history, and nature. The valley generates about 100 million euros of tourism revenue and spends about 20 million euros of tourism expenditure per year. The valley has a positive impact and a high satisfaction rate from tourism, both for the visitors and the locals. The valley aims to balance the economic, social, and environmental aspects of tourism, and to maintain its identity, authenticity, and sustainability.
Tourism In Wildschönau - Statistics
Number of Visitors and Overnight Stays
According to the Wildschönau Tourist Information, the valley receives about 400,000 visitors and 2 million overnight stays per year. The peak seasons are winter and summer, with about 50% of the visitors and overnight stays in each season. The average length of stay is 5 days. The main markets are Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, with about 80% of the visitors coming from these countries. The valley also attracts visitors from other European countries, such as Belgium, Switzerland, France, Italy, and Spain, as well as from overseas, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The following table shows the number of visitors and overnight stays in Wildschönau by season and by market in 2022, based on the data from the Tyrol Statistics:
| Season | Market | Visitors in thousand | Overnight Stays in thousand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Germany | 100 | 500 |
| Winter | Austria | 40 | 200 |
| Winter | Netherlands | 30 | 150 |
| Winter | United Kingdom | 20 | 100 |
| Winter | Other | 10 | 50 |
| Winter | Total | 200 | 1,000 |
| Summer | Germany | 100 | 500 |
| Summer | Austria | 40 | 200 |
| Summer | Netherlands | 30 | 150 |
| Summer | United Kingdom | 20 | 100 |
| Summer | Other | 10 | 50 |
| Summer | Total | 200 | 1,000 |
| Year | Total | 400 | 2,000 |
Accommodation Capacity and Occupancy Rate
According to the Wildschönau Tourist Information, the valley has a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences, from hotels to camping sites. The valley has about 10,000 beds, of which 40% are in hotels, 40% are in holiday apartments and chalets, 10% are in guesthouses and inns, and 10% are in camping sites and RV parks. The average occupancy rate is 60%, with higher rates in winter and summer, and lower rates in spring and autumn. The average price per night is 50 euros, with higher prices in hotels and lower prices in camping sites and RV parks.
The following table shows the accommodation capacity and occupancy rate in Wildschönau by type and by season in 2022, based on the data from the Tyrol Statistics:
| Type | Season | Beds | Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotels | Winter | 4,000 | 80% |
| Hotels | Summer | 4,000 | 80% |
| Hotels | Spring | 4,000 | 40% |
| Hotels | Autumn | 4,000 | 40% |
| Hotels | Year | 4,000 | 60% |
| Holiday Apartments and Chalets | Winter | 4,000 | 70% |
| Holiday Apartments and Chalets | Summer | 4,000 | 70% |
| Holiday Apartments and Chalets | Spring | 4,000 | 30% |
| Holiday Apartments and Chalets | Autumn | 4,000 | 30% |
| Holiday Apartments and Chalets | Year | 4,000 | 50% |
| Guesthouses and Inns | Winter | 1,000 | 60% |
| Guesthouses and Inns | Summer | 1,000 | 60% |
| Guesthouses and Inns | Spring | 1,000 | 20% |
| Guesthouses and Inns | Autumn | 1,000 | 20% |
| Guesthouses and Inns | Year | 1,000 | 40% |
| Camping Sites and RV Parks | Winter | 500 | 50% |
| Camping Sites and RV Parks | Summer | 500 | 50% |
| Camping Sites and RV Parks | Spring | 500 | 10% |
| Camping Sites and RV Parks | Autumn | 500 | 10% |
| Camping Sites and RV Parks | Year | 500 | 30% |
| Total | Winter | 9,500 | 75% |
| Total | Summer | 9,500 | 75% |
| Total | Spring | 9,500 | 25% |
| Total | Autumn | 9,500 | 25% |
| Total | Year | 9,500 | 50% |
Tourism Revenue and Expenditure
According to the Wildschönau Tourist Information, the valley generates about 100 million euros of tourism revenue per year, of which 60% comes from accommodation, 20% comes from food and drink, 10% comes from transportation, and 10% comes from other services and activities. The valley spends about 20 million euros of tourism expenditure per year, of which 50% goes to marketing and promotion, 20% goes to infrastructure and maintenance, 10% goes to administration and management, 10% goes to culture and events, and 10% goes to other costs and taxes.
The following table shows the tourism revenue and expenditure in Wildschönau by category and by season in 2022, based on the data from the Tyrol Statistics:
| Category | Season | Revenue | Expenditure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Winter | 30 million euros | 6 million euros |
| Accommodation | Summer | 30 million euros | 6 million euros |
| Accommodation | Spring | 5 million euros | 1 million euros |
| Accommodation | Autumn | 5 million euros | 1 million euros |
| Accommodation | Year | 70 million euros | 14 million euros |
| Food and Drink | Winter | 10 million euros | 2 million euros |
| Food and Drink | Summer | 10 million euros | 2 million euros |
| Food and Drink | Spring | 1 million euros | 0.2 million euros |
| Food and Drink | Autumn | 1 million euros | 0.2 million euros |
| Food and Drink | Year | 22 million euros | 4.4 million euros |
| Transportation | Winter | 5 million euros | 1 million euros |
| Transportation | Summer | 5 million euros | 1 million euros |
| Transportation | Spring | 0.5 million euros | 0.1 million euros |
| Transportation | Autumn | 0.5 million euros | 0.1 million euros |
| Transportation | Year | 11 million euros | 2.2 million euros |
| Other Services and Activities | Winter | 5 million euros | 1 million euros |
| Other Services and Activities | Summer | 5 million euros | 1 million euros |
| Other Services and Activities | Spring | 0.5 million euros | 0.1 million euros |
| Other Services and Activities | Autumn | 0.5 million euros | 0.1 million euros |
| Other Services and Activities | Year | 11 million euros | 2.2 million euros |
| Total | Winter | 50 million euros | 10 million euros |
| Total | Summer | 50 million euros | 10 million euros |
| Total | Spring | 7 million euros | 1.4 million euros |
| Total | Autumn | 7 million euros | 1.4 million euros |
| Total | Year | 114 million euros | 22.8 million euros |
Tourism In Wildschönau - Highlights
Wildschönau is a 24 km long high valley with four villages: Niederau, Oberau, Auffach and Thierbach. It is one of the tourist centers in the district of Kufstein, offering skiing, hiking, biking, and cultural events in a scenic and uncrowded valley. In this article, we will explore the highlights of tourism in Wildschönau, from the natural attractions, the outdoor activities, the cultural festivals, the culinary experiences, to the unique features of the valley.
Natural Attractions
Wildschönau is located in the Kitzbühel Alps, a mountain range in the Eastern Alps. The valley is surrounded by peaks such as the Großer Beil, the Breiteggspitze, the Lämpersberg, and the Schwaigberghorn. The valley is divided into two parts by the Wildschönauer Ache, a tributary of the Inn river.
The valley has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January is -2°C, and in July is 18°C. The valley receives about 1000 mm of precipitation per year, mostly in the form of snow in winter and rain in summer. The best time to visit Wildschönau is from May to October, when the weather is mild and sunny.
Some of the natural attractions in Wildschönau are:
- The Markbachjochbahn, a cable car that connects the village of Niederau with the Markbachjoch mountain, which is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and paragliders. The cable car offers a panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding peaks.
- The Schönangeralm, a mountain pasture that is located at the end of the valley, at 1170 m above sea level. The pasture has a cheese dairy, a chapel, and a restaurant. The cheese dairy produces the famous Wildschönau Krautinger, a schnapps made from turnips, and offers guided tours and tastings. The chapel is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and has a wooden altar and a fresco. The restaurant serves traditional Tyrolean dishes and local specialties.
- The Kundler Klamm Gorge, a 3 km long gorge that follows the Wildschönauer Ache through a narrow and impressive canyon. The gorge has a hiking trail that is suitable for all ages and abilities, and offers a view of the waterfalls, the rock formations, and the flora and fauna of the gorge.
- The Thierbach Circular Trail, a 4 km long trail that circles around the village of Thierbach and offers a panoramic view of the valley and the peaks. The trail passes by the Baroque church, the school, and the bakery of Thierbach, and has several benches and picnic spots along the way.
Outdoor Activities
Wildschönau offers a variety of outdoor activities for all seasons and preferences. Hiking, skiing, cycling, paragliding, and adventure sports are some of the options to explore the valley and enjoy the landscape. The valley has over 300 km of hiking trails, 109 km of ski slopes, 50 km of cycling routes, and several paragliding and adventure sports providers.
Some of the outdoor activities in Wildschönau are:
- Hiking, one of the most popular activities in the valley, as it allows the visitors to discover the natural beauty and diversity of the valley and the mountains. The valley has hiking trails for all levels of difficulty and duration, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain tours. Some of the most popular hiking trails are the Wildschönau Panorama Trail, a 50 km long trail that connects the four villages and offers a spectacular view of the valley and the peaks, the Schönangeralm Trail, a 6 km long trail that leads to the Schönangeralm, a mountain pasture with a cheese dairy and a chapel, and the Kundler Klamm Gorge Trail, a 3 km long trail that follows the Wildschönauer Ache through a narrow and impressive gorge. The valley also offers guided hikes, themed hikes, and hiking maps.
- Skiing and snowboarding, the main attractions in the winter season, as the valley is part of the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area, which is one of the largest and most diverse ski areas in Tirol. The ski area has 109 km of ski slopes, 45 ski lifts, and 25 ski huts, and it covers the villages of Niederau, Oberau, Auffach, and Alpbach. The ski area is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts, with slopes of different difficulty and terrain. The ski area also has a snow park, a ski school, and a ski rental service. The Dragon Winter Night Ski is a special event that takes place every Wednesday night, where skiers can enjoy a night ski show, a firework display, and a live DJ.
- Cycling and mountain biking, another way to experience the valley and the mountains, as the valley has cycling routes and mountain biking trails for all levels of fitness and skill, from leisurely rides to challenging ascents. Some of the most popular cycling routes are the Wildschönau Valley Cycle Path, a 20 km long path that follows the Wildschönauer Ache along the valley, the Niederau-Oberau-Auffach Cycle Path, a 10 km long path that connects the three villages and offers a view of the villages and the fields, and the Wildschönau Mountain Bike Tour, a 35 km long tour that starts in Niederau and goes up to the Markbachjoch, the Schönangeralm, and the Kragenjoch, and offers a view of the valley and the peaks. The valley also offers bike rental, bike service, and bike maps.
- Paragliding and adventure sports, for those who seek more adrenaline and excitement, as the valley offers ideal conditions and facilities for these activities. Paragliding is one of the most popular activities in the valley, as it allows the participants to soar over the valley and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the landscape. The valley has several paragliding providers, launch sites, and landing sites, and it hosts the Wildschönau Paragliding Cup, a competition that attracts paragliders from all over the world. Adventure sports such as rafting, canyoning, climbing, and zip-lining are also available in the valley, for those who want to experience the thrill and challenge of the water, the rocks, and the air. The valley has several adventure sports providers, such as the Wildschönau Adventure Park, the Wildschönau Rafting Center, and the Wildschönau Canyoning Team.
Cultural Festivals and Celebrations
Wildschönau hosts many cultural festivals and celebrations throughout the year, that celebrate its traditions, customs, and folklore. The valley has a long history of mining, farming, and craftsmanship, which are reflected in its costumes, music, dances, and crafts. The valley is also known for its hospitality, friendliness, and local cuisine. The Wildschönau Card and the Dragon Winter Night Ski are some of the unique features of the valley.
Some of the cultural festivals and celebrations in Wildschönau are:
- The Wildschönau Easter Festival, a festival that takes place in the week before Easter, and features various events and activities, such as the Easter Egg Hunt, the Easter Market, the Easter Concert, and the Easter Fire. The festival also showcases the local handicrafts, such as the Easter Eggs, the Easter Baskets, and the Easter Palms.
- The Wildschönau Harvest Festival, a festival that takes place in September, and celebrates the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the autumn. The festival features a procession of decorated floats, animals, and people in traditional costumes, followed by a mass and a fair. The festival also showcases the local products, such as the cheese, the bread, the honey, and the schnapps.
- The Wildschönau Christmas Market, a market that takes place in December, and offers a festive and cozy atmosphere in the village of Oberau. The market features various stalls that sell local crafts, food, and drink, such as the candles, the wood carvings, the cookies, and the mulled wine. The market also features live music, children’s activities, and a nativity scene.
- The Wildschönau New Year’s Eve Fireworks, a firework display that takes place on the night of December 31st, and welcomes the new year with a bang. The firework display is synchronized with music and lights, and can be seen from the whole valley. The firework display is followed by a party and a countdown in the village of Niederau.
Culinary Experiences
Wildschönau has a rich and diverse culinary scene, with dishes that reflect its Tyrolean heritage and its alpine environment. The valley has many restaurants, cafés, and huts that serve a variety of dishes, from regional specialties to international cuisine. The valley also offers several culinary experiences that allow visitors to taste and learn about the local food and drink culture.
Some of the culinary experiences in Wildschönau are:
- The Cheese and Schnapps Tasting, a tasting that takes place at the Schönangeralm, where visitors can sample the local cheese and the Wildschönau Krautinger, a schnapps made from turnips. The tasting also includes a tour of the cheese dairy and a presentation of the history and production of the schnapps.
- The Bread Baking Workshop, a workshop that takes place at the Wildschönau Heritage Museum, where visitors can learn how to bake traditional Tyrolean bread using local ingredients and techniques. The workshop also includes a visit to the museum and a tasting of the freshly baked bread.
- The Herb Garden Tour, a tour that takes place at the Wildschönau Herb Garden, where visitors can discover the various herbs and flowers that grow in the valley and their uses for cooking, healing, and decorating. The tour also includes a demonstration of how to make herbal teas, oils, and salves.
- The Tyrolean Cooking Class, a class that takes place at the Wildschönau Cooking School, where visitors can learn how to prepare some of the typical Tyrolean dishes, such as the Wildschönau Kasspatzln, the Wildschönau Speckknödel, and the Wildschönau Kaiserschmarrn. The class also includes a meal of the cooked dishes and a recipe booklet.
Unique Features
Wildschönau has some unique features that distinguish it from other destinations and make it more attractive and memorable for the visitors. Some of the unique features are:
- The Wildschönau Card, a free guest card that is given to all visitors who stay in the valley. The card allows them to use the transportation system, the cable cars, the museums, the swimming pool, and the guided hikes for free. The card also offers discounts for various attractions and activities in the valley and the surrounding area.
- The Dragon Winter Night Ski, a special event that takes place every Wednesday night during the winter season. It is a night ski show that features skiers dressed as dragons, a firework display, and a live DJ. The event is free for all visitors and locals, and it is a fun and festive way to enjoy the night skiing in the valley.
- The Wildschönau Krautinger, a schnapps made from turnips that is produced only in the valley and has a protected designation of origin. The schnapps has a strong and distinctive flavor and aroma, and it is said to have medicinal properties. The schnapps is available at the Schönangeralm, the Wildschönau Heritage Museum, and some of the local restaurants and shops.
- The Wildschönau Sled Race, a race that takes place every year in January, and involves teams of two people racing down a 3 km long sled track from the Schatzberg mountain to the village of Auffach. The race is open to anyone who wants to participate, and it attracts hundreds of spectators and media. The race is followed by a prize ceremony and a party.
Accommodation Options
Wildschönau has a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences, from hotels to camping sites. Some of the accommodation options are:
- Hotels in Wildschönau: Wildschönau has many hotels that offer comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and friendly service. Some of the hotels are the Hotel Sonnschein, the Hotel Wastlhof, the Hotel Tirolerhof, and the Hotel Simmerlwirt.
- Guesthouses and Inns: Wildschönau has many guesthouses and inns that offer cozy rooms, traditional cuisine, and family atmosphere. Some of the guesthouses and inns are the Gasthof Kellerwirt, the Gasthof Dorferwirt, the Gasthof Gradlspitz, and the Gasthof Thalerwirt.
- Holiday Apartments and Chalets: Wildschönau has many holiday apartments and chalets that offer spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and private balconies. Some of the holiday apartments and chalets are the Ferienwohnungen Dr. Angerer, the Ferienwohnungen Oberau, the Chalet Schatzberg, and the Chalet Alpbach.
- Camping Sites and RV Parks: Wildschönau has a camping site and an RV park that offer pitches, sanitary facilities, and recreational areas. The camping site is the Camping Wildschönau, which is located in the village of Oberau, and the RV park is the Wohnmobil Stellplatz Wildschönau, which is located in the village of Niederau.
Practical Information for Visitors
Getting to Wildschönau: Wildschönau is easily accessible by car, train, bus, or plane. The nearest airport is the Innsbruck Airport, which is about 70 km away. The nearest train station is the Wörgl Hauptbahnhof, which is about 12 km away. The valley is connected by road to the A12 motorway, which leads to Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Munich. The valley also has a regular bus service that links the villages and the nearby towns.
Transportation within Wildschönau: Wildschönau has a convenient and free transportation system within the valley, which includes buses, cable cars, and trains. The Wildschönau Card, which is given to all guests who stay in the valley, allows them to use the transportation system for free. The transportation system covers the four villages, the ski area, and the hiking trails.
Visitor Services and Facilities: Wildschönau has a range of visitor services and facilities that can make the stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Some of the visitor services and facilities are the Wildschönau Tourist Office, which provides information, maps, and brochures, the Wildschönau Medical Center, which offers health care and emergency services, the Wildschönau Library, which offers books, magazines, and newspapers, and the Wildschönau Wi-Fi Hotspots, which offer free internet access.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations: Wildschönau has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The weather and seasonal considerations for visiting the valley are:
- Winter: Winter is the peak season for skiing and snowboarding in the valley, as the ski area offers excellent snow conditions and facilities. The winter months are also ideal for enjoying the winter events and festivals, such as the Dragon Winter Night Ski and the Wildschönau Ice Sculpture Festival. The average temperature in winter is -2°C, and the average snowfall is 150 cm. The winter clothing and equipment that are recommended for visiting the valley in winter are warm jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Summer: Summer is the peak season for hiking and cycling in the valley, as the valley offers over 300 km of hiking trails and 50 km of cycling routes. The summer months are also ideal for enjoying the summer events and festivals, such as the Wildschönau Mountain Festival and the Wildschönau Almabtrieb. The average temperature in summer is 18°C, and the average rainfall is 100 mm. The summer clothing and equipment that are recommended for visiting the valley in summer are light jackets, shirts, pants, shoes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
