Markbachjochalm: playground and goats
Summer Playground with mountain views and animals to feed
Animals and nature for children around Niederau · Summer
Schönangeralm show dairy
Cheese-making on the alp, with some 260 animals
The Schönangeralm near Auffach is the pride of 25 farms in the Wildschönau. Around 260 animals graze there from June to September. In the show dairy you can watch the cheesemaker produce alpine cheese, Emmental, Camembert, Tilsiter and herb cheese. Only milk from Schönauer cows is used, roughly 2,000 litres in all.
The cheese has won awards: the cheesemaker took gold and silver several times at the Cheese Olympics. Next to the dairy stands the Alpengasthof Schönangeralm, with a sunny terrace. It makes for an easy mix of animal-watching, cheese tasting and lunch in a lovely mountain setting. The trip fits well into a day in and around Auffach.
Place: Auffach
- AgeFor all ages
- DurationAbout 1 to 2 hours
- CostViewing free; cheese and food extra
- DistanceAbout 15 to 20 min by car
- SeasonSummer (June to September)
- LocationSchönangeralm, Auffach
Tips
- Visit in summer (June to September), when the animals are on the alp.
- Ask on site when the cheesemaker is at work.
- Bring sturdy shoes; part of the way may be a walk.
- Buy a piece of cheese as a souvenir and have lunch on the terrace.
Practical
The alp is near Auffach, the valley's highest village, about 15 to 20 min by car from Niederau. Check access and the dairy's current working times beforehand.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
Frequently asked questions
Which cheeses are made?
Among others alpine cheese, Emmental, Camembert, Tilsiter and herb cheese.
When are the animals on the alp?
Roughly from June to September.
More in this theme
Alpenzoo Innsbruck
Summer Theme zoo devoted solely to Alpine animals, above Innsbruck
Wildpark Aurach, Kitzbühel
Summer Wildlife park with deer, ibex and lynx, with views of the Kitzbühel Alps
Auenweg and herb trail Niederau
Summer Short, pushchair-friendly walk with herb boards and a playground
Haflinger show at the Fohlenhof Ebbs
Summer An evening show with Tyrolean Haflinger horses near Kufstein
Trout fishing in the Wildschönauer Ache
Summer Fishing for trout and char in the valley river
Useful guides
Holiday with your dog in Niederau and the Wildschönau
Documents, cows on the alp, walks, cable cars and heat: how to take your dog along safely and happily.
Horse riding and bringing your horse in the Wildschönau
Haflingers, pony rides, sleigh rides and rules for your own horse.
A week in Niederau in summer: a sample programme for families
Seven days with cable car, gorge, swimming, a rain plan and a day trip, with drive times.
Stay in Niederau Partner
Hotel Wastlhof, partner of Niederau.nl, is a family-run hotel with an indoor and an outdoor pool, wellness and its own riding stables, right in the village. For more places to stay and information you can also contact the Wildschönau tourist office. Personal recommendation, no payment involved.
To Hotel Wastlhof · Wildschönau tourist office · More about staying in Niederau