NiederauWildschönau · Tyrol

Activities

Hiking in the Wildschönau and around

From gentle valley strolls to mountain tours, with views across the Tyrolean Alps.

Niederau lies at about 828 metres in the Wildschönau, a high valley in the Kitzbühel Alps roughly 24 kilometres long. According to local tourist information the valley has a network of around 300 kilometres of walking trails. That gives plenty of choice: short, flat loops past farms and streams, but also tours up to alpine pastures and summits.

The setting suits families well. The gondola from Niederau takes you to the Markbachjoch at about 1,500 metres, and from Auffach the Schatzbergbahn climbs to roughly 1,780 metres. Up top there are mountain huts with terraces, play areas and, at the Markbachjochalm, a small petting zoo. In Thierbach a pushchair-friendly forest trail offers playful discovery points, and in Niederau the Wirbelwindweg is a play trail of about four kilometres.

If you want to look further afield, the Alpbachtal, the Brixental and the Kitzbühel area each have their own routes and viewpoints. The summer lifts generally run from late spring until early October; exact dates change from year to year, so check them beforehand. The individual walks and outings are described below. The tourist office or your accommodation can give you a walking map and help you choose a route that suits your family's level.

Footpath through the meadows to an alpine hut

Tips

  • Start early: mornings are usually more stable weather-wise.
  • Choose a hut as a goal, which motivates children.
  • Pack an extra layer; it is cooler higher up.
  • If in doubt, take the shorter route.
  • Ask for a walking map at the tourist office or your accommodation.

When and for whom?

The walking season runs roughly from late May to October; while the lifts operate, most huts are open too. At altitude there can still be snow in spring and autumn. With children, short stages work best: set the pace by the youngest, plan regular breaks and ideally pick a route with a hut or play area as the goal. A pushchair or baby carrier suits the wide tracks and the forest trail in Thierbach, but not every mountain path.

Safety and rules

Mountain weather can change quickly, especially in the afternoon. Check the forecast beforehand, start early and wear sturdy shoes and a rain jacket. Carry enough water and stay on the marked paths. Close gates behind you on pastures and keep your distance from cattle, particularly when calves are present; keep dogs on a lead. Ask the tourist office about the current condition of routes, and allow for the time of the last lift down.

Winter

Summer

Krimml Waterfalls

Some of Europe's highest waterfalls in the Hohe Tauern National Park

Frequently asked questions

Is hiking in the Wildschönau suitable for young children?

Yes. There are many short, flat routes and playful themed and forest trails, for example in Thierbach and Niederau, and a lift limits the climb. Choose a route that suits the age.

When is the best time to hike?

Usually June to September, when lifts and huts are open; the Schatzberg lift, for instance, runs until early October. Late summer and early autumn are often quiet and clear, though cooler.

Do I need a guide or special equipment?

Not for the ordinary walking routes. Sturdy shoes, rain gear and water are enough. Alpine routes require experience, and you could consider a local guide.

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.

To Hotel Wastlhof · Wildschönau tourist office · More about staying in Niederau