Wirbelwindweg
Summer Family trail with play stops from Niederau to Oberau
Hiking in the Wildschönau and around · Summer
Feldalphorn hike from the Markbachjoch
Mountain walk to a 1,923 m panoramic summit
From Niederau you take the Markbachjochbahn up to the mountain station. There you follow the signs for the Wildschönauer Höhenweg along a gravel track, and at the first fork you turn right towards the Markbachjochalm at about 1,454 m. Beyond the alpine hut the route climbs along a ridge.
The final stretch to the summit of the Feldalphorn (1,923 m) is rocky and calls for a little scrambling. At the top the view stretches far across the Wildschönau and on to the high peaks of the Central Alps. On the way you cross open alpine pastures, rich in flowers in summer. It is a moderately demanding mountain walk for people used to hiking in the mountains.
- AgeFrom about 10 years, with mountain experience
- DurationAbout half a day
- CostGondola extra; the walk itself is free
- DistanceStarts about 5 min from Niederau
- SeasonSummer (in dry weather)
- LocationNiederau, Markbachjoch
Tips
- Wear sturdy walking boots and bring a jacket; it can turn cold and windy at the top.
- Check the weather forecast and the time of the last gondola before you set off.
- Want a longer day? The Wildschönauer Höhenweg links several summits but takes much longer.
- Expect a rocky final stretch; young children need close supervision here.
Practical
The walk starts at the top station of the Markbachjoch gondola, reached from Niederau within a few minutes. Weather and mountain conditions decide whether the walk is sensible.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Feldalphorn?
The summit is at 1,923 m, over 1,000 m above Niederau (828 m).
Is the hike suitable for children?
Only for experienced children: the final section is rocky. A gentler option is the walk to the Markbachjochalm.
More in this theme
Picnic on the Markbachjoch
Summer By gondola from Niederau up the mountain for a picnic with a view
Markbachjoch hike
Summer Niederau's best-known mountain hike, with a lift up or down
Winter walk between Niederau and Oberau
Winter Easy, flat winter walk past farms, also with a buggy
Winter hike from the Markbachjoch to Niederau
Winter Ride up and walk back down to the valley through winter scenery
Family snowshoe walk
Winter Walk through deep snow, away from the beaten track
Useful guides
Hiking in the Wildschönau: 8 routes for every level
From gorge path and play trail to summit hike: eight walks from Niederau, ordered by effort.
Safe in the mountains: walking, skiing and equipment
Packing lists, weather, emergency numbers, avalanches, piste rules and cows: be prepared on the mountain.
When to visit Niederau: month by month
From ski season to autumn colours: what is open and how busy it gets, period by period.
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