Walking around the Pillersee
Summer Quiet routes in the Pillerseetal below the Loferer Steinberge
Hiking in the Wildschönau and around · Summer
Karwendel near Scharnitz
Walking in Austria's largest nature park, along the young Isar
Scharnitz lies close to the German border and is regarded as the gateway to the Karwendel. The Karwendel Nature Park covers about 739 km² and is the largest nature park in Austria. From the village you walk into the Hinterautal, a quiet valley about 14 km long where the young Isar flows.
A classic outing is the walk to the Isarursprung (the Isar's source) along a broad, fairly level forest road, which is easy but long. If you want to go further, the route continues past the Kastenalm to the Hallerangerhaus. Bear in mind the long drive from Niederau.
- AgeAll ages
- DurationHalf to full day
- CostFree to walk
- DistanceAbout 1 h 15 by car
- SeasonSummer
- LocationScharnitz, Karwendel
Tips
- Bring water and food; there are few facilities along the way.
- Choose the length of the walk to suit the children; you can turn back anywhere.
- Check with the nature park information beforehand which routes are open.
Practical
Scharnitz is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Niederau, via the A12 towards Innsbruck and then on towards Seefeld and Scharnitz.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Isar begin?
In the Karwendel, in the Hinterautal near Scharnitz; the Isarursprung is a well-known walking destination.
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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