Advent, sleigh rides and winter fun in the Wildschönau
A quiet Advent, a nativity trail and a horse-drawn sleigh ride: winter in the Wildschönau without skis.
In Advent the Wildschönau is not a busy shopping street but a quiet valley. The tourist board describes Advent as a time of calm rather than bustle, with among other things a family Advent in the Drachental and activities in the villages. In winter there is also plenty to do for those who do not ski.
The nativity trail along the St Francis Path
During Advent, eleven display cases with nativity scenes stand along the St Francis Path. In total fifteen nativity scenes can be seen on a leisurely walk. The first is at the Bergbauernmuseum z’Bach; the others stand at regular intervals in the direction of Oberau.
A horse-drawn sleigh ride
The tourist board names several providers of horse-drawn sleigh rides. With the Hintersalcher sleighs you travel from Auffach to the Schönanger Alm. The Ossi Hausberger rides start at the Foisching hut in Niederau and pass the deer park to a wooden cabin in the forest. The tourist board also names the Penningdörfl ride in the Brixen Valley and the Lehenbauer sleighs. A schnapps may be served along the way. Book in advance, because availability depends on snow and season.
Tobogganing, also in the evening
The Lanerköpfl toboggan run leads past the Gseng and Lahner alpine pastures to Niederau. On the Roggenboden in Oberau a drag lift takes you up in the dark under floodlights, after which you toboggan down. Children’s toboggans can be rented from the rental shops in the village. You can read more about the runs in the toboggan guide.
Winter walking and snowshoeing
On cleared winter paths you walk through the valley; around the Schönanger Alm there is, among others, the Talschluss circular walk. For snowshoeing the tourist board names Thierbach, Schönanger and the Hösljoch, among others. There are also guided winter walks, by day and in the evening. If you leave the beaten tracks, check the avalanche bulletin beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Wildschönau quiet in Advent?
The tourist board describes Advent as a time of calm, with among other things a family Advent in the Drachental and the nativity trail along the St Francis Path.
Can you toboggan in the evening in the Wildschönau?
Yes, on the Roggenboden in Oberau a drag lift takes you up under floodlights. Check the opening days beforehand.
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