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Krautinger Week in the Wildschönau
A week devoted to the Krautinger turnip and the schnapps made from it, early October
Early October, about ten days
Every autumn the Wildschönau spends a week focused on a single root vegetable: the Krautinger turnip, a white stubble turnip that has been grown here for centuries. It is distilled into Krautinger, a clear schnapps that is a protected regional product in the valley. The Krautinger Week falls in early October and lasts about ten days. The exact dates vary by year.
During the week there are farm tours with distillers, Genusswanderungen (culinary walks) and small events across the valley. Nine inns put dishes made with the Krautinger turnip on their menus. On 3 October a harvest festival is held at the z'Bach farming museum in Oberau, where the Krautinger of the Year is announced, and recent editions have included an open distillery day around 9 October.
The programme differs from year to year. Check the current dates and times for 2027 with Wildschönau Tourism before you plan a visit. It is a quiet moment in the valley: the summer crowds have gone, the autumn colours are at their best and the villages show an authentic side. For anyone who enjoys regional produce, walking and culture, it is a lovely time to visit the Wildschönau.
Tips
- Plan your stay for the first half of October; check the current 2027 dates with Wildschönau Tourism in advance.
- Book a table at the participating inns if you want to try a turnip dish.
- Bring sturdy shoes and a rain jacket for the farm-to-farm walks.
- Driving? Leave the car or pick a walk without a tasting.
- A small bottle of Krautinger makes a good gift to take home.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
The Krautinger: turnip and schnapps
The Krautinger turnip is a type of stubble turnip sown in the fields of the Wildschönau after the grain harvest. In autumn it is harvested, and the valley's distillers mash and distil it. The result is a clear schnapps with a pronounced, earthy flavour, regarded as a speciality of the valley. Many farmers distil a small quantity for their own use and for sale. For those who do not care for strong spirits, the turnip can also be tasted in the kitchen.
Tastings and turnip dishes
During the week nine inns in the valley serve dishes in which the Krautinger turnip plays a part, from soup to dessert. At several distillers and farms you can taste the schnapps, often accompanied by an explanation of how it is made. Traditionally the week also offers a chance to take Krautinger home with you. Book a table in good time if you want to eat at one of the participating inns. Whether tastings carry a charge is something to ask beforehand.
Farm-to-farm walks and tours
The programme includes tours of farms and distilleries, and Genusswanderungen on which you walk from farm to farm and taste along the way. Such walks are usually relaxed and suitable for people of average fitness. On the open distillery day, held in a recent edition on 9 October at the Steinerhof in Oberau, a guided tour ran every hour between noon and 5 pm. Which farms take part in 2027 is not yet known. Wear sturdy shoes; it can be wet in October.
Harvest festival and Krautinger of the Year
On 3 October the harvest festival is traditionally held at the z'Bach farming museum in Oberau. In a recent edition the village band and flag delegations opened the festival at 1 pm, and at 3 pm the Krautinger of the Year was announced. It is a friendly afternoon with music, regional products and many locals. The museum farm itself shows how people used to live and work in the valley and is worth a visit outside the festival day too.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Krautinger Week?
Early October, for about ten days. The exact dates vary by year; check the 2027 dates with Wildschönau Tourism.
Is the Krautinger Week suitable for children?
Partly, yes. The harvest festival and farm visits are enjoyable for families. The tastings are for adults, but the turnip dishes and walks are for everyone.
What exactly is Krautinger?
A clear schnapps made from the white Krautinger turnip, a stubble turnip from the Wildschönau. It has an earthy flavour and is mainly distilled in autumn.
Useful guides
Getting to Niederau: by car, train, plane and on the spot
Everything about the trip to the Wildschönau and getting around the valley, from motorway to ski bus.
Wildschönau Card and Premium Card: what is included?
The Wildschönau guest card: what you use for free, what costs extra and how you get it.
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