When to visit Niederau: month by month
From ski season to autumn colours: what is open and how busy it gets, period by period.
Events and calendar in Niederau and around
Wildschönau Valley Festival 2027 in Oberau
Four days of village festival with brass music and a big parade, 5-8 August 2027
5-8 August 2027
The Wildschönau Valley Festival (Talfest) is the big village party of the entire valley. It is held every August and moves from one municipality to the next: in 2026 Niederau was the host, in 2027 it is Oberau's turn. The 70th edition runs from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 August 2027 and is organised by the Oberau brass band, the Bundesmusikkapelle Oberau.
For four days the focus is on brass music, party music and living traditions. The highlight is the large parade on Sunday, with about 500 participants: decorated floats, brass bands, marksmen and clubs from across the valley. The parade is announced under the title "Große Wildschönauer Hochzeit" (the Great Wildschönau Wedding); the exact theme and running order will be published by the organiser later.
For families the Talfest is a pleasant introduction to local culture. Everyone is welcome, children enjoy the colourful floats and traditional costume, and the valley shows its most sociable side. The detailed 2027 programme is still to follow, so check the current dates and times with the organiser or Wildschönau Tourism before you plan. Feel free to combine the festival with a walk or bike ride through the valley, as Oberau and the surrounding villages are close together.
Place: Oberau
Tips
- Book your stay for the week of 5-8 August 2027 early; it is high season and the valley fills up.
- On Sunday arrive well before the parade to get a good spot along the route.
- Use the shuttle bus and leave the car behind, especially if you stay into the evening.
- Bring a rain jacket and sun cream; part of the festival is outdoors.
- Check the final programme with the organiser or Wildschönau Tourism just before you set off.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
Programme and atmosphere
Music is at the heart of the Talfest. Various bands and groups perform in and around the festival grounds, from traditional brass music to party bands for the late hours. There is also regional food and drink, such as Tyrolean dishes and beer on tap. The exact daily schedule for 2027 has not yet been announced. Usually the days build towards the weekend, with the biggest crowds on Saturday evening and Sunday. Check the current programme with the organiser before choosing which day or evening to visit.
The parade "Große Wildschönauer Hochzeit"
On Sunday the big parade moves through Oberau. Around 500 people take part: brass bands from the valley, marksmen in uniform, clubs in traditional costume and decorated floats that often portray a theme from village life. The parade is announced under the title "Große Wildschönauer Hochzeit"; how that title is interpreted is up to the organiser. Find a spot along the route in good time, as the best places fill up quickly. Start time and route are given in the final programme.
History and tradition
The Talfest has existed since the 1950s and reaches its 70th edition in 2027. The fact that it moves to a different municipality each year keeps the bond between the villages of Niederau, Oberau, Auffach and Thierbach alive. The host municipality's local brass band organises it, with many volunteers from the village. As a result it feels less like a tourist event and more like a genuine village festival where residents and guests sit together at long tables.
Getting there from Niederau
Oberau is about 5 kilometres from Niederau, so roughly 10 minutes by car or a short bus ride. According to the announcement there is a free shuttle bus between Niederau, Oberau and Auffach during the Talfest; ask your accommodation or Wildschönau Tourism for the timetable. Parking near the festival grounds is limited and can be busy. If you want to enjoy a drink in the evening, it makes sense to take the bus and leave the car behind. Plan your return trip too, as many visitors leave at the same time afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Talfest 2027?
The 70th edition runs from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 August 2027 in Oberau. To be safe, check the current dates with the organiser.
Is there an entrance fee?
Nothing has been confirmed about this yet. Ask the organiser or Wildschönau Tourism whether admission applies to certain evenings or parts of the festival.
Is the Talfest suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family festival. The parade with floats and music is a particular treat for children. Late evenings can be busy and loud, though.
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