A week in Niederau in summer: a sample programme for families

Day 1: Wandeling Markbachjoch (Markbachjoch walk)

Start gently, right from the village. The valley station of the Markbachjochbahn is in the centre of Niederau, so there is little or no driving (ca. 0 min). Take the gondola up and walk across the alpine pastures; if you are still fresh, walk back down, otherwise ride the cable car down too. Plan a stop at the Holzalm (Käsealm) for milk, alpine cheese and a light lunch. Allow 2 to 4 hours, depending on the route. It is a good first day to get used to the altitude and the pace. Bring a jacket and walking shoes.

Day 2: Schatzbergbahn in de zomer (Schatzberg cable car in summer)

Today is for the valley's second walking area. Drive to Auffach (ca. 10 to 15 min) and take the Schatzbergbahn, which brings you to the top station at just over 1,770 m in a little over a quarter of an hour. At the middle station Koglmoos there is a water playground with a slide and trampoline, plus a goat meadow and rabbits: ideal for young children. Older children can walk on towards the Schatzbergalm. Allow 2 to 3 hours including a walk, and bring a warm layer, as it is cooler up there than in the valley. In 2026 the cable car runs from 4 June to 4 October.

Day 3: Kundler Klamm

A short, varied day in the valley. Mühltal, the hamlet near Oberau, is the starting point for the Kundler Klamm (ca. 15 min drive, approximate). In summer the Wildschönauer Bummelzug runs from Mühltal to the entrance; ask about the timetable beforehand. The gorge is usually open from 1 April to mid-November. Combine it with a picnic or an ice cream in the village, and leave the afternoon free for play or a visit to the pool. Take it slowly with children and watch for slippery sections after rain.

Day 4: Freischwimmbad Wildschönau and Walchsee

A water day for a warm day. Between Niederau and Oberau lies the Freischwimmbad Wildschönau (ca. 5 min), an open-air pool with a toddler pool, sunbathing lawn and a big slide, open roughly from May to September. If you want a proper lake, drive to the Walchsee (ca. 45 min), one of the warmest swimming lakes in Tirol with shallow shores. Bring towels, sunscreen and dry clothes. On warm days arrive early, as the most popular spots fill up. Check entry and opening times beforehand.

Day 5: rainy day, Silberbergwerk Schwaz

When it rains, go underground. The Silberbergwerk Schwaz is ca. 40 min by car from Niederau. A mine train takes you about 800 m into the mountain, followed by a guided walk through the tunnels; the tour lasts around an hour and a half. The mine stays at about 12 degrees all year, so bring a warm jacket and sturdy shoes. An alternative closer to home is the open-air museum Museum Tiroler Bauernhöfe in Kramsach (ca. 30 to 35 min), which also works well on dry days. Plan a lunch stop in Schwaz.

Day 6: day trip, Dagtrip Innsbruck or Rattenberg

Today is a bigger outing. Innsbruck (Dagtrip Innsbruck) is ca. 50 to 60 min by car: the old town with the Goldenes Dachl, the Hofburg and the Alpenzoo. Parking in the centre is difficult; park-and-ride or the train from Wörgl is often easier. A calmer choice is Rattenberg (Glas in Rattenberg, ca. 30 min), the glass town with a car-free old core where you can watch glassblowers at work. Alpbach (ca. 35 min) is a lovely third option for half a day. Leave early and pick one destination.

Day 7: rest day, Zwembad Hotel Wastlhof

Finish the week gently, without the car (ca. 0 min). If you are staying at partner hotel Hotel Wastlhof, the outdoor pool, heated all year, is a pleasant place to relax with mountain views; the pool is intended for hotel guests. If you are not a guest, you can use the open-air pool between Niederau and Oberau. Take a short walk through the village, play a game or enjoy a long café stop. Pack in advance and save your energy for the journey home.

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