Getting to Niederau: by car, train, plane and on the spot

By car: the route

From the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany you usually drive via Munich and the A8 towards Salzburg, then take the A93 at the Rosenheim junction and continue on the Inn valley motorway (A12) towards Innsbruck. You pass Kufstein and carry on to Wörgl. Coming from the Kufstein direction, take the Wörgl-Ost exit and follow the signs to Hopfgarten and then the Wildschönau. Coming from the Innsbruck direction, you normally use the Wörgl-West exit and drive through Wörgl onto the Wildschönauer Straße. From the exit it is about 10 kilometres to Niederau. A satnav is handy for the last stretch.

The Austrian motorway vignette

You need a vignette for Austrian motorways. Nowadays this is a digital vignette linked to your licence plate, so there is nothing to stick on the windscreen. You buy it from ASFINAG, the motorway operator, or from an authorised seller. Several validity periods exist, from a few days up to a year. Note that for some periods bought online, validity does not start immediately but only after a waiting period. So buy the vignette well before departure and check the start date. Also make sure the licence plate is entered exactly right.

Winter tyres and snow chains

In Austria, winter equipment that depends on the conditions applies from 1 November to 15 April. If the road is covered with snow, ice or slush, your car must have winter tyres, or all-season tyres with the M+S or snowflake symbol and enough tread. Snow chains on at least two driven wheels are only allowed where the road is more or less continuously covered with snow or ice. On a winter trip always bring chains and practise fitting them at home. A car on summer tyres can mean fines or trouble in the snow, also in the weeks around those dates.

Border, traffic and parking

You enter Austria near Kufstein. On busy days there may be border checks and queues, especially in high season and on Saturdays. Take a passport or ID card for the whole family. Where possible, avoid Saturday as your changeover day and consider an early or late start. On the spot you normally park at your accommodation, as many places have car parks or a garage. Ask beforehand whether this is included. There is parking at the valley station of the Markbachjoch lift, but with the ski bus or hiking bus you can often simply leave the car where it is.

By train and bus

The train takes you to Wörgl Hbf, a junction in the Inn valley roughly 10 kilometres from the Wildschönau. From the Netherlands and Germany the route usually runs via Munich or another German hub, with one or more changes. From Wörgl the regional bus, usually line 770, goes up the valley to Niederau; the ride takes roughly 15 to 30 minutes. A taxi is an alternative, especially with lots of luggage or late at night. According to the tourist board, the regional bus to Wörgl is not covered by the guest card, so expect to buy a separate ticket and check the current timetable.

Night train to Wörgl

If you want to avoid the long drive, there is the ÖBB Nightjet. According to the region, this night train runs from places including Amsterdam, Düsseldorf and Hamburg to Tyrol, with a stop at Wörgl. You sleep on the way and arrive in the morning, which can be particularly pleasant with children. Book early, as berths are limited, and check the current route, running days and arrival time beforehand. From the station you take the bus or a taxi up the valley. If you have skis or a lot of luggage, ask the rail operator what exactly is allowed.

By plane

Three airports are nearby. Innsbruck is closest, at about 75 kilometres. Munich is roughly 115 kilometres away and has the most connections, and Salzburg roughly 130 kilometres. For each of the three, allow about one to two hours to reach Niederau, depending on traffic and weather. From the airport you can hire a car, book a taxi or transfer, or continue by train and bus via Wörgl. A hire car gives freedom for day trips, but in winter ask the rental company about winter tyres and chains.

On the spot: ski bus and hiking bus

In winter a ski bus runs between Niederau, Oberau, Roggenboden, Auffach and Thierbach, including to the Markbachjoch lift and the valley station in Auffach. It runs more than twenty times a day and is included for guests with the Wildschönau guest card. In summer there is the hiking bus, which runs from roughly early June to mid-October, to Auffach and Thierbach among other places and further afield in high season. That too is covered by the guest card. Always check current times. For other trips there are taxis and car hire in the region.

Frequently asked questions