Hiking in the Wildschönau: 8 routes for every level

Wirbelwindweg: play trail from Niederau

The Wirbelwindweg is a themed trail of about 4.5 km that starts right in the village, at the Tennladen practice lift in Niederau, opposite Hotel Harfenwirt. Allow roughly 2 hours and around 200 to 260 metres of climbing. The route runs through shaded forest above Niederau and Oberau, which is pleasant in summer. Along the way there are six natural play spots, with play ideas appearing via QR codes, and a rest area about every kilometre. The trail ends at the Bergbauernmuseum z'Bach. It suits families with children who like to walk and play; the path is not suitable for pushchairs. A good summer choice, since the forest provides plenty of shade.

Kragenjoch circuit with the Achentalalm

This gentle circular walk starts at Oberau Dorf, about 5 minutes by car from Niederau. The route is roughly 6.8 km long, takes around 3 hours and involves some 500 metres of climbing, mostly on a broad forest track. The goal is the Achentalalm, where you can rest and try simple dishes; check the opening days beforehand. Early in summer the Kragenjoch is covered in mountain flowers. The walk suits families with children from about 6 and walkers who want a quiet day without a cable car. Wear sturdy shoes, bring your own water and, if you like, pick up a walking map at the tourist office. The season is summer.

Kundler Klamm: gorge walk without steps

The Kundler Klamm is a narrow gorge through which the Wildschönauer Ache rushes, between Mühltal and the Inn valley. The broad path is about 3.5 km long and takes roughly 1 hour in each direction, so a return trip takes about 2 hours. There are no steps, and a playground sits at the entrance. You cross a covered wooden bridge and pass rock overhangs. That makes this the easiest route on the list, suitable for young and old and usually manageable with a pushchair. The path is generally open from 1 April to mid-November; in winter the gorge is closed. Check the current conditions beforehand.

Markbachjoch: alpine meadows and the Holzalm

The Markbachjochbahn, an 8-person gondola from the centre of Niederau, takes you to about 1,500 m. From there, quiet paths cross alpine meadows with views of the Wilder Kaiser. The Holzalm (Käsealm) is nearby, where you can watch cheese being made in summer and taste alpine cheese. Allow about 2 to 4 hours depending on the route; you can ride the lift up or down and walk the rest. It is one of the easiest places to introduce children from about 6 to the mountains. In 2026 the lift runs in summer from 9 May to 18 October; check the timetable.

Schatzberg: family walk down to Auffach

Auffach is about 15 minutes by car from Niederau. The Schatzbergbahn takes you up in just over a quarter of an hour to more than 1,770 m. For families there is an easy walk of about 4.5 km from the mid-station down to Auffach, on a forest path with views of the valley and past the open Bernau plateau. At Berghaus Koglmoos, by the mid-station, there is a water playground. Allow about 2 to 4 hours in total for the walks higher up. Take a rain jacket, as the weather can turn quickly up there. In 2026 the season runs from 4 June to 4 October. Check whether the path is suitable for a pushchair.

Joelspitze: a sporty summit hike from the Schatzberg

If you want more, take the Schatzbergbahn and follow a quiet high-level trail to the Joelspitze (about 1,964 m). The hike is roughly 7.3 km long, takes about 3 hours and is described as medium difficulty, with around 400 metres of climbing. You pass alpine meadows and small moors, and from the summit the view stretches from the Karwendel to the Kaiser mountains and, in clear weather, the Zillertal Alps. An alternative is the Gerngipfel. A longer circuit past more alpine pastures and the Gernalm reservoir comes to about 13.6 km and roughly 5 hours. Suitable for sporty walkers and families with experienced children, in summer and in stable weather.

Feldalphorn: a long mountain hike to Auffach

The hike from the Markbachjoch to the Feldalphorn and on to Auffach is the toughest on the list. You take the Markbachjochbahn from Niederau, follow the Wildschönauer Höhenweg signs and finally descend via the Feldalm to Auffach. The route is about 12.1 km long and takes roughly 5 hours; it is rated moderate, with some 490 m of ascent and 910 m of descent and a high point around 1,920 m. There are small moorland ponds and alpine meadows along the way, and the last climb is fairly steep. You can return to Niederau by bus. Only suitable for good walkers, in summer and in good weather.

Hohe Salve: panoramic summit in the Brixental

The Hohe Salve (1,829 m) is near Hopfgarten im Brixental, about 25 minutes by car from Niederau. The Salvenbahn gets you up quickly; you can also walk up from the valley. The view spans the Kitzbühel Alps and the Wilder Kaiser and, in clear weather, the Hohe Tauern. On the summit stands the Salvenkirchlein, a pilgrimage chapel from 1777. There are mountain huts and paths of various lengths, so the day suits families who prefer a gentle look around as well as those wanting a half-day walk. Go in the morning if you can and bring a jacket. In 2026 the lift runs from 14 May to 26 October; check times beforehand.

Frequently asked questions