Guides and practical tips
Schatzberg in Auffach: hiking and skiing from Niederau
The Schatzberg above Auffach: gondola to about 1,900 m, in summer and winter.
Hiking on the Schatzberg is easy from Niederau: drive to Auffach (about 15 minutes), take the Schatzbergbahn gondola and within minutes you are high above the valley. The mountain is about 1,900 m high and stands at the head of the Wildschönau valley, opposite the Markbachjoch. The top station is the starting point for short circular walks with wide views, and also for longer descents back to the valley.
In winter the Schatzberg is part of Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau. From Auffach the ski area reaches about 1,900 m, and there is also a natural toboggan run. That makes it a mountain families can use all year round.
This page explains what you can do here, how to get there and what to keep in mind. Always check beforehand whether the lift is running; that varies by season.
Tips
- With children or sore knees, take the gondola down as well.
- Check beforehand that the Schatzbergbahn is running and when the last ride is.
- Combine the Schatzberg with a day on the Markbachjoch on the other side of the valley.
- Bring an extra layer; it is noticeably colder up top than in Niederau.
- For off-piste winter outings, read the Tyrol avalanche bulletin or book a mountain guide.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
About the mountain
The Schatzberg stands above Auffach, at the head of the Wildschönau, and is about 1,900 m high (sources give around 1,900 m). The Schatzbergbahn starts in the valley and takes you to the top station, where the walking trails and ski runs begin. Next to it lies the Joelspitze (1,964 m), reached by a ridge walk with views of the Kaisergebirge and the Zillertal Alps, among others. From Niederau, Auffach is about 15 minutes by car, so the mountain fits nicely into a half day.
Summer: hiking
If you would rather not climb, start with the gondola. The Schatzberg circular trail begins and ends at the top station, is about 4.1 km long, takes about 1.5 hours with roughly 160 m of ascent and descent, and suits families; its highest point is 1,882 m. For more, walk back to Auffach via the Gernalm, Grasingalm and Mitterbergalm: about 10 km and 3 hours, rated moderate by Tirol.at and mostly downhill (about 990 m). Bring sturdy shoes and good knees. If you do not want to walk down, you can also take the gondola back.
Winter: skiing
The Schatzberg belongs to Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau. From Auffach the Schatzbergbahn is one of the entrances to the ski area, which has gondolas, chairlifts and drag lifts between about 830 and 1,900 m. There is also a snowboard park on the Schatzberg. Sources give different figures for the total length of pistes in Ski Juwel (around 113 km); check the lift operator's website for current numbers. If you are staying in Niederau you can also start at the Markbachjoch and so combine both sides of the valley.
Winter: tobogganing and snowshoeing
The Schatzberg has a natural toboggan run with the Tiroler Rodelbahn-Gütesiegel quality mark, reached by gondola or lift. One source gives a length of about 4 km from the middle station to the valley in Auffach; ask locally about current conditions. Snowshoeing is popular in the Wildschönau, partly through guided walks offered by the tourist office (also with the Wildschönau Card). If you go out on your own beyond the pistes, follow the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at) and choose only routes you know, or go with a guide.
Getting there
From Niederau you drive up the valley to Auffach, about 15 minutes (approximate). The valley station of the Schatzbergbahn is in Auffach. You can also use public transport: according to available sources VVT bus line 770 runs through the valley, and there is a local hiking bus. Check the timetable and the lift's operating period in advance; in summer the lift does not run for the whole season. You can park at the valley station; arrive early on busy days.
Safety
Weather in the mountains can change quickly. Start early, bring rain gear and enough water, and keep the last gondola time in mind. The longer descent to Auffach requires sturdy shoes. In winter, off the pistes, consult the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at). This guide does not replace local knowledge or a mountain guide and is not a route description to follow blindly.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Schatzberg?
Around 1,900 m. The highest point of the circular walk at the top station is 1,882 m.
Is the Schatzberg suitable for children?
The short circular walk of about 4 km at the top station suits families. The long descent to Auffach is more tiring.
Can you toboggan on the Schatzberg?
Yes, there is a natural toboggan run reached by gondola or lift. Ask about current conditions first.
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