The four villages of the Wildschönau compared

Niederau: the most tourist-oriented village (828 m)

Niederau lies at 828 m and is the first village in the valley. It is the liveliest of the four and has the largest choice of accommodation, ski schools, sports shops and restaurants. That makes it practical for families: much is within walking distance or a short bus ride away. The Markbachjochbahn, the gondola up to the Markbachjoch, starts in the village. In winter it takes you to the slopes of Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, in summer to a walking area with alpine pastures and views. For a first introduction to the Wildschönau, Niederau is a logical base, especially with children.

Oberau: the practical heart of the valley (approx. 940 m)

Oberau lies in the middle of the valley, at approx. 940 m, and is its administrative centre. You find shops, places to eat and everyday village life here. The baroque parish church with its tall tower is a landmark of the valley. There is plenty for visitors: the Bergbauernmuseum z'Bach in an old farmhouse, the Bergbadl open-air pool in summer and tennis courts. Oberau has no large cable car of its own, but it does have a ski lift, and the bus takes you easily to the gondolas in Niederau and Auffach. The village suits anyone who wants a central base with everything close by.

Auffach: quiet, at the foot of the Schatzberg

Auffach lies at the far end of the valley, at approx. 870 m, and is a small, quiet village. Most of the action is on and around the mountain: the Schatzbergbahn starts here, taking skiers up in winter and walkers in summer. The Schatzberg belongs to Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, so one ski pass covers the whole area. In summer the top station is the starting point of a large walking area with alpine pastures and mountain huts, for families and experienced walkers alike. At Berghaus Koglmoos there is a water play area for children. Auffach appeals to those who want to sleep close to the mountain and prefer calm to bustle in the evening. Facilities are simpler than in Niederau or Oberau.

Thierbach and Mühltal: small and rural

Thierbach is the smallest parish village and lies at approx. 1,150 m, the highest of the four. It consists of little more than the church, the school, farms and a few inns. If you want peace and views, you find them here. There is a short family route, the Wald- und Familienweg around the Thierbacher Kogl, which in winter can also be walked as a winter hike of about 2 hours. Mühltal is not a village but a hamlet belonging to Oberau. It is best known as the gateway to the Kundler Klamm, a gorge walk of approx. 7 km that is open in summer (roughly 1 April to mid-November). Neither place is a base with many facilities, but both are ideal for half a day.

Distances and buses between the villages

The villages lie along a single valley road. From Niederau, Oberau is about 5 minutes by car, Mühltal about 10 minutes, Thierbach about 12 minutes and Auffach about 15 minutes. By bus the trip between Niederau and Oberau takes roughly 10 minutes; between Oberau, Mühltal and Auffach it is about 5 minutes each. In season a ski bus runs regularly between Niederau, Oberau, Mühltal and Auffach, with a side line to Thierbach; it stops at the Markbachjochbahn and the Schatzbergbahn. With the Wildschönau Card the bus is usually included. Timetables differ by season, so check the current times beforehand.

Which village suits you?

Do you want plenty of choice in accommodation, ski schools and restaurants, and an easy gondola ride with children? Choose Niederau. Do you want a central spot with shops, a museum and a pool close by, and like being able to combine everything? Then Oberau or Mühltal makes sense. Do you want to sleep right by a mountain and have calm evenings? Auffach suits skiers and walkers who mainly want the Schatzberg. If quiet and views matter most and a smaller offering does not bother you, Thierbach is the loveliest. Since everything lies within about 15 minutes by car, the choice is never final: you can visit the other villages easily.

Frequently asked questions