History of Niederau and the Wildschönau
From farming and mining valley to ski village: the first chairlift in Tyrol, Krautinger and more.
Niederau looks like an ordinary ski village, but the valley has a long history. Below is the timeline, with the first chairlift in Tyrol as the turning point.
History
From farming valley to ski village
Niederau lies in the Wildschönau, a high valley in Tyrol (Austria). For centuries it was a remote valley of farmers and miners. The first tourists only arrived in the twentieth century – and in 1947 the valley’s winter sports era began in Niederau with the first chairlift in Tyrol.
That lift was quite a feat: engineer Sepp Hochmuth built it just after the Second World War, according to local lore using engines and drive wheels from tanks abandoned at Wörgl station. It opened on 14 January 1947, running from Niederau up to the Markbachjoch.
Everything about the Markbachjoch: lifts, huts and history →
Historic photos: archives and sources →
- 1193–1195
First written mention of the Wildschönau. - 16th century
Mining: silver and copper ore is extracted on the slopes of the Gratlspitz near Thierbach. - 18th century
Empress Maria Theresa gives 51 farmers in the valley the right to distil Krautinger. Some fifteen still do so today. - 1811
The Wildschönau becomes an independent municipality. - Early 20th century
A road through the Kundler Klamm links the valley with the Inn valley; the covered wooden bridge dates from 1913/14. Today’s footpath follows that old road. - 14 January 1947
Tyrol’s first chairlift opens in Niederau, up to the Markbachjoch. The start of tourism in the valley. - 1995
An eight-seater gondola replaces the old chairlift: today’s Markbachjochbahn. - 2008/09
On the Lanerköpfl a fast four-seater chairlift with bubble replaces the old single chairlift. - 2022
The mountain railway in Niederau celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Frequently asked questions
When did Tyrol’s first chairlift open?
On 14 January 1947 in Niederau, from the village to the Markbachjoch. Engineer Sepp Hochmuth built it.
When was the Wildschönau first mentioned?
Between 1193 and 1195, in a written source.
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