NiederauWildschönau · Tyrol

Brixental and Kitzbühel Alps

Itter

Small village with Schloss Itter in the Brixental

Itter is a small village in the Brixental, between Wörgl and Hopfgarten. It is mainly mentioned because of Schloss Itter, which stands at about 720 metres above sea level. The castle has existed since at least the thirteenth century, was rebuilt in 1532, later fell into ruin and was rebuilt again in the nineteenth century. Today it is inhabited. The castle is privately owned and not open to the public, so do not plan a visit, but see it as a piece of history along the route.

The castle's story is best known from the Second World War. In 1943 the Nazis turned it into a prison for prominent French detainees. On 5 May 1945, only three days before the official end of the war in Europe, the Battle for Castle Itter took place. American soldiers and Wehrmacht soldiers who had joined the Austrian resistance then fought against members of the Waffen-SS. This is regarded as one of the very few occasions in the Second World War when Americans and Germans fought as allies.

For an outing from Niederau, Itter fits well as a short stop on a drive through the Brixental, for example combined with Hopfgarten, which lies a little further on. The village itself is quiet and rural, with few facilities for tourists, so you would not plan a whole day here.

What to see and do

  • Schloss Itter and its history (private property, not open to visitors)
  • Read up beforehand on the battle of 5 May 1945
  • Quiet walk in the surroundings
  • Short stop on the route through the Brixental, with Hopfgarten

From Niederau

About 25 minutes by car from Niederau: via Oberau to Wörgl, then into the Brixental. Estimate.

Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Itter known?

Mainly for Schloss Itter and the battle of 5 May 1945, when American and German soldiers fought together against the Waffen-SS.

Can you visit Schloss Itter?

No, the castle is privately owned and not open to the public.

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.

To Hotel Wastlhof · Wildschönau tourist office · More about staying in Niederau