Plansee: walking and swimming
Summer Large mountain lake near Reutte with trails and bathing spots
Inn valley
Reutte
Day trip to the Außerfern with Highline179, castles and Plansee
Reutte is the main town of the Außerfern, the western part of Tyrol in Austria, on the river Lech. Above the town stand the ruins of Ehrenberg castle and Fort Claudia; together they form the Burgenwelt Ehrenberg. The area belongs to the Naturparkregion Reutte, with more than 400 km of walking trails.
The best-known attraction is the Highline179, a pedestrian suspension bridge over 400 m long and about 114 m high between the castle ruin and the fort. The walk there and the crossing are impressive but not for everyone: if you are afraid of heights, choose a different route. Just east of Reutte lies the Plansee, a large mountain lake with excursion boats and walking paths around it.
From Niederau, Reutte is a long day trip via Innsbruck and the Fernpass. It suits families with children who can walk, and is best in summer and early autumn. Plan for a full day. Combine the Highline179 with a stop at the Plansee for a varied day. Bring sturdy shoes and a jacket, check beforehand that the bridge is open, as it can close in thunderstorms or strong wind, and expect crowds in high season.
- Drive from Niederauapprox. 120 min.
- RegionInn valley
- Best forSuits families with walking children who enjoy views and castles.
What to see and do
- Highline179: pedestrian suspension bridge over 400 m long between Ehrenberg and Fort Claudia.
- Burgenwelt Ehrenberg: castle ruin and fort above Reutte.
- Plansee: large mountain lake with excursion boats and walking paths.
- Walking in the Naturparkregion Reutte, with more than 400 km of trails.
- Circular walk around the Plansee for a longer outing.
From Niederau
About 2 hours by car from Niederau: via the Inn valley and Innsbruck, then over the Fernpass to Reutte. Because of the distance it is a full-day trip.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
Things to do in and around here
Plansee near Reutte
Summer Tyrol's second-largest lake, for swimming and walking
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Highline179?
Over 400 m (about 406 m) long and roughly 114 m above the valley.
Is Reutte a realistic day trip from Niederau?
Yes, at about 2 hours each way, but start early and plan for a full day.
More places in Inn valley
Pertisau
Village on the western shore of Lake Achensee, at the foot of the Karwendel
Achenkirch
Village at the northern end of Lake Achensee, with lake, mountains and cross-country skiing
Maurach
Village at the southern end of Lake Achensee with steam railway and Rofan cable car
Rotholz
Hamlet near Jenbach with Schloss Rotholz and the Bibelweg to the Rottenburg
Ehrwald
At the foot of the Zugspitze, home of the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn
Leutasch
High valley in the Olympiaregion Seefeld with the Geisterklamm and Gaistal
Kirchbichl
Inn valley village with a warm mud-bottom lake and the prehistoric Grattenbergl hill
Breitenbach am Inn
Sunny Inn valley municipality with the Berglsteinersee and the Blessenberg
Useful guides
Day trips from Niederau: 7 outings with route and programme
Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, Kufstein, Achensee, Zillertal and more, with drive times and day plans.
Getting to Niederau: by car, train, plane and on the spot
Everything about the trip to the Wildschönau and getting around the valley, from motorway to ski bus.
When to visit Niederau: month by month
From ski season to autumn colours: what is open and how busy it gets, period by period.
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