A wonderful area for walkers with over 300km of marked hiking paths, from rambles through meadows and hillsides up to higher peaks and trails accessed by gondola. Popular walks include the ‘Path of Contemplation’ (1 hour) between Niederau and Oberau, and the stunning Kundl Gorge at the end of the valley, a lovely 3 hour return walk or take the Bummelzug one way. There are many mountain alms dotted around the walks including the ‘Käsealm’ above Niederau for fresh milk and cheese. For more adventurous walkers there are plenty of longer trails and peaks to climb and the tourist office operates a hiking badge system for those that complete various ‘bronze’, ‘silver’ and ‘gold’ levels walks.
GETTING AROUND I Villages are easily connected by an efficient bus service which transports walkers to all points around the valley. There are 2 free gondolas (the Markbachjoch in Niederau, and the Schatzberg in Auffach) and the ‘Bummelzug’ mountain railway.
Please note lift opening times are for guidance and can vary.
Summer 2020: Schatzbergbahn open from approx 11 June to 04 October.
Summer 2020: Markbachjochbahn open from approx 09 May to 11 Oct.
The Tourist Office runs a fantastic programme of five FREE guided walks each week, which are very popular with Inghams guests. Example itinerary:
Markbachjoch to Norderberg Alm I 4 hrs I Moderate I
Take the gondola to the top of the Markbachjoch and via Halsgatterl to the Rosskopf Peak. Purple and white crocuses cover the meadows and beautiful yellow globeflowers grow beside the mountain streams. A peek into the tiny Horler Stiege Chapel and the Käse Alm and a rest stop at the Norderberg Alm Hut, then it’s back to the gondola for the return trip.
Sonnberger Joch and Eisstein I 3 hrs I Easy I
A gentle walk to Zauberwinkel in Oberau and then along the forest path to the demanding Eisstein ascent to enjoy the marvelous view into the Inn Valley. After a short break continue on towards the lovely farms of Leitschwend and Adelsberg and inspect the alpine flora along the way. (Option 2: 5 hrs challenging hike to Feldalphorn).
Schatzberg and Joel Spitze I 4 hrs I Moderate I
Take the cable car to the top (accessible by car or foot) of the Schatzberg Mountain and start the walk at 1.903m to the Joel Spitze. Enjoy fantastic views on the way into the Alpbach and Inn Valleys. Make a stop on the Joel peak at 1964m to enjoy the peace and take. Return to the Schatzberg via the Gern Alm and take a refreshment break at the end of the walk in the Schatzberg Alm.
(Option 2: 3 hrs easy Family walk around the Thierbach Kogl).
Kragenjoch Mountain I 4 hrs I Moderate I
Start at an altitude of 938m, highest point 1356m, continuous climb, partially steep. Take the Minz path from Oberau up to one of the loveliest viewpoints in the valley, the Boarstadl hut. A further 20 minutes uphill and you arrive at the Achental hut. From here it’s just a short ascent to the wonderful Kragenjoch peak. Stop at the hut on the way back for a well-earned rest. The return journey takes you through blueberry fields and mountain moors back to Oberau. (Option 2: 6 hrs challenging hike to the Gradlspitz Mountain).
Filzmoos Moor in Niederau I 3 hrs I Easy I
The Filzmoos Moor on the Niederau Bruggberg is a wide plateau which offers a fascinating insight into the alpine plant and animal life. Frogs, dragonflies, butterflies and song birds can be observed in this untouched biotope. Afterwards, watch the deer in a nearby deer park. The gentle walk takes you north to Stockeben through the fragrant pine forests full of bilberries. After about an hour and a half, you reach the moor at 1,000m altitude. Return via Klausen and back to Niederau.
NB. No mountaineering experience is required but participants should have good physical fitness and suitable footwear with ankle support.
