Holidays in Oberau

The Wildschonau Valley , Austria

  • Walks for All Abilities
  • Countryside
  • Peace & Quiet

For a peaceful patch of the Tyrol, there’s lots to do on a summer holiday in Oberau and the Wildschönau valley

  • Mountain pastures & wildflower meadows
  • High mountain trails & beautiful views
  • Farming museums & mountain huts
  • Oberau Summer View Copyright TVB Wildschoenau Dabernig
    Oberau Summer View (copyright TVB Wildschoenau Dabernig)
  • Oberau View Copyright Thomas Trinkl
    Oberau View (copyright Thomas Trinkl)
  • Oberau Mountain Walk Copyright TVB Wildschönau Dabernig
    Oberau Mountain Walk (copyright TVB Wildschönau Dabernig)
  • Oberau Kundl Gorge Family Friendly Walk Copyright Wildschoenau Tourismus Dabernig
    Kundl Gorge Family-Friendly Walk (copyright Wildschönau Tourismus Dabernig)
  • Oberau Chapel Schönangeralm Wildschönau Copyright Wildschönau Tourismus J.Ehammer
    Chapel Schönangeralm Wildschönau (copyright Wildschönau Tourismus J.Ehammer)
  • Oberau Mountain Lake Copyright Wildschönau Tourismus Alex Mayr
    Oberau Mountain Lake (copyright Wildschönau Tourismus Alex Mayr)
  • Oberau Walk To Niederau
  • E Bike On Markbachjoch Copyright Wildschoenau Tourismus Dabernig
    E-Bike On Markbachjoch (copyright Wildschönau Tourismus Dabernig)
  • Oberau Summer Walk Copyright TVB Wildschoenau Dabernig
    Summer Walk (copyright TVB Wildschönau Dabernig)
  • Oberau Lake At Top Of Markbachjoch Copyright TVB Wildschönau Dabernig
    Lake At Top Of Markbachjoch (copyright TVB Wildschönau Dabernig)

Wildschönau Premium Card included

Free use of open lifts and local buses, entry to the outdoor pool, guided walks, children’s activities, and more.

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Walking in Oberau

Walking Trails:
300km

Terrain:
Diverse terrain from alpine meadows, forest trails and rolling hills with some steeper routes
More walking info

Oberau at a glance

  • German
  • Euro (EUR)
  • Birmingham Int. (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow Int. (GLA), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester Int. (MAN), Newcastle (NCL)
More about Oberau

Travel included to Oberau

Depart on: Saturday or Wednesday

Fly into: Salzburg or Innsbruck

Transfer time: approx. 1 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes by coach

More about travel & transfers

Included in your walking holiday to Oberau

  • Wildschönau Premium Card

  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Oberau

  • Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday

  • Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation

Walking in Oberau

Walks and hikes

Walking Trails:
300km
Terrain:
Diverse terrain from alpine meadows, forest trails and rolling hills with some steeper routes

The Wildschönau valley makes accessing all those spectacular views easy. There are half-hour strolls along the sculpture-spotted St Francis’ Path to Niederau village and family-friendly riverside rambles along the dramatic Kundl Gorge. Adventurous hikers, don’t fear; you haven’t packed your poles for nothing. Summer lifts in the neighbouring villages of Niederau and Auffach open up longer paths to peaks. Clamber up to Gratlspitze, which has swapped a silver mining past for its status as one of the best sunset spots in the Wildschönau.

Explore the natural beauty of the canyon from Kundl to Mühltal-Wildschönau on the family-friendly walking trail. Cross footbridges, build rock towers on the riverbanks and marvel at the 200-metre-high rock faces on your little adventure. The gorge paths are even suitable for pushchairs, so the smallest of adventurers can join too.

The Tourist Office runs a fantastic programme of five free guided walks each week, which are very popular and bookable directly with themselves.

Our favourite self-guided walks in Oberau

Oberau Kundl Gorge Family Friendly Walk Copyright Wildschoenau Tourismus Dabernig
  • Grade: Easy 
  • Distance: 5km 
  • Walking time: 2 hours 
  • Terrain: Gentle gravel path 

From Oberau Mühltal you the path winds through meadows and forest, before reaching the Kundl Gorge. Here the trail winds between towering walls of rock and your walk is accompanied by the sound of rushing waters. The well-maintained path makes for a relaxing stroll that’s accessible to all, but for an easier option, hop on board the slow train (Bummel Zug) in Mühltal and enjoy the scenic ride to the gorge entrance. Whichever way you choose to explore, the trail offers a peaceful escape into nature, with plenty of quiet spots to pause and enjoy a picnic along the way. 

Oberau Summer View Copyright TVB Wildschoenau Dabernig
  • Grade: Moderate 
  • Distance: 10km 
  • Walking time: 4 hours 
  • Terrain: Forest road, mountain path (rocks, roots) 

A scenic circular walk offering fantastic views over the Inn Valley and Rofan Mountains. The route winds through peaceful forests and open meadows, leading to the Möslalm mountain hut—a great place to stop for a rest and refreshments. The return path passes the Schrofen snack station. Only open Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy live music on the terrace. A rewarding and varied hike with plenty of highlights along the way. 

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging 
  • Distance: 9.1km 
  • Walking time: 3 hours 
  • Terrain: Forest road, mountain path 

A rewarding hike to the Gressenstein waterfall, with steep sections secured by wire ropes. Starting at Schönangeralm, follow the valley floor before turning onto a winding forest trail. The climb includes rocky paths, small stream crossings, and occasional slippery spots, but the effort is well worth it for the dramatic waterfall views. Return via the same route, and end with a well-earned stop at Schönangeralm for refreshments. 

Our accommodations in Oberau

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    Hotel Tirolerhof Oberau Terrace

    Hotel Tirolerhof

    Oberau, The Wildschonau Valley, Austria

    Stunning valley landscape Regional dishes Modern spa and indoor pool
    Indoor Pool Sauna/Steam Room
    • Half Board
    • London Gatwick
    • Newcastle
    • Manchester Int.
    • Birmingham Int.
    • Glasgow Int.
    • Edinburgh
    • +1 More
    Save £450pp
    From £838 View details

Discover Oberau

  • Embrace the slow pace of life in this wild and beautiful valley
  • Take the Schatzberg or Markbachjoch lifts to high mountain trails and beautiful views
  • Get a glimpse into the Wildschönau's farming history at the z'Bach museum

Oberau lies right in the heart of the Wildschönau valley, a region named for its wild beauty. Whoever came up with that moniker certainly wasn’t exaggerating and Oberau is certainly the ideal spot for a summer holiday in the mountains. This is a postcard-perfect picture of rolling hills and not-too-distant peaks – a promise to hikers who prefer more challenging trails. Walkers and cyclists aren’t the only people exploring the valley. Buses dip between the villages, including Niederau and Auffach, which have cable cars that extend explorations to the rugged mountaintops of the Kitzbühel Alps.

Oberau rests between mountain pastures and wildflower meadows. It’s pretty much a one-road village, with a couple of lanes leading to bakeries and restaurants. The z’Bach Mountain Farm Museum offers some great insights into life in the Wildschönau – an easy stroll along the St. Frances Path. Looking for Wildschönau Cathedral? That’s the nickname for the grand baroque church of St Margaret’s; stick your head in to admire the painted ceilings and glittering altar.

The open-air pool and slides of Mountain Pool Wildschönau sit on a scenic path between Oberau and Niederau. There’s room for diving boards, waterslides, playgrounds, gardens and a café – and all with lovely views of forested valley slopes. Drachental Family Park is a must-visit too. The Dragon Flitzer rollercoaster rockets riders down the valley, plus there’s a play lake, tubing track, trampolines, bike tracks, a mini golf course and a 5D cinema – and, of course, a large sun terrace where the grown-ups can observe with an ice cream in hand.

From mid-July to end-August children can take part in the daily activity programme run by the Tourist Office as part of the Wildschönau card inclusions. Spend a day in the forest, go on treasure hunts and visit local attractions, all while making holiday memories.

The farmers of Oberau have grazed their cows in the Wildschönau valley for centuries, bringing with them the soothing soundtrack of cowbells – and some delicious cuisine. Follow footpaths to dairy farms to stock up on herby krauter-schnitt cheese. Wooden mountain huts dot the trails of the Wildschönau – and they’re all ready to welcome weary walkers. Achentalalm, which perches on the path between Oberau and Kragenjoch, is a local favourite, serving weekly specials like schmalznudeln doughnuts. Wherever you go, you’ll encounter a warm Tyrolean welcome and farm-fresh food… as well as the chance to try the heady Wildschönauer Krautinger schnapps, which is only made in the valley thanks to a 300-year-old royal decree.

Oberau and the Wildschönau has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.

Lifts

There are two lifts in the Wildschönau Valley that you have access to free of charge with the included Wildschönau Premium Card, which is given to you when you arrive.

  • Markbachjochbahn, Niederau (normally open from 10 May - 19 Oct)
  • Schatzbergbahn, Auffach (normally open from 6 Jun - 5 Oct)

Hiking bus

Villages are easily connected by an efficient bus service which transports walkers to all points around the valley. The Wildschönau hiking bus goes between Niederau, Oberau and Auffach. There is also a hiking bus between Roggenboden, Thierbach and the Schönanger Alm which is included in your Wildschönau Card.

Subject to change.

The Wildschönau Premium Card is provided free of charge by your hotel upon arrival and gives you:

  • Free use of the lifts in the Wildschönau Valley:
    • Markbachjochbahn, Niederau
    • Schatzbergbahn, Auffach
  • Wildschönau hiking bus between Niederau, Oberau and Auffach
  • Hiking bus between Roggenboden, Thierbach and the Schönanger Alm
  • Free entrance to the outdoor swimming pool
  • Free use of tennis courts in Oberau
  • Free entrance to Z'Bach Farming museum
  • Free guided walks (Mon-Fri)
  • Free children’s activity programme (Mon-Fri, from around 7 Jul - 29 Aug)
  • Discounted rates on many other attractions

Subject to change.

Travel to Oberau

Travel by air

Flights to Innsbruck and Salzburg depart on Saturdays or Wednesdays between 24 May - 13 Sep 25 and 23 May - 19 Sep 26

Fly to Salzburg from:

  • London Gatwick (Wednesday or Saturday), Manchester (Saturday only), Birmingham (Saturday only), Newcastle (Saturday only) or Glasgow (Saturday only)

Fly to Innsbruck from:

  • London Gatwick (Wednesday or Saturday), Manchester (Saturday only), Birmingham (Saturday only) or Edinburgh (Saturday only)

Transfer time:

  • Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes by coach from Salzburg
  • Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by coach from Innsbruck

Please be aware transfer times may vary depending on weather conditions and volume of traffic, especially during peak season.

Things to do in Oberau

This spectacular journey takes you over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, an incredible feat of engineering with stunning views. From the Franz-Josef's Höhe you'll see the Pasterze glacier and maybe catch a glimpse of 3,798-metre summit of the Grossglockner. Keep a look out for the wild marmots and Ibex too - they love the high alpine conditions. You can visit the free museums and exhibitions to learn about the National Park or enjoy a walk round the area and a tasty Austrian mountain meal.

Departs: Thursdays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Salzburg is a city full of culture, history and music. Visit Mozart’s birthplace, enjoy the view from the Hohensalzburg Fortress, or wander the famous Getreidegasse shopping street. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the medieval Old Town, discover museums and Baroque churches or visit the Salzburg Residenz Palace - the DomQuartier. There is an optional guided walking tour which is a great way to see more of the city (payable locally, approx. €12 per person).

Departs: Wednesdays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

There's a few options for you to choose from on this interesting trip to Berchtesgaden. Spend the day discovering the pretty Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden itself, or choose one of the optional extras that you can add on to your day (difference payable locally).

The most famous is the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest). Explore the historic building and surrounding area, with spectacular views on a clear day over the King's Lake. The house is famous for being Nazi-constructed and was used for government and social meetings by Hitler and the Nazi Party. Alternatively, head underground to see the Salt Mines. A network of tunnels and slides take you on an underground adventure discovering this once very important industry (optional add-ons are payable locally - Eagle's Nest approx. €31.90 per person, Salt Mines approx. €25.50 per person).

Departs: Tuesdays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Oberau E Bike Ride Copyright TVB Wildschoenau Dabernig

Get a workout on with a mountain bike ride in the valley, or ease your way through the alpine pastures with the help of an electric bike. If you're up for a challenge, power your way along the two-valley circular tour from Oberau, over the Schatzberg mountain to Alpbach valley using the Schatzberg lift, covering a grand total of 36 kilometres.

Image: (copyright TVB Wildschoenau Dabernig)

Use your Wildschönau card for free access to one of the three tennis courts (bookable locally in advance). Challenge your family or friends to a rally alongside the beautiful backdrop, with a coffee and cake reward at the end in the tennis café.

Oberau Kundl Gorge Copyright TVB Wildschönau Dabernig

Local legend says the Kundl Gorge was created by the teeth of a huge dragon - discover the clear waters and interesting rock formations of one of Austria's most beautiful gorges that connects the Wildschönau and Inn valleys. The 6.5-kilometre path meanders over bridges and easy-going gravel paths, with spots to rest along the way - a great place for the whole family to enjoy.

Image: (copyright TVB Wildschönau Dabernig)

Oberau Lake At Top Of Markbachjoch Copyright TVB Wildschönau Dabernig

You could climb the 1,000-plus metres from Niederau village to the Markbachjoch mountain ridge… or you could jump aboard the gondola that takes you straight to the trails and huts up top. Here, walkers and cyclists weave between tiny chapels, lakeside sculptures and mountain huts, with the peaks of Feldalphorn and Rosskopf always in view. Keep an eye out for eagles above and marmots below… or perhaps that’s not an eagle - paragliders at the Wildschönau flying school also love to launch themselves from the plateaus here.

Located at the Mittermoosen reservoir are 30 modern art sculptures crafted by the metal artist Josef Feller. Easily accessible via the Markbachjoch cable car, you can unlock a world of picturesque photo spots and a beautiful panorama of the valley below. The mountain reflection on the reservoir water is truly breathtaking.

Image: (copyright TVB Wildschönau Dabernig)

Drachenflitzer Alpine Coaster Copyright Wildschönau Tourismus Alex Mayr Rachte

Treat the children to a day at the theme park, alpine style. You can all have endless fun on the alpine coaster, bike trail, pump track, tubing jump, 5D cinema, adventure golf, jumping tower and other fun court and lake games.

Image: (copyright Wildschönau Tourismus Alex Mayr Rachte)

Oberau Outdoor Pool Copyright TVB Wildschoenau Dabernig

Slip and slide your way down the flume, climb on the big green crocodile and splash in the heated open-air pool. For little ones who can't swim just yet, there is a fantastic playground with sandpit to enjoy. Best of all, entry is completely free with your Wildschönau card, meaning extra change spare for an ice cream.

Image: (copyright TVB Wildschoenau Dabernig)

Rattenberg centre

Discover some of the area's best kept secrets on this trip which combines three unique destinations. Our first 'treasure' is Kufstein, located on the banks of the River Inn. You'll have time to explore and admire this border town with its dominating Fortress. Next, you're off to the beautiful Thiersee lake, surrounded by forests and steeped in folklore. Our final destination is Rattenberg, rich in history and famous for Kisslinger glass - watch a glass-blowing demonstration and explore the picturesque streets of this tiny city.

Departs: Fridays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: Rattenberg centre (copyright: Alpbachtal Tourismus Rattenberg)

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