- 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.
Walking in Oberau and the Wildschönau Valley
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.
Enjoying life in the rural lane
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.
Mountain hut welcomes
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.
Family holidays in Oberau: pools, peaks and parks
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.
Why book a summer holiday in Oberau with Inghams?
Experience the freedom of flexible walking holidays in Oberau with Inghams. With no fixed itineraries and no moving around each night, you can simply unpack, settle in, and explore at your own pace.
- With 90 years of travel experience, we know how to take the hassle out of your holiday to Oberau
- Flights, transfers, and accommodation are included in every holiday package
- We’re with you every step of the way with insider knowledge and tailored support from our Destination Experts during your holiday
- During your stay you’ll have access to our Digital Resort Guides, which are packed with self-guided walks, things to do and useful information for your Oberau holiday
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