Want an adventurous destination to keep the whole family busy? Look no further than Wildschönau. From walking trails to mountain bike challenges, there's something for everyone...
There are those Alpine destinations that work brilliantly for active families and others that star for adult thrill seekers in search of adventures. Wildschönau in the Tirol in Austria impressively manages to be both, with over 300km of glorious walking trails backed up by a rich bounty of 46 mountain huts and certified hiker-friendly hotels and cable cars. There are also trails suitable for mountain bikers too.
Easy access to the uncrowded local mountains is offered by the Markbachjoch and the Schatzberg cable cars in a region that is so much more than a winter wonderland. In the Wildschönau valley, you can splash around in the open-air pool after a long hike, enjoy the beauty of the Kundl Gorge or head off on a culinary hike as you walk on trails that link the many farms and restaurants.
Those in search of more serious thrills can take on challenging mountain bike routes. E-biking is very popular too with excellent facilities for those looking for a little helping hand on their explorations, including guided tours so you can visit the best spots.
You can also try horse riding or paragliding, which really opens up a bird’s eye view of the Austrian Tirol. A simple pleasure is rising early to drink in the drama of a sunrise hike – the light gradually spilling through the cracks in the mountains.
Whatever you do during the day, a delicious meal awaits afterwards. The region is renowned for the quality of its culinary offering, with plenty of fresh local produce to try.
Make sure to grab the Wildschönau Card. It allows free access to the Wildschönau and Alpbachtal cable cars, tennis, guided walks, the kids’ Dragon Club, Farming Museum, Silver Mine and much more.
A flurry of events and festivals also help liven up summer in this corner of the Tiro. There are village festivals, as well as the Summer Solstice Festival on June 22, and the superb annual Valley Festival in August. There’s also a 24-hour walking festival and four weekly brass band concerts – something to keep everyone active in Wildschönau.
Hiking in the summer (Wildschoenau Tourismus)
Hörbigerhof in the summer (Wildschoenau Tourismus)
Enjoy the local food (Wildschoenau Tourismus/ Hannes Dabernig)
Hiking in the summer (Wildschoenau Tourismus)
Enjoy the scenic mountain biking (Wildschoenau Tourismus/ Alex Mayr)
Attend one of the many summer festivals (Wildschoenau Tourismus)
Schoenangeralm in the summer (Wildschoenau Tourismus)
Photo credits:
Header: Wildschoenau Tourismus/ Alex Mayr
Not just for winter: 1 to 3: Wildschoenau Tourismus
Challenge yourself: Wildschoenau Tourismus/ Alex Mayr
Alternative Adventures: 1: Wildschoenau Tourismus, 2 to 3: Shutterstock
Eat like a local: Wildschoenau Tourismus/ Hannes Dabernig
Don't miss a thing: 1: Wildschoenau Tourismus / Alex Mayr, 2 to 3: Wildschoenau Tourismus
A summer festive feeling: Wildschoenau Tourismus
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