Whirlwind Trail
Now there's a breath of fresh air here:
The new Whirlwind trail between Niederau and Oberau connects a beautiful cultural landscape at the edge of the forest with meadows and streams above Niederau—offering plenty of exercise in the fresh air and ample space to play. The trail runs along the edge of the forest, making it particularly pleasant even on warm summer days.
Rest areas from summer onwards ab Sommer
Your children can run like the wind. Three new rest areas will be added starting in summer 2026.
Save the date: Whirlwind Day on July 4th, 2026
The Wildschönau Whirlwind Day is a family-friendly adventure hike with the motto “Outdoors together.” Along the route, there are stations with games, puzzles, and nature activities. Families work together to collect puzzle pieces to free Toni the dragon. The flexible route allows for a personalized hiking experience—tailored to the age, fitness level, and interests of the children.
Variety guaranteed
The family hiking trail leads from narrow meadow paths to wide forest paths and also crosses bridges in places. It is not suitable for strollers, as there are occasional steps at the bridges and individual gates. The varied route leads over meadow, gravel, and forest paths. There is a total elevation gain of around 200 meters, which is well distributed over the entire route. Approximately every 20 minutes (approx. 1 km), newly designed rest areas invite you to pause and enjoy the scenery.
Contrasts and contrasts make the nature experience here particularly appealing: in the forest, light and shadow alternate in a playful way, while the wind blows through the meadows and gently makes the grass dance.
The new family adventure trail guarantees you a relaxing family time in the midst of our beautiful cultural landscape between streams, forests, and meadows.
- Easy hiking trail
- Duration approx. 2 hours
- 4.5 kilometers
- Only 230 meters of elevation gain
- Only 260 meters of elevation loss
The hiking route leads along narrow meadow paths to wide forest trails, occasionally crossing bridges.
There are a few steps to negotiate at the bridges, a few gates, and the trail alternates between meadow, gravel, and forest paths.
- There is a total elevation gain of approx. 200 meters along the entire length of the trail.
- There are six nature play stations with game ideas along the trail, which can be accessed via QR codes.
- The trail is not suitable for strollers!
- The Wirbelwindweg is easily accessible by public transport and the hiking bus. The bus stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the starting point of the tour (Niederau Harfenwirt bus stop) and at the end of the trail (Oberau Bergbauernmuseum bus stop).
- The Bergbauernmuseum Wildschönau is within sight at the end of the Wirbelwindweg.
Playing is that easy!
● Scan the QR code and follow the instructions
● It's child's play! Simple instructions in 4 steps, including tips
● Nature is simply the most beautiful playground
Always on the go
Whether you take the summer cable cars up the mountain or the hiking bus from A to B, getting around the region is easy.
The hiking bus, guided hikes, and many other great vacation services are included in the Wildschönau Card. The Wildschönau Premium Card also includes both summer cable cars.
Hiking busSustainable living
You are probably one of those families who try to make everyday life more sustainable at home—you don't have to give that up when you're on vacation with us!
In Wildschönau, there are many opportunities to enjoy a conscious and sustainable vacation.
Everything from A to Z
Are you looking for a bakery, a bank branch, or the nearest sports store? - Here you will find everything from A to Z.
infrastructureWildschönau is a member region of Austria's Hiking Villages, and we have been intensively involved in hiking, the magic of walking, and, of course, the protection of our landscapes for many years.
● Playful hiking is an initiative of Austria's Hiking Villages.
● Only existing paths are used and played on, nothing new is built.
● We want to move away from large-scale nature development and soil sealing, which is why we focus on very few play points and signage.
● We play with what is available along the way, with simple instructions.
● You engage directly with the landscape; there is no “fuss” along the way.
● Nature here in Wildschönau is the star.
● We are convinced that sometimes “less” (fewer instructions, less big, less loud) is just the right thing when we are out and about in nature with children and as a family.
● Children are very creative when we give them space, and exercise in the great outdoors is very valuable for their development.
For more information about the Spielend wandern initiative, more game ideas, or how to get the booklet or e-book, please contact the Wildschönau Tourist Office (at the Oberau swimming pool).
Our top accommodations for families
Are a warm atmosphere and high quality standards important to you? Are recommendations and tips for family-friendly activities and first-class service also part of your vacation experience? Then the best place for you to stay is at the Tiroler Familiennester accommodations!