Cultural Assets

The Wildschönau region attaches great importance to preserving its tangible and intangible cultural heritage. This is reflected in initiatives and measures aimed at preserving the region's traditional cultural assets. The commitment covers various areas that together contribute to keeping history and customs alive:

Monument protection: Buildings and objects that are listed as historical monuments are registered and maintained by the Federal Monuments Office (BDA). The municipality of Wildschönau works closely with the BDA to ensure the preservation of these cultural monuments and to carry out professional restoration work.

Traditions and cultural life: Customs and cultural events shape community life in Wildschönau. These traditions are actively supported by associations, the municipality, the tourism association, and residents. Examples include the Almabtrieb cattle drive, open-air concerts, and the Wildschönau Valley Festival.

Museums and exhibitions: The Bergbauernmuseum z'Bach (mountain farming museum) and the 1st Tyrolean Wood Museum provide insights into the way of life of previous generations, old crafts, and regional specialties. These institutions make a valuable contribution to bringing history to life and passing on knowledge about cultural heritage to locals and visitors alike.

Art and culture: Connoisseurs refer to Wildschönau as the high valley of music. There are numerous music groups and four brass bands for a population of around 4,400. Artists and musicians are given space for their projects, whether through events, exhibitions, or targeted funding.

Stakeholder integration: Special attention is paid to the harmonious connection between tourism, locals, and the natural environment. Close cooperation ensures that cultural heritage is protected while promoting respectful coexistence between guests, residents, and nature.

Water wheel

A special project in Wildschönau was the complete renovation of the historic water wheel on the “Auffacher Holzweg.” The Tyrolean vocational school for wood technology in Absam took on the challenging restoration and expertly rebuilt the last of its kind in the region in weeks of work. This project was actively supported by the tourism association and the municipality of Wildschönau and impressively demonstrates how craftsmanship and regional cooperation contribute to preserving cultural heritage and securing it for the future.

Events

During the summer season, open-air concerts by various brass bands take place four times a week in Wildschönau. Each band presents its own program, contributing to the lively culture in the valley. The tourism association and the municipality of Wildschönau support these musical events in order to promote local cultural life and offer guests an authentic experience. Another cultural highlight is the annual valley festival. This year, it is celebrating its 68th edition. Traditionally, a large parade takes place on Sunday, which has a different theme each year and impressively showcases regional customs, history, and culture.

Krautinger

The distillation of Krautinger is only permitted in Wildschönau. This exclusive distilling right was granted by Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century and remains an important cultural asset of the region to this day. Every year, a church festival is held at the Z'Bach Mountain Farm Museum, where Krautinger distillers can submit their schnapps for tasting. The best Krautinger of the season is awarded a prize. This traditional festival not only brings the people of Wildschönau together, but also keeps the history and craft of Krautinger distilling alive and tangible.

Wooden shingles

In Thierbach, the roof of a historic building was renovated using the traditional technique of wooden shingles, which are weighted down with stones to ensure the best possible protection from wind and weather. This special project was implemented by the WANAKU association and actively supported by the municipality and the Wildschönau Tourism Association. In this way, a valuable part of the regional cultural heritage is preserved and the craft tradition is kept alive.