Thierbach: Mountain Trails and History

Hiking and elevation

Thierbach lies at 1,150 metres above sea level and is the highest village in the Wildschönau and the Kitzbühel Alps. The Gratlspitze is the local mountain of the people of Thierbach. The forest and family trail offers a focus of its own: its stops include places for energy and rest, an energy tree and a forest playground. This gives you a choice of forest and hiking experiences as well as mountain destinations when planning your trip.

The Hösljoch / Holzalm loop has two starting points: it begins either in the centre of Thierbach village or in Hinterthierbach at the Klinglerhof. Along the way, it passes the so-called Kupfersteig, a narrow trail at the foot of the Gratlspitz, and continues to the Kaiserbründl. There, an information board tells the story of the region’s mining past, when ore was mined until 1861. The route thus combines a hike with a specific insight into local history. As route details may change, check the current route before setting off.

Another hike to the Gratlspitze starts at the Klinglerhof, passes the Klingler Chapel and continues to the Brixlegger Holzalm, which serves food and drinks. Before your trip, check the trail conditions as well as the alm’s current opening status and facilities. Thierbach is also a starting point for a mountain bike tour or a hike up the Schatzberg. For these tours, take current trail conditions into account beforehand. The hike goes as far as the Brixlegger Holzalm; you can hike or mountain bike to the Schatzberg.

Parish Church and Local History

The parish church of Thierbach has a history that spans several decades. Construction began in 1791. In 1829, at the age of 19, Alois Hörbiger from the Hörbighof in Thierbach built the first organ for his home church, the parish church of Thierbach. Josef Gold from Salzburg painted the high altar painting of Saint Michael around 1880. The three dates represent different aspects: the construction of the church, the organ and a work of art created later.

The Koglweg Thierbach also connects with the parish church: it starts and ends there. If you would like to start the trail at the church, check local access conditions. Traditional crafts are another facet of local history. In Thierbach, the roof of a historic building was renovated with wooden shingles. Stones weigh down the shingles so they can provide the best possible protection from wind and weather.

Regional Cuisine and Choosing a Hotel

The traditional Sollererwirt inn serves regional specialities. As the culinary offering may change, check what is currently available in advance.

If hiking is your main priority, you can compare the different routes by starting point and focus. For a cultural and historical focus, the parish church, organ and altar painting offer specific points of interest; the mining history at the Kaiserbründl adds a regional theme to this perspective. This can help you choose a hotel based on the interests that matter for your planned days.

For the broader travel overview: Wildschönau.