Oberaurach: Trails, Aurach Wildlife Park and Mining History

Oberaurach can be explored through a variety of outings: a loop through hilly, predominantly agricultural countryside; trails to a chapel or the wildlife park; and sites associated with mining and church history. There is also a hike that connects regional courses. If you are looking for accommodation, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: would you like to make the landscape the main attraction, or are you more interested in historical traces, wildlife, or a combination of hiking and regional cuisine? The trails described differ in their specific destinations and features.

Trails through Oberaurach

The Sonnberg Loop runs along the sunny side of Aurach through hilly, predominantly agricultural countryside, beginning and ending at Oberaurach Church. This identifies both the type of landscape and the start and finish points; terrain and seasonal conditions may vary. When planning, you can consider these details together: the character of the route and where you will start and finish. The Kochau trail passes through Oberaurach but has a different focus: a short, steeper climb leads directly to a chapel. Winter conditions can affect the trail. The two routes therefore differ in that one is a landscape-focused loop starting and ending at the church, while the other includes a specifically noted climb to the chapel.

Another trail description is the Bischof Tour: it passes through Oberaurach and by the Erbhöfe farms on its way to the wildlife park. Its named stops help you identify this tour. Alpine weather and trail conditions can vary; take them into account when planning. The three routes have different focuses, so you can choose an outing based on the route and its stated destinations.

Mining and Church History

The Kelchalm–Bochumer Hütte route passes the ruins of the former ore-stamping mill. Historically, the Bochumer Hütte at Kelchalm served as a place where miners could eat and sleep. The route therefore brings together two different signs of mining history: the remains of the ore-stamping mill and the hut’s former role as a place for meals and lodging. Its historical significance can be seen both in the ruins and in the hut’s use. If you would like to pay attention not only to the landscape but also to its past use, these two stops offer specific points of interest.

Aurach Parish Church is associated with three dates: it was first mentioned in 1365, consecrated to Saint Rupert in 1427, and its exterior wall features Passion frescoes from around 1440. These dates relate to different aspects of the church’s history: its first mention, consecration and wall paintings. The chronology is also clear: the frescoes date from after the consecration. The historical dates can therefore be distinguished rather than read as a single event.

Wildlife Park and Regional Cuisine

Aurach Wildlife Park is home to 350 animals, including red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, ibex and lynxes. Animal populations can change. The Bischof Tour leads to the wildlife park, making it a named destination along the route.

The 3-Course Tour combines a hike through the southern mountains with three regional courses. Its route passes through Aurach Wildlife Park to Oberaurach and the Hallerwirt. Hiking and regional cuisine therefore go hand in hand on this tour. Participating businesses and schedules may vary; check the latest information about venues and times before planning.

For the broader travel overview: Aurach Near Kitzbühel.