Thierbach lies at an elevation of 1,150 metres and is the highest village in the Wildschönau and the Kitzbühel Alps. The parish church and trails offer various points of interest for a stay: at the church, architectural and art history meet the starting and finishing point of the Kogl Trail; other routes lead to the Brixlegger Holzalm, the Kaiserbründl spring or the Schatzberg. This lets you plan around local history, a forest trail or a hike with a named destination.
Parish Church and Local History
Construction of the parish church in Thierbach 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 high altar painting of Saint Michael was painted around 1880 by Josef Gold from Salzburg. These dates mark different milestones: the start of construction, the building of the first organ and a later religious painting. Together, they provide the parish church with a specific place in art and cultural history.
Trails by Starting Point and Focus
The Kogl Trail in Thierbach starts and ends at the parish church. If you are planning this trail, you have a named starting and finishing point; check the church’s local access conditions before setting out.
The Thierbach Forest and Family Trail features activity and rest areas, an energy tree and a forest playground. This gives it a different focus from the Kogl Trail, which starts and ends at the parish church: here, forest and play elements shape the route.
The hike to the Gratlspitze starts at the Klinglerhof, passes the Klingler Chapel and continues to the Brixlegger Holzalm, which serves food and drinks. Check the conditions and facilities before setting out. Another option is the Hösljoch / Holzalm Loop: it starts either in the centre of Thierbach or in Hinterthierbach at the Klinglerhof. Route details may change; check them before setting out.
Thierbach is also a starting point for a mountain bike tour or a hike up the Schatzberg. If you want to make this destination the focus, you can choose between two types of tour; check current trail conditions before setting out.
Mining History and Traditional Craftsmanship
On the Hösljoch / Holzalm Loop, the so-called Copper Trail, a narrow path at the foot of the Gratlspitz, leads to the Kaiserbründl spring. An information board there describes the region’s active mining past; ore was extracted until 1861. This links a named point on the loop with a glimpse into regional history.
A restoration project in Thierbach is also part of its architectural heritage: the roof of a historic building was renewed using traditional wooden shingles. The shingles are weighed down with stones to provide the best possible protection from wind and weather. The material and the weighting work together in this technique, adding traditional craftsmanship to the insights into church art and mining.
Regional Cuisine
The traditional Sollererwirt inn offers regional specialities in a cosy atmosphere. The offering may change; check locally if you are planning to make this a culinary highlight of your stay.
For the wider travel overview: Wildschönau.
