The Smuggler’s Trail gives Schattwald a distinctive historical theme: it runs between the Wannenjoch and Iseler along a former smuggling route near the border. There are also hikes on the Wannenjoch, winter cross-country skiing and downhill skiing, as well as specific details about the parish church. This mix makes choosing your main focus a useful starting point for your stay: you can get to know Schattwald through its trails, winter sports or local history.

Hiking on the Wannenjoch

The Smuggler’s Trail begins at the valley station of the Wannenjoch cable car in Schattwald, Tyrol. Its former role as a smuggling route near the border gives it its historical significance, while the route runs between the Wannenjoch and Iseler. The Wannenjoch chairlift takes visitors to around 1,600 m and serves as a starting point for varied hikes. The Wannenjoch–Iseler hike partly follows a ridge. Separately, the border between Austria and Germany runs between the Wannenjoch and Bscheißer. Two details are relevant when choosing a route: the lift takes visitors to around 1,600 m, while the ridge describes part of the Wannenjoch–Iseler hike; elevation and trail profile therefore answer different planning questions.

A cross-country loop or downhill runs in winter

The Schattwald cross-country loop starts at the car park by the municipal office and passes the “Floschen” moor pond. The Schattwald/Zöblen ski area has five lifts and 15 km of downhill runs. This gives you two clearly distinct winter activities to choose from: a cross-country loop that passes Floschen or the ski area’s downhill runs. When planning your winter days, you can first decide between cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.

Parish church and local history

Inside Schattwald’s parish church, beneath the gallery, is a Dance of Death by Anton Falger: twelve panels dating from 1831. The parish church, its cemetery wall and the former war chapel—now a mortuary chapel—are all listed buildings. A chapel in Schattwald was mentioned around 1500; it was enlarged in the 17th century and elevated to a benefice church dedicated to Saint Wolfgang in 1699. A Roman coin found near the parish church in 1972 is cited as evidence that Schattwald served at least as a transit area as far back as Roman times. The documented history of the village thus stretches from a Roman find to its art and ecclesiastical development.

Plitsch Platsch adventure playground

The “Plitsch Platsch” adventure playground opened on 4 September 2026. It has a large sand play area and a pond with a water wheel and fountain. It adds another reason to visit, alongside the hiking and history attractions.

Focus your hotel search on the theme you would like to make central to your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Forchach, Weißenbach Am Lech, Reutte, Bschlabs, Elbigenalp, Breitenwang, Ehrwald, Vils.

Go to the main travel overview: Reutte.