Bichlbach
Summer or winter? Both, of course! In the heart of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, enjoying nature is on people’s holiday agenda year-round. Hikers and mountain bikers, skiers and snowboarders, relaxation seekers and sports enthusiasts of all ages: They all love to come to Bichlbach. Why? Let’s find out!
Facts & figures
- Location: in the heart of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
- Elevation: 1,075 m
- Districts: Lähn and Wengle
- Neighbouring towns: Heiterwang am See, Lermoos and Berwang
- Highlights:
- Berwang-Bichlbach ski resort
- nighttime skiing and snowboarding
- sports and leisure park
- flying fox
- high ropes course
- petting zoo
- guild church an guild museum
Where is Bichlbach?
Amidst the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, there’s a valley that connects Ehrwald’s valley with Lechtal Valley. And there – in the so-called Zwischentoren – you’ll find Bichlbach. The rivers Lech and Loisach form the natural borders of the municipality, which consists of a total of three villages: Alongside the long, drawn-out town of Bichlbach, Lähn und Wengle are all located within close proximity of each other.
Where does the name “Bichlbach” come from? It was probably derived from the word “Puechelpach”, which means “stream surrounded by beech trees”.
The history of Bichlbach
The first settlers came from the Allgäu region, and the town was first mentioned in official documents as “Puechlpach” in 1300. Just like nearby Biberwier, Bichlbach was known for being a mining town – and especially, for the mining of lead and galmei ore. The district of Lähn – which means something like “avalanche” – constituted the border of the bishopric between Augsburg and Brixen until 1816.
You’re wondering how Lähn received its name? A town formerly known as Mittewald was destroyed by an avalanche in 1456 and then rebuilt in a different location under the name of “Lähn”.
Until 1859, the town was also the seat of the local “Große Zunft Bichlbach”, a guild of carpenters and masons. Today, the guild church in Bichlbach is the only one of its kind in the German-speaking realm. But more on that later …
Winter in Bichlbach
The lush green Alpine pastures become a snowy white paradise in winter. Skiers and snowboarders can start their ski day right in the town’s centre and make their way up into Berwang-Bichlbach ski resort from there. Cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice stock (Alpine curling), sledging or snowshoeing: Thanks to all these options, sports enthusiasts enjoy holidays filled with variety in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena.
Summer in Bichlbach
In summer, the hiking trails of Bichlbach are explored by families, mountain bikers and mountaineers. Relaxation seekers and sports enthusiasts enjoy the beauty of nature, the fresh mountain air and the beautiful contrasting landscapes of the region – perfect conditions for pure holiday joy in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena!
Bichlbach for families
Summery Bichlbach is a true Eldorado for young holiday guests. Among the highlights: the sports and leisure park including its bathing pond, a high ropes course, flying fox, discgolf, minigolf and rafting. Another popular destination for excursions is the petting zoo with its fairytale world and nativity museum. What’s more, mountain scooters can be rented at the Almkopfbahn mountain station – for action-fuelled fun with the whole family.
Family-friendly offers take centre stage at Berwang-Bichlbach ski resort. What speaks for that are the many blue slopes and child-appropriate offers of the local ski school. If you’re looking for thrill and action, you can find both at the Obstacle Park by the Thanellerkar lift station. Nighttime skiing and sledging are two other family highlights that can be enjoyed every Thursday.
Culture & attractions
Fans of culture and history should definitely visit Austria’s one and only guild church and the baroque church of St. Joseph. If you’d like to find out more about the fascinating history of the former “Große Zunft Bichlbach”, you might want to stop by at the guild museum. On its premises, you can also find the local library.
Images of Bichlbach
