Rottau: Moorland Trails, a Narrow-Gauge Railway and Alpine Hikes
Accommodation in Rottau
Discover Rottau through a range of very different experiences: historic railway technology, traces of the peat industry and trails through the KendlmĂĽhlfilzen. There is also an old church, themed trails and hikes leading from the moor to the alpine pastures. This lets you combine cultural discoveries with time outdoors during your stay.
The Narrow-Gauge Railway and the History of the Peat Industry
Rides on the historic narrow-gauge railway are offered at the Peat Railway Museum. The locomotive Molly travels across the former industrial site. The peat railway station itself also tells the story of its former use: it is a former peat works and an industrial monument dating from 1920. Technical exhibits include a 1933 peat-bale press, the only one in Europe that is still in working order.
The guided museum tour with a ride on the narrow-gauge railway takes about 90 minutes. This duration is stated for 2026; check the museum’s information before your arrival. For a different glimpse into history, visit St Michael’s Church in Rottau, which is documented in historical records as early as 1195. The Salt & Moor Museum also houses the original Reichenbach water-column machine, which was in operation for 150 years. The Klaushäusl, built in 1810, is the only completely preserved pumping station along the 107-kilometre brine pipeline.
Moorland Trails with Different Highlights
The KendlmĂĽhlfilzen Moor Experience Trail is a short circular route through the nature reserve. Little surprises and puzzles appeal to children and adults alike. The Moor Circular Trail passes through the heart of the KendlmĂĽhlfilzen and has an observation tower. If you prefer cycling, you can take the Achental Cycle Route, which runs along the edge of the KendlmĂĽhlfilzen to the historic Rottau Peat Railway Station.
For a longer walk, the easy 12-kilometre Grassau Terrain Therapy Trail passes through Grassau and Rottau. Walking time is 3 hours and 20 minutes. The route passes the Rottau Kneipp pool and barefoot path, then continues through Rottau alongside traditional farmhouses and returns to Grassau via a panoramic trail by the Salt & Moor Museum. The route thus links several stops and a variety of impressions in one hike.
Hiking the Alpine Pasture Trail
The Grassau & Rottau Alpine Pasture Trail leads to the Rottauer Moieralm. You can stop for refreshments there and enjoy views of the Kampenwand. The Hefteralm is also on this trail. It serves snacks and fresh drinks, including cheese, bread, cake and Kaiserschmarrn, as well as homemade buttermilk.
For a shorter themed trail, there is the Rottau Bee Trail. Information boards and a viewing hive with its own bee colony are part of this trail for the whole family. Together with the puzzles on the Moor Experience Trail, it offers another way to explore nature-themed topics with children and adults.
Which Experiences Suit Your Stay?
The time estimates can help you plan different kinds of days: according to visitor information for 2026, the guided tour with a ride on the narrow-gauge railway takes about 90 minutes, while the Terrain Therapy Trail takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to walk. There are also short themed trails, such as the Bee Trail and the Moor Experience Trail, as well as the hike to the Moieralm. When choosing your accommodation, you can first consider whether culture, shorter walks or longer hikes should be the focus of your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Grassau.
