Niederau isn’t just a paradise for skiing, it’s also a place full of atmosphere, delicious food, and cozy spots to unwind after a day on the slopes. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, the village offers something for everyone. From traditional Austrian restaurants to modern cafés and lively après-ski bars, Niederau ensures that every moment off the slopes is just as enjoyable as the skiing itself.
1. Traditional austrian dining at its best
For those who want to experience authentic Tyrolean cuisine, Niederau has several fantastic options. Traditional dishes such as Kaiserschmarrn, Tiroler Gröstl, and hearty soups warm you up after a morning in the snow.
Many mountain huts and local restaurants focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, giving visitors a true taste of the region. Eating at a mountain hut also allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Wildschönau Valley, combining culinary pleasure with scenic beauty.
A few standout options include small, family-run restaurants where the owners greet you personally, making every meal feel welcoming. These places are perfect for families with children, offering child-friendly menus and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Couples can enjoy quieter corners and traditional Austrian décor, making dinner a cozy and romantic experience.
2. Cozy cafés for warm drinks and treats
Sometimes all you need after skiing is a relaxing break with a hot chocolate or coffee. Niederau has several charming cafés, both in the village center and near the ski lifts. Here, you can enjoy freshly baked pastries, cakes, and Austrian coffee specialties while watching the snow fall outside.
Cafés are also great for a mid-day pause, whether you want to rest your legs, check your emails, or simply soak in the mountain atmosphere. Many cafés offer outdoor seating with blankets and heaters, so even on colder days, you can enjoy a sunny spot with panoramic views. These spots are especially popular with groups of friends or couples taking a short break from the slopes.
3. Lively après-ski bars
No winter holiday in Austria would be complete without experiencing après-ski, and Niederau doesn’t disappoint. The village offers a variety of bars where skiers and snowboarders gather to relax and socialize after a day on the slopes.
Some bars are known for their energetic atmosphere, with live music and DJs setting the mood, while others are more relaxed, offering a cozy setting to enjoy drinks and snacks. Guests often return year after year for the friendly, lively vibe, and the chance to meet fellow winter sports enthusiasts from all over Europe.
Whether you’re looking for a bustling spot with dancing and music or a quiet place to enjoy a glass of wine by the fire, Niederau has something to suit your style.
4. Glennie’s Restaurant
Beyond skiing, the charm of Niederau lies in its alpine setting and welcoming village atmosphere. Snow-covered rooftops, traditional chalets, and the stunning Wildschönau Valley create a postcard-perfect backdrop for your holiday. Après-ski doesn’t have to be loud to be enjoyable here; the village combines the energy of local bars and restaurants with a peaceful alpine vibe, ensuring that adults can unwind while children rest after a full day of activity.
For those staying at Kristall Plaza, a particularly convenient option is Glennie’s Restaurant, located on the ground floor of the complex. Glennie’s brings a modern, family-friendly dining concept to the Alps, combining local Austrian specialties with international favorites and a nod to Dutch cuisine. Guests can enjoy grandma’s meatballs, fresh (Dutch) fish, and delicious croquettes on bread, alongside classic Austrian dishes like Wiener schnitzel and Tiroler Gröstl, or Italian favorites such as carpaccio and pasta — all prepared with a modern twist and high-quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
The menu caters to everyone, including children, who can enjoy options like pancakes, spaghetti Bolognese, or a small Glennie’s schnitzel. After a day on the slopes, adults can relax with a glass of Austrian wine, a cold Zipfer beer, or even one of Glennie’s signature bitter garnishes, such as their private-label bitterballen. For gin lovers, the stylish Gin Bar offers a selection of expertly crafted gin and tonics, as well as other alcoholic beverages.
With its combination of variety, quality, and a welcoming atmosphere, Glennie’s makes dining effortless and enjoyable, whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner after skiing, a relaxed lunch, or a lively evening with friends. Having it right in your building at Kristall Plaza means you can enjoy all this convenience without ever leaving your accommodation, perfectly complementing the charm and comfort of Niederau.
5. Quick bites near the slopes
Sometimes you just want a simple, quick meal without leaving the ski area. Niederau’s ski slopes are dotted with charming mountain huts and small restaurants where you can grab a warm drink, sandwich, or soup in just a few minutes. Popular spots include Almhuette Oberau, known for its hearty soups and Tyrolean snacks, and Markbachjoch Hütte, where you can enjoy a quick plate of Tiroler Gröstl or a warm cup of hot chocolate while taking in panoramic views.
For families with children or groups of friends, Schönangeralm is another favorite, offering kid-friendly options like pancakes and sandwiches, along with sunny terrace seating that overlooks the valley. Eating on the mountain not only refuels you for the afternoon but also allows you to soak up the stunning alpine scenery. Even a simple snack here feels like part of the full alpine experience, with snow-covered peaks and cozy huts surrounding you.
6. Relaxation and wellness spots
While dining and drinks are an important part of any winter holiday, sometimes you want to simply relax. Niederau offers wellness areas both in the village and in your accommodation. Many restaurants and cafés provide lounges where you can sit back, enjoy a drink, and watch the village life go by.
Staying in a Romex Stays apartment, like Residenz Drachenstein or Kristall Plaza, gives you additional options to relax in comfort. Spacious living areas, modern kitchens, and wellness facilities such as saunas and jacuzzis make it easy to unwind after a busy day. This combination of off-slope comfort and village hotspots ensures that your holiday is balanced, relaxing, and full of memorable moments.
7. Seasonal Events and Local Festivities
Visiting Niederau later in the season or around the holidays gives you a chance to experience local events and traditionsthat make your winter holiday extra special. In winter 2025–2026, there is plenty happening for every visitor. From 29 November to 7 December 2025, the Family Advent in Drachental fills the village with festive cheer, featuring Christmas market stalls, live music, and traditional alpine activities perfect for families and couples alike.
During the main winter season, the Dragon Winter Night takes place every Thursday from 1 January to 26 February 2026 in Oberau. Visitors can enjoy spectacular fire shows, disco on the ice rink, rides on the Alpine Coaster “Drachenflitzer,” and tasty regional snacks sold by local associations — all in a magical alpine atmosphere.
As the season comes to a close, Niederau hosts the Sound on Snow festival from 20–22 March 2026, with live music on mountain huts during the day and DJs in the valley in the evening. On 14 March 2026, the Lions Club Snow Festival at the Schatzbergbahn mountain station offers live bands, a snow bar with local dishes and drinks, and a fun way to support local charitable projects. Finally, the Winter Finale at Schatzberg from 27–29 March 2026 closes the season with music, culinary highlights, and an ABBA tribute performance by ABBORN — a festive end to the ski season.
These events are perfect for anyone looking to add a cultural, festive, or family-friendly element to their winter holiday. Whether you’re attending a cozy Christmas market or dancing to live music on the slopes, Niederau offers plenty of memorable experiences beyond skiing.
8. Stay in the heart of the Wildschönau
Choosing a Romex Stays apartment as your base gives you easy access to all of these hotspots. Residenz Drachensteinand Kristall Plaza are both located near the village center and ski lifts, making it simple to move between the slopes, cafés, bars, and restaurants. Spacious, stylish apartments mean you can return from an evening out to relax comfortably, while terraces and balconies provide views of the snow-covered mountains.
Right now, you can also take advantage of our 20% discount on available apartments for the winter season. Whether you are booking a family holiday, a couples’ retreat, or a trip with friends, this is the perfect chance to combine luxury, convenience, and affordability in one memorable winter experience.
Niederau offers more than skiing. From traditional Austrian restaurants and cozy cafés to lively après-ski bars, scenic mountain huts, wellness areas, and Glennie’s restaurant at Kristall Plaza, the village has something for everyone. With seasonal events and stunning alpine views, it’s a place where every day off the slopes is an adventure.
By staying in a Romex Stays apartment, you are at the center of it all — ready to explore the village, enjoy the local cuisine, and relax in style after each day.