Wattental

The Wattental is a steep southern side valley of the Inn valley in Tirol. The Wattenbach stream cuts deeply into quartz-phyllite rock of the Tux Prealps. At the valley’s mouth lie the scattered settlements of Wattenberg and Vögelsberg. Near the village of Wattens by the Inn, the valley narrows before rising to the Wattentaler Lizum. The upper valley ends at the military training area of Lizum Walchen, entirely within Wattenberg. The valley’s large catchment area supplies strong water power. Swarovski and Wattenspapier built factories here, driving Wattens’ economic growth. Wattens became one of Austria’s wealthiest municipalities as a result. The valley is also a popular place for walking and climbing. Peaks such as the Rotwandspitze, Hirzer and Hahneburger offer fine views. The Mölsberg summit cross marks the site of the annual Mölsberg Mass, a memorial service for those lost in the world wars. The upper valley holds the small Mölssee lake at its head. The military training area usually blocks access beyond Mölsberg. Once a year, on the first Sunday after the Assumption, private cars may drive up for the service. The valley’s streams and slopes attract walkers throughout the summer. The contrast between the busy Inn valley and the quiet side valley is striking.