Steinberg am Rofan is a small holiday resort northeast of Lake
Achensee in Tyrol. Anyone looking for peace and quiet away from mass
tourism is right here. There are numerous hiking opportunities.
The mountain village Steinberg am Rofan is located in the valley
floor of the Mühlbach, is an independent community and a scattered
settlement: the center of the village is the church with only a few
farms, the other farms are spread over the entire valley floor.
The surrounding mountains are in the south the steep north flank
of the Rofan, in the north the single mountain Guffert and in the
north-east the Unnütz separates the valley of the Mühlbach from the
Achensee. Both individual mountains are still counted as rofan.
Until the road from the Tyrolean Achental to Steinbach was built
in the middle of the last century, the mountain village could only
be reached on foot, but the region has probably been inhabited since
the end of the 8th century. In the Middle Ages the region belonged
to the Seeon Monastery, after secularization and the abolition of
the monastery, Steinberg became part of the Archdiocese of Salzburg
and thus to Austria.
The parish church of St. Lambert has its origins
in a small church that was documented in 1188. The current church
building was built from 1419, at the beginning of the 18th century
it was redesigned in Baroque style and found its current exterior
design.
Worth seeing inside are the high altar, high altar
picture (all around 1740) and the statues on the statues on the high
altar (1680 and 1750).
In summer
Walks in
the wide valley
Mountain hikes z. B. on the Guffert or in the
Rofan. A nice destination in the Rofan is z. B. the Zireiner See at
1800 m altitude.
In the winter
Directly in Steinberg am
Rofan there is a small ski area Rofanlifte Steinberg with two tow
lifts (1,050 m - 1,250 m).
The Christlum is the next larger ski
area and is located at Achenkirch about 8 km away.
The next train station is Jenbach im Inntal. There
is a bus connection via Maurach and Achenkirch to Steinberg (lines
4080 and 7801, see also Verkehrsverbund Tirol)
By street
At Achenkirch, the 10 km long road to Steinberg branches off the
main road in the Achental. The Achenseestraße is part of the
connection Lenggries or Tegernsee - Achensee - Inntal.
Steinberg am Rofan is a small municipality and village in the Schwaz district of Tyrol, Austria, nestled in the Rofan Mountains, part of the Northern Limestone Alps. It is positioned at geographic coordinates approximately 47°30′54″N 11°47′49″E, with the village center at an elevation of around 1,010 meters (3,314 feet) above sea level. The municipality spans a modest area of about 37.3 km², characterized by its remote, alpine setting at the foot of the Rofan range, approximately 10 km northeast of Lake Achensee and near communities like Achenkirch. With a population of around 300 residents, it serves as a hub for outdoor recreation, including hiking, cross-country skiing (with an 18 km trail network), and a small downhill ski area, emphasizing its integration with the surrounding natural landscape. The area is part of the Achensee region, known for its pristine alpine environment and power spots like the Steinberg forest district, which encompasses forested hills and valleys shared with neighboring municipalities such as Brandenberg and Achenkirch.
The topography of Steinberg am Rofan is distinctly alpine, featuring a mix of steep, rugged mountain slopes, forested hills, and gentle valley floors typical of the Rofan Mountains within the Karwendel Alps system. Elevations range from the village base at about 1,010-1,050 meters to higher peaks in the ski area reaching up to 1,250 meters, with a vertical descent of only 200 meters in the local ski resort, making it a compact but scenic zone for winter sports. The terrain is dominated by limestone formations, leading to dramatic cliffs, plateaus, and karst features common in the Northern Limestone Alps, with dense coniferous forests covering much of the mid-elevations. Rolling meadows and pastures in the lower areas support limited agriculture, while the upper slopes transition into rocky, snow-capped ridges ideal for hiking and mountaineering. The landscape is relatively remote and untouched, with narrow valleys and forested districts providing a sense of isolation, enhanced by the area's designation as a "place of power" due to its natural energy spots and biodiversity. Glacial influences from the Ice Age have shaped the region, creating U-shaped valleys and moraines that contribute to the varied relief.
Hydrologically, Steinberg am Rofan is closely tied to the Achensee basin, though the village itself lacks major rivers or lakes within its immediate boundaries. The nearby Lake Achensee (Achensee), Austria's largest natural lake in Tyrol at 9.4 km long and up to 133 meters deep, lies just 10 km to the southwest and influences the local microclimate and water systems. Small streams and tributaries from the Rofan Mountains feed into the lake, with seasonal meltwater from snow and glaciers contributing to clear, oligotrophic waters suitable for recreation. The area experiences moderate water flow, with potential for spring flooding in valleys due to rapid snowmelt, but engineered channels help manage this. No significant lakes are present directly in the municipality, but alpine tarns and ponds dot the higher elevations, supporting local ecosystems.
Steinberg am Rofan has a temperate alpine climate, characterized by cool, wet summers and cold, snowy winters, influenced by its high elevation and proximity to the Alps. Annual average temperatures hover around 5-7°C (41-45°F), with significant precipitation (about 1,200-1,500 mm yearly) distributed evenly but peaking in summer thunderstorms. Winters are harsh, with temperatures often below freezing from November to March, and reliable snow cover supporting skiing from December to April. Summers are mild, rarely exceeding 25°C (77°F), ideal for outdoor activities. Data from nearby stations like Patscherkofel (26 miles away) indicate variations, but local conditions are cooler and snowier due to orographic lift.
Steinberg am Rofan is surrounded by the expansive Rofan and Karwendel mountain ranges, offering a network of hiking trails, winter paths, and scenic viewpoints. To the southwest lies Lake Achensee, a glacial lake bordered by steep cliffs and forests, serving as a focal point for water sports and tourism. Nearby peaks include the Guffert (2,195 m) and other Rofan summits, with the area featuring protected forests under the Austrian Federal Forests (Bundesforste), promoting biodiversity and sustainable land use. The Inn Valley (Inntal) is accessible to the south, while the Bavarian border lies to the north, blending Austrian and German alpine influences. Notable features include the small ski lifts (three in total) accessing family-friendly slopes, cross-country trails through meadows, and natural "power spots" like ancient trees and rock formations believed to hold energetic significance. This geography fosters a tranquil, nature-focused environment, with minimal urban development preserving the region's ecological integrity.
Prehistoric and Ancient Periods (circa 500 BC–8th Century AD)
Human activity in the Steinberg area dates back to prehistoric times,
with traces of early inhabitants influenced by Etruscans advancing from
the south and Celts from the north. A significant discovery in 1957
revealed a prehistoric spring sanctuary in a cave near the Guffert
mountain at Schneidjoch (around 1,400 meters), featuring Raetic rock
inscriptions from approximately 400–500 BC. These inscriptions, unique
in Austria and recognized as part of European cultural heritage, suggest
the site served as an ancient cult or trade hub along early alpine
routes. The rugged Rofan Mountains provided natural resources and
isolation, setting the stage for later settlements.
The Roman era saw
Tyrol as part of the province of Raetia, but Steinberg remained
peripheral, with no major Roman infrastructure. Post-Roman migrations
brought gradual habitation, though specific records are sparse until the
medieval period.
Early Medieval Period (8th–13th Centuries)
Settlement intensified in the 8th century, primarily by Bavarian
settlers and migrants from Breitenbach in the Inn Valley, drawn to the
fertile high pastures for farming and livestock. This era marked
Steinberg as part of the "Land im Gebirge" (mountainous land), donated
around 1000 AD by the Aribonen counts to the Benedictine Abbey of Seeon
in Bavaria. The abbey held feudal lordship over the area until its
secularization in 1803, influencing local governance and economy.
Religious foundations were central: In 1188, the Romanesque church was
consecrated to St. Lambert (patron saint of the Aribonen and Seeon
Abbey) by the Bishop of Brixen, establishing it as a spiritual hub. By
1305, Steinberg was documented as one of three filial churches under
Breitenbach's jurisdiction, reflecting its integration into the regional
ecclesiastical structure. The economy relied on subsistence agriculture,
forestry, and livestock breeding, with wood transported via the nearby
Brandenberger Ache river.
Late Medieval and Early Modern Periods
(14th–18th Centuries)
The 14th–15th centuries brought architectural
advancements: Construction of a new Gothic church began in 1419,
completing with consecration in 1434, replacing the earlier Romanesque
structure. Politically, Steinberg was under Bavarian rule until 1504,
when it transitioned to Habsburg control under Emperor Maximilian I,
alongside districts like Kitzbühel and Kufstein. Bavarian land laws
persisted for two centuries, shaping property and inheritance practices.
The 17th century introduced industrial elements: In 1606, due to its
remote and secure location, Steinberg received permission to operate a
gunpowder mill, leading to the local family name "Pulverer" (powder
maker). The church was remodeled in Baroque style from 1715 to 1719,
featuring a magnificent high altar (circa 1740) and carved Trinity
representation, which remain cultural highlights today.
Ecclesiastically, it belonged to the Archdiocese of Freising until 1818,
then shifted to Salzburg.
19th Century (Napoleonic Era to
Industrial Shifts)
The Napoleonic Wars disrupted the region: From
1805 to 1814, Steinberg was briefly reincorporated into Bavaria. In
1811, it became an independent municipality, reverting to Austrian
Habsburg rule post-1814. In 1891, it gained independent parish status,
enhancing local autonomy.
Cultural life flourished: Evidence of a
music group dates to 1837, and the Federal Music Band
(Bundesmusikkapelle) was formally established in 1877, becoming a
cornerstone of community traditions. Population grew modestly, from 180
in 1869 to 201 in 1900, supported by agriculture and woodworking.
Alpinism emerged: In 1894, the first summit cross was erected on the
Guffert (2,194 meters). By 1895, the guestbook at Gasthof Kirchenwirt
recorded first ascents by pioneers like Josef Nieberl, Hermann Buhl,
Hans Dülfer, Hans Fiechtl, Peter Habeler, and Mathias Rebitsch, marking
the dawn of modern mountaineering in the Rofan. The Erfurter Hütte was
built in 1895, followed by Bayreuther Hütte in 1906 and Gufferthütte in
1926, facilitating alpine access.
20th Century (World Wars,
Tourism Boom, and Modernization)
Population fluctuated, peaking at
317 in 1981 before stabilizing around 300. Post-World War I, the
Fremdenverkehrsverband (tourism association) was founded in 1929,
promoting Steinberg as a destination. In the 1930s, winter sports began
modestly: In 1931/32, only 15 active skiers were noted, but local
children competed in nearby events.
After World War II, tourism
surged, attracting visitors from southern Germany. The 1957 discovery of
the prehistoric inscriptions boosted cultural interest. In 1966, the
municipality received its coat of arms (three mountain peaks in silver)
and flag (black and white). Infrastructure grew: The Gfaßkopf-Lift
opened in 1972, and the Tiroler Alpine Ski Championships were hosted in
1976. The music band celebrated its centenary in 1977.
The 1980s saw
cross-country ski trails established (now 29 km with quality seals), and
a ski lift built in the late 1980s, shifting the economy from farming to
tourism. Bus services were discontinued in the 1990s but reintroduced in
2003 (Line 7801 to Achenkirch).
Recent History (21st
Century–Present)
By 2011, Steinberg had 56 workplaces, with services
dominating (two-thirds of residents commuted out). In 2014, Thomas
Naupp's book Steinberg am Rofan – Ein Tiroler Bergdorf im Wandel der
Zeit documented its evolution. A 2017 values catalog guided sustainable
development, emphasizing gentle tourism.
In 2021, Steinberg joined
the international Bergsteigerdörfer (Mountaineering Villages)
initiative, committing to preserve its alpine heritage. It earned the
European Village Renewal Award in Silver in 2022 for sustainability
efforts. In 2024, a larch-wood viewing platform was constructed by the
Österreichischen Bundesforste, highlighting natural sites like the
triple waterfall and Steinberger Ache gorge.
Today, Steinberg
balances its historical roots—evident in landmarks like the Parish
Church of St. Lambert, Silberwaldkapelle, and musical traditions—with
eco-friendly tourism, offering hiking, climbing, skiing, and via
ferratas in the Rofan Mountains. Its isolation fosters a sense of
timeless peace, making it a haven for those seeking authentic Tyrolean
alpine culture.
jobs, workers
In 2011 there were 56 jobs in Steinberg, sixteen in
agriculture, twelve in manufacturing and half in services. Two-thirds of
the approximately 130 workers who live in the community commute.
Traffic
After local public transport (Postbus) was discontinued in
the 1990s, bus services (route 7801) have been running between Steinberg
and Achenkirch several times a day since 2003.
council
The municipal council has a total of 11 members.
With the municipal council and mayoral elections in Tyrol in 1998, the
municipal council had the following distribution: 11 We Steinberger -
home list.
With the municipal council and mayoral elections in Tyrol
in 2004, the municipal council had the following distribution: 8 for
Steinberg - mayoral list and 3 independent list Steinberg.
With the
municipal council and mayoral elections in Tyrol in 2010, the municipal
council had the following distribution: 11 For Steinberg – list of
mayors.
With the municipal council and mayoral elections in Tyrol in
2016, the municipal council had the following distribution: 7 for
Steinberg - mayor list and 4 list future Steinberg.
With the
municipal council and mayoral elections in Tyrol in 2022, the municipal
council has the following distribution: 8 for Steinberg - mayoral list
and 3 list future Steinberg.
mayor
since 1992 Helmut
Margreiter (For Steinberg – list of mayors)
coat of arms
The
community was awarded the following coat of arms in 1966: three mountain
peaks in silver in the colors blue, black and blue.
The colors of
the community flag are black and white.