The Gastein Valley offers a large number of cultural events during the summer. One of the most popular is the Almfest, a festival of good food.

The plateau will be transformed into an oasis of aromas and flavours that will tempt visitors to stay longer. All the mountain huts will join in the celebration and locals will enjoy lots of music, dancing and delicious food together with visitors.

Homemade products from the mountains

Guests at all the mountain huts will be hard-pressed to resist the offer, which will consist mainly of home-grown products. Bacon, cheese, butter and bread directly from cattle breeders and farmers will provide tourists with much-needed energy. But beware, if you want to continue on your hike, there is a great danger of not getting anywhere.

The good mood easily wears everyone down and visitors will try in vain to get up from their chairs. They'll always settle back for more goodies. Homemade buttermilk? Or perhaps a shot of home-made spirit to whet the appetite? No problem. There'll be plenty of everything at Sportgastein.

Music and dancing

A festival of good food would not be complete without folk music. Several local ensembles will fill the entire plateau with their music and yodelling, giving visitors the opportunity to get out of their chairs and stretch their bodies by dancing.

Visitors will be entertained, for example, by the very popular local ensemble d'Hüttenkogler, which will perform traditional dances and songs in the costumes of the Gastein region.

Where to work up a full belly?

The Almfest weekend has a lot to offer, and if you feel crowded, try taking a short walk around the area. You don't really need to overindulge, especially if you've indulged in more homemade spirits.

There really is plenty to choose from. How about a walk along the nature trail through the national park or a guided walk to learn about the history of the valley and gold panning there (both days from 11:30am). And if you don't feel like walking at all, you can hop on the Goldbergbahn cable car, be taken up to the Kreuzkogel and enjoy the view.

Availability

Sportgastein is less than 10 kilometres from Bad Gastein and it will take you 15 minutes by car! Book your accommodation in Bad Gastein early. The whole area is very popular and in the summer months the capacities fill up quickly.