Fresh air, crystal clear mountain streams and mountain lakes, remarkable flora and fauna, picturesque mountain huts and villages, all this makes Bad Gastein one of the most popular tourist areas in Austria. There are countless hiking trails to choose from. We will present the most popular ones in this series of articles.
Gasteiner Höhenweg
The Gasteiner Höhenweg is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Gastein valley. The start of the route is located in the town of Bad Hofgastein above the cemetery by the Cafe Gamskar. The trail runs at about 1000 metres above sea level in an almost straight line towards Bad Gastein and ends at a second Cafe Gamskar, this time in Bad Gastein - yes, there really is a cafe with the same name at each end of the trail! The Gasteiner Höhenweg is a fairly easy and very panoramic walk with a low elevation gain. You will pass flowering meadows, sunny forests, old mills, picturesque farmhouses and through the Gadaunerer and Remsacher gorges. It is possible to walk through the Gadauner Pass and enjoy the amazing view of the waterfall. In addition, you can find out a lot of interesting information from the information boards.
There is always something to see along the way, whether it is the wonderful views of the local villages huddled on the mountainsides or the sightings of local plants and animals. Right next to the road, for example, is a deer preserve.
Tip
Of course, you can also follow the route in the opposite direction and start in Bad Gastein or join the route on the way.
Information:
Starting point:
Bad Hofgastein or Bad Gastein
Approximate walking time: 2 hours (Höhenweg only)
Length: approx. 5.5 km
Highest point: 1040 m
Difficulty: easy
Böcksteiner Höhenweg - Hirschkarköpfl
The trail used to run almost entirely through dense forest, but now you will very often cross open spaces with wonderful views towards Böckfeldalm. At first the path is wide and quite steep, but soon it turns into a true alpine trail with good signage and beautiful surroundings. The view of the beautiful pilgrimage church "Maria vom guten Rat" in the Böckstein valley will leave the biggest impression on you. After less than an hour it is worth stopping for a snack in Böckfeldalm. You will have a breathtaking view of the Radhausberg and Schareck. Order some local apple juice for a snack and fortify yourself for the next stage of the journey. The mountain meadows above Böckfeldalm are dotted with alpine flowers, including some truly unique species. The trail here is not extremely difficult, although it now crosses steep woodland. In some places, steel ropes are placed to hold you up for safety and you need to be more careful where you step. A little discomfort will be repaid many times over by the views of the Gasteiner-, Naßfelder- and Anlauftal valleys. Due to the difficult accessibility, this forest is also one of the last true alpine forests of the Gastein valley. Afterwards, you will again reach the Zitterauer Alm managed area.
From here you can already see the middle station of the Stubnerkogelbahn railway line. However, the hike to the top is the most important part of a mountain hike, so you cross the road and continue your hike through the inhabited Hirschkar area towards the unmissable avalanche barriers. Within minutes we climb eastwards to the memorial cross of the mountain rescue service on Hirschkarköpfl. The place is scented with tall pines and rewards you with unforgettable views of the valley. Afterwards, you will descend back down to the Zitteraueralm and from here it takes about 10 minutes to get back to the Stubnerkogelbahn station.
Tip: You can descend all the way to the station in the valley. The journey takes about an hour and takes you over winter slopes and dammed streams.
Information:
Starting point: Montansiedlung Böckstein
Destination
Approximate walking time: 3 hours
Length: approx. 6 km
Highest point: 2002 m
Difficulty: medium
Reedsee
Lake Reedsee (1831m) lies at the foot of the Tischlergruppe mountain peaks surrounded by ancient mountain forests. With a bit of luck you will see trees, glaciers and mountain peaks reflected on the calm lake surface. If you decide to hike to the lake, allow plenty of time and take supplies for a picnic. Trust us, you won't want to leave any time soon.
The start of the hike to the lake is quite easy and leads first along a flat forest path to the village of Prossau, from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks of the Tischlergruppe. After about half an hour, cross the small bridge over the Kötschacher Ache on your right. You will reach a nice mountain path and after a few minutes it is a comfortable walk. For the next hour, climb steeply to the small clearing Kohlplatzl, where brown coal was once processed. After a short stop, we continue through pine forests and mountain undergrowth, still climbing uphill, until the trail suddenly levels out and the Reedsee suddenly looms up ahead. The way back follows the same route to the starting point.
Tip: On the route between Kohlplatzl and the lake it is better not to stray from the path. There may be uncovered gullies in the surrounding undergrowth from the time of lignite mining.
Information:
Starting point:
Grüner Baum, Kötschachtal
Approximate walking time: 5 hours (Ascent: approx. 2.5 hours)
Length: approx. 12 km
Highest point: 1840 m
Difficulty: medium
Note: Always inform yourself about the current conditions and any changes to the route and observe the safety precautions for hiking in the mountains.