ROUTES: Gamskarkogel, Stubnerkogel scenic route, Kühkar

We have another article for you from the Hiking Routes series. Read on and plan your trips around Bad Gastein to enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

Gamskarkogel

The Gamskarkogel is an ideal viewpoint (2467m) which is also quite easy to reach. You just can't find a place like this. You'll have a view of the entire High Tatras mountain range, plus the northern part of the Limestone Alps from Wilden Kaiser to Dachstein. No wonder a mountain hut was built here as early as 1829. It was even the first alpine hut in Austria to be used only for mountaineers. The hut was rebuilt in 1933, but the original foundations were preserved as kitchen facilities. The most recent renovation took place in 2013, during which the original 1933 appearance was preserved.

The route to Gamskarkogel starts at the Grünen Baum guesthouse (1066m) and the first part leads steeply through a mountain meadow. The steep start does not last long and soon the path becomes more pleasant. The view of the Kötschachtal valley and the Tischlergruppe ridges will make up for the extra effort. Another attraction are the gnomes dotted along the way. Continue along the sunny southern slope until you reach the Poserhöhe, where you get a beautiful view of Bad Gastein. The edges of the viewpoint are secured by railings.

From the Poserhöhe the path goes briefly through the Almgelände, then almost without climbing through a fairy-tale forest with twisted trees festooned with moss and lichen. Only after crossing the forest does the path become steeper again and the elevation gain is felt as we climb to Tofernscharte (2091m), the mountain saddle leading to Großarl. The road then winds its way over the ridge to the highest point to the aforementioned mountain hut - Badgesteiner Hütte. You will have a breathtaking view of the whole surroundings.

Tip: We recommend staying overnight in the hut and enjoying the unforgettable sunset and sunrise.

Info:

Starting point / Destination

Approximate walking time: 7 hours (round trip)

Length: approx. 11 km

Highest point: 2467 m

Difficulty: medium

Stubnerkogel

This trail to the Stubnerkogel (2228m) passes by all the local attractions and is recommended as a relatively easy, relaxing walk. From the cable car station we walk across a 140m long suspension bridge, which offers beautiful views of the landscape below. After the bridge, we walk to the Glocknerblick viewing platform and enjoy the panorama of the glacial peaks of the High Taurus. From here we continue to the trail, which requires a bit of courage as the footbridge is suspended in the rock and in places we lose a bit of ground underfoot. The trail leads to another viewing platform. From the second viewpoint, we return to the hill station via a wide and easily navigable path.

Tip: The station serves as a starting point for many other hiking trails, for example to the Zitterauer Tisch, to Bockhartsee and to Naßfeld, or to the Stubneralm.

Info:

Starting point / Destination

Approximate walking time: 30 minutes

Length: approx. 1.7 km

Highest point: 2228 m

Difficulty: easy

Kühkar

The path to Kühkar starts on a busy mountain road and then turns into a picturesque and lonely mountain valley. First a wide and slightly steep forest road leads us through the Kötschachtal valley to Prossau to the Alpengasthof Prossau. If you find the road to the inn too busy, continue on and you will be guaranteed peace and quiet. The road from here is narrower, steeper and with many curves through dense forest. On one side, the Kesselfall waterfall plunges into the valley, on the other the granite walls of the Bocksteinkogel rise. The forest gradually thins out and the route continues without elevation gain through the romantic Kühkar valley. In the valley, you can see the semi-dilapidated Kesselkar-Almhütte. The high-mountain boggy area is decorated with unique pine and larch trees. The last bear in the Gastein valley was killed in this area 150 years ago. So you don't have to worry about bears, but you'd better turn around and go back. The route for the next hike is only sporadically marked and is recommended for professional climbers.

Tip: On the way back from the inn in Prossau, you can take a bus or even a horse-drawn carriage.

Info:

Starting point / Destination:

Grüner Baum, Kötschachtal

Approximate walking time: 4.5 hours (round trip)

Length: approx. 15 km

Highest point: 1786 m

Difficulty: medium

Note: Always inform yourself about the current conditions and any changes to the route and observe the safety precautions for mountain walking.

The ideal starting point for accommodation is the Residence AlpenHeart, located in the heart of a picturesque spa town. The peaceful hotel provides all possible services to ensure maximum client satisfaction. Afraid to speak German? No problem, the staff will be happy to welcome you in Czech and you don't have to worry about the language barrier, you can also enjoy Czech beer, rent bikes, etc.