Hiking - from Stubnerkogel up to Kreuzkogel a treat!

Walking in Gastein Valley: From spring to late autumn the Gastein Valley is a paradise for mountain junkies and hiking lovers.

From simple strolls to challenging hikes - the mountains offer something for every demand. Whether on the trail of the Romans (walking on the remains of an ancient mountain pass) or from pasture to pasture - the walks through the Hohe Tauern National Park offer an unbelievable variety. And countless mountain huts invite you to rest and enjoy the delicacies of the region.
It goes without saying, guided hikes are also offered - the Spa Hotels Gastein are at your disposal to help choose the right one for your hike together - with a trained hiking guide you can fully concentrate on enjoying yourselves. For example, on the Schlossalm, this is like the "mountain" of the spa hotels! This leads to Bad Hofgastein (height 843m) above the middle station at Kitzstein (1,302 m) and up to a height of 2,050m above sea level near the "Kleinen Scharte".

Whether a relaxation hungry holidaymaker or a super athlete - the Schloßalm provides for active families as well as a change for rest or recreation. The Schloßalm is just pure enjoyment - at the Kleinen Scharte offers a fantastic panoramic view, ideal for a rest. Or hike to a small or large mountain , or a real Alpine tour - it's your choice - and of course the team at the Spa Hotels Gastein would love to help. If you are together with family you may even want to explore the high plateau of Schloßalm with a pushchair - in the form of a lake walk for example. However, you can also use the trails - everything is very well signposted - from the mountain station and back. And the Schloßalm is perfectly suited to enjoy alpine hiking and climbing trails - so as to speak, a multifunctional mountain - of which we are proud!

Hikes in Gastein

Bad Hofgastein, the historic center of the Gastein Valley, is the ideal starting point for countless hikes. At the foot of the National Park, 600 km of perfectly marked hiking trails await hikers in a 100% intact natural paradise. From a short alpine pasture walk to a full day tour, from stroller and family friendly to high alpine, the choice extends. So every day it's time to discover a new alpine pasture, conquer a new peak or simply enjoy nature. By the way, Gastein was awarded the Austrian Hiking Seal of Approval as a sign of the quality of the trail network and infrastructure.

What could be better than after a delicious breakfast - for which there must be enough time, because it provides the body with the necessary "fuels" for the planned tour - full of energy and anticipation to pack the backpack and start marching. For further travel, hikers can use the Gastein hiking bus. This takes them to the cable cars on the Stubnerkogel, to the Schlossalm, to the Graukogel, to the Fulseck as well as to the high-altitude Sportgastein. There are also stops in between for a short walk to the entry points of the hiking routes. Thus also the car has times vacation and above all one must go back so no longer the same way but can select for the way back or descent a new route. With the Gastein Card, guests of the Gastein Valley also receive a discount on the ticket price.

The variety of possible hikes is almost limitless. Here you will now find a small list of the most popular hikes:


Gasteiner Höhenweg:
A panoramic trail that delights with its views and sunny location. The start is in Bad Hofgastein, then it goes past the historic Rauchbergmühle and the Gadaunerer Schlucht, which has been declared a natural monument. The trail then continues across meadows and slopes to the Grüner Baum/Kötschachtal. The hiking time is about 2 hours and there are 190 m of altitude to overcome. Along the way, there are always places to stop and rest.


Gadauner Hochalmen:
A beautiful half-day tour, which has its starting point in the Angertal. The first part of the trail leads via Wolfstall through a dense spruce forest. Therefore, this hike is ideal especially on hot days. Just above the tree line there are then numerous alpine pastures, which seem like a small village and of course you absolutely have to try the homemade delicacies. Total walking time: 5 hours and 600Hm.


Miners' World Angertal:
Here you hike in the footsteps of the miners and if you march along the Angerbach to the head of the valley, the erected Knappenwelt provides an additional excursion into the early industrial mining of gold and silver and the life of the miners. This smelting site with the late medieval smelting furnaces for gold and silver is unique for Central Europe. This excursion is also suitable for walkers - the walking time is 2 hours and there are only 50 m of elevation to climb.


Reed Lake:
If you hike to Reedsee, you will be immersed in a fairy tale. Situated at the foot of the Tischler Group and surrounded by ancient mountain forest, the effort is immediately forgotten when you see the trees, mountains and glaciers reflected in the still water. The hike starts in the Kötschachtal, at first almost level in the direction of Prossau. But after crossing the Kötschachtaler Ache, the path leads steeply uphill for a good hour to Kohlplatzl. Shortly afterwards you reach the Reedsee. Total walking time: 6 hours, 750 hm


Leidalm:
Most of the altitude difference can be comfortably overcome with the new Schlossalmbahn. From the mountain station, the path leads in the direction of the Brandner Hochalm. If you want, you can already take a break here and simply enjoy the time. The trail then continues along the Leidalmbach stream on an old supply path to the Neudegg Heimalm and the Fundner Heimalm. The way down into the valley leads via the Vogeltrenn to Bad Hofgastein or from the middle station by train into the valley. Total walking time: 5 hours


Rastötzenalm:
The start for this enjoyable hike is the Annenkapelle in Bad Hofgastein. The path leads through mixed forest and over forest roads to the Rastötzenalm, surrounded by Gamskarkogel, Frauenkogel, Geißkarkopf, Rauchkogel and Tennkogel. Whichever of the three alpine huts - Grußbergalm, Planitzenhütte or Rastötzenalm - is chosen for a well-deserved rest, the view of the mountains all around is always impressive. Total walking time: 4 hours, 650 Hm


Gamskarkogel:
This hike to the highest grassy mountain in Europe at 2467 m is a full-day tour for experienced hikers. From the parking lot Grüner Baum/Kötschachtal it goes first steeply over a steep path to the Poserhöhe. From there the path leads in serpentines and over some torrents to the Tofernscharte and then again briefly but steeply to the summit. At the top is the oldest refuge in Europe - built in 1828 in the name of Archduke Johann. Total walking time: 9 hours, 1420 Hm



When Confucius said "The way is the goal" he certainly didn't know about the alpine huts in Gastein! Because these rustic wooden huts, which have been defying the weather for many years, are the most beautiful destination of every hike and a stop is therefore an absolute must! And maybe you can even look over the dairymaid's shoulder as she makes cheese.

The highest suspension bridge in Europe

One of the many highlights: The highest suspension bridge in Europe - built by the Gastein mountain railway. Thrill yourself with the 140-meter long suspension bridge on the Stubnerkogel - this is both the first of its kind at 2.300 meters above sea level and also accessible all year round. Anyone can embark on an adrenaline rush of a different kind, just few meters away from the mountain station of Stubnerkogelbahn - provided you have a head for heights and strong nerves - because the bridge is too light to pass through! Via ferrata - the new trend - a variety of options in the Gastein Valley: - On the Schlossalm, hiking and climbing can be interconnected via ferratas, with difficulty levels from A to E, offering something for every skill level.

From the practice ferrata on the "Weitmoser" B / C to the "Hirschinger" and "Kleine Scharte" C / D, everything is offered, including a magnificent view! And countless mountain huts invite you to rest and enjoy the delights of the region. Of course, guided hikes are offered - the Spa Hotels Gastein are at your disposal and to help plan the route for you hike!

A real original - Our hiking guide Christian!

He does not wear knickerbockers, but his beloved leather pants, which withstand any weather, and otherwise Christian, the hiking guide of the spa hotels is a true original, with whom every hike becomes an experience in a class of its own! As a true Gasteiner, he knows every path, every stone, every alpine flower and knows where to find mushrooms and medicinal herbs for many aches and pains. If it goes over the alpine pastures and on the summits, then he is in his element. If you hike with him, you will learn many a story and legend about the valley and discover the most beautiful huts and the best Kaiserschmarrn for a refreshment.

Whether a lake hike, a summit tour, an alpine hut hike or even a hike into the sunrise - each one is a very special experience for all senses. Our Christian finds the right route for everyone! Sometimes he wakes us up early and shows us a sunrise on the mountain, sometimes we set off on a lake hike. Other times the tour takes us all the way up to the summit and we fortify ourselves afterwards in an alpine hut with friendly hospitality and the best, regional products. Just ask for Christian and discover the Gastein mountains together with him - absolutely authentic and unforgettable!

Our hiking guide Christian is on the road 5 times a week with our guests to the most beautiful places of our Gastein mountains - Join him!

As part of the Thermenhotels Gastein "Almsommer" package, Christian, our hiking guide, will take you exclusively to the mountains of Gastein. Thus, under expert guidance, you will conquer the peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park and discover the most beautiful places of the Gastein Valley. Not only 3 guided hikes are included in the package, but we have also already reserved an exclusive hiking backpack, hiking poles and a hiking map for you!

The most beautiful hikes with our hiking guide Christian

Hike to the Bärsteinalm:

We can look forward to an easy hike with wonderful panoramic views of the valley!

The Tour: We will ride the bus in the direction of Angertal. From Gasthof Lackenbauer, we now make our way up to the Bärsteinalm, where we will take a break for refreshments. Once done, a 5-minute walk will bring us to the Kitzstein mid-station. If you wish, you can ride the funicular back down to the valley (€ 7.50) – however, if you prefer to continue hiking, you will stay with Christian and walk all the way back to our original starting point in Bad Hofgastein. For tired feet, we suggest a spot of Kneipp therapy on the Pyrkerhöhe.


Gastein’s Hot Springs:

Many myths swirl around the discovery of Gastein's miraculous water! Together with hiking guide Christian, we will set out in search of where the hot springs emerge from the depths at the foot of the Graukogel in Bad Gastein and then merge with the cold, clear water of the mountains.

The Tour: We will ride the bus together to Bad Bruck, from where a mystical waterfall trail leads us alongside the water and up to Bad Gastein. Imposingly, the Bad Gastein waterfall plunges down the mountainside before our eyes – a time to pause and sense the astonishing power of nature! The Erzherzog Johann Path will now lead us back to Bad Hofgastein!
For a different kind of liquid refreshment, we will stop by the Durzbauer Distillery, where we will be introduced to the fascinating art of schnapps distilling.


Hike to the Gamskarkogel:

At 2467 m above sea level, the Gamskarkogel is the highest of Europe's so-called "Grass Mountains". Something many people do not know: During her numerous visits to Gastein in order to take the cure, Empress Sisi also spent time exploring Gastein's mountain world, even managing to make her way to the top of the Gamskar. And so, we will now follow in her footsteps accompanied by Christian!
The Tour: We will first drive up to the Annencafé and from there continue to the Rastötzenalm. This is the actual starting point for our mountain hike! Making our way across alpine meadows and past pink rhododendron bushes, it will take us about 2 hours to reach the summit cross, where the Gamskarkogel Hütte awaits us and treats us to magnificent panoramic views of Gastein Valley! Finally, we will return via the Edelweissklapfl to the Rastötzenalm.


Hike to the Stubnerkogel:

This popular mountain for skiers also has a lot to offer in summer! One special highlight is a suspension footbridge with breathtaking views of Gastein's mountain world!

The Tour: We will first ride the bus to Bad Gastein. From here, we will take the gondola up the Stubnerkogel – getting off at the mid-station. Hiking past the Zittraueralm, we will make our way uphill in the direction of the Zittrauer Scharte. Once we have reached the mountain station, we will enjoy a short coffee break, then hike via the footbridge to the Stubneralm, taking about 1 ½ hours, where hearty snacks await us.


Sepp Poetry Path to the Biberalm:

Hut-hopping at its most beautiful! Your hiking guide Christian has put together for you a leisurely hike across alpine pastures, including two refreshment stops along the way!

The Tour: We will first ride the taxi shuttle to the starting point for our hike, the Brandebenbauer. From here, we will enjoy a relaxing hike along the Sepp Poetry Path for about 2 hours until we reach the next hut, at the Biberalm. Now, we continue along the Gasteiner Almenweg, finally stopping again for refreshments, this time at the Fundner Heimalm.
Here, hikers can look forward to a selection of sweet treats, such as farmhouse style donuts as well as a local version of French toast. Finally, we will follow the Vogeltennweg, which will bring us back to the valley in about 1 hour.


Treasures of the Hohe Tauern - Fascination of Crystals:

How were the Alps created and how are crystals produced? Our hiking guide Christian is an avid mineral collector and will explain to us the wonders of nature! He will also bring along some of his own treasures to show us!
The Tour: We will ride the Citybus to Gadaunern, Ortenstein. A half-hour walk will bring us to the Gasteiner Höhenweg. We will pass the Gadaunerer Schlucht, learning fascinating facts about the mineralogy and geology of the area. After a refreshment break enjoyed at Café Sonnberg, as an added highlight we will visit the Crystal Museum in Bad Hofgastein.


Family Hike Gadaunerer Hochalm:

If you long to marvel at lush alpine meadows in bloom, you will definitely want to hike with your guide Christian up to the high pastures! For children, the program includes organized fun and games in nature as well as refreshments at Waldgasthof Angertal!
The Tour: Together, we will ride the bus in the direction of Angertal. Passing the Waldgasthof, we will enjoy a leisurely walk towards Knappenwelt, where the adventure truly begins for the children's group. Experiencing nature with all of our senses and having lots of fun: that's what it's all about! The hiking group will march along the supply road to the Salzburger Almenweg, reaching the Gadaunerer Hochalmen in about 2 hours, where numerous rustic huts invite us to stop, relax and enjoy a snack. The descent takes us along the idyllic Salzburger Almenweg. At the end, both groups meet up again for the ride home.


Alpine Treats at the Poserhöhe:

Probably the best Kaiserschmarr‘n in Gastein - at the Poserhöhe! We will make our way through “Dwarf Forest” up to a wonderful rustic hut with great views!

The Tour: We will ride the Postbus to Kötschachtal. Behind Hoteldorf Grüner Baum, we begin our hike up to the Poserhöhe, with a trail through meadows and forests taking us on an ambitious hike steadily uphill. As our reward, the Poserhöhe welcomes us with magnificent scenery. After a well-earned refreshment break, a forest path and a 1 ½-hour walk will bring us to a forestry road, where we begin our descent across the Faschingberg. Here, we will make our way past the wildlife feeding station run by the Czerny family and, with a little bit of luck, might even glimpse a few deer!


Nostalgia Hike:

Led by hiking guide Christian, a short journey back in time – just like 50 years ago!
The Tour: We will get on the bus to Böckstein. The Böckstein forest path will lead us across the Windischgrätzhöhe and along the Hardtweg to Gasthof Reiterbauer. Then, we will return by bus to Bad Hofgastein. Energetic hikers may wish to return on foot along the Gasteiner Höhenweg to Bad Hofgastein (taking about 2 ½ hours).


Biberalm at sunrise:

For all of you early-birds who want to begin your day with a hike. Including breakfast enjoyed at a mountain hut!

The Tour: We will get our day off to an early start with a ride on the taxi shuttle up to the Biberalm in Bad Hofgastein. We will then set out on a hike lasting about 30 minutes up to the weather cross, where we will be able to enjoy the sunrise.
With a classic hill-country breakfast in our tummies, we will continue our hike to the Fundner Heimalm and enjoy a break there for refreshments. After hiking for about another hour, at around midday we will reach our final destination, Bad Hofgastein.


Nassfelder Weg to Sportgastein:

Untamed romance: this is what we can expect along the old Nassfelder Weg to Sportgastein! In winter, a paradise for ice climbers; in summer, imposing waterfalls right next to the path plunge towards the valley.

The Tour: We begin by riding the bus to Beckstein. Our hike first takes us past the famous “Evianquelle” springs. The water plunges off the steepest mountainside of the Pirnbacher in many small waterfalls. After a hike taking about 2 hours, we will reach Nassfeld. Numerous mountain huts await us on the valley floor of Sportgastein at 1590 m above sea level, inviting us to stop in for refreshments. We will then return to Bad Hofgastein by Postbus.


Pine - Magic Voices of the Mountains:

This hike will appeal to all of your senses! See, smell, hear! Together with hiking guide Christian, we will discover the mysterious Pine Path and learn fascinating facts about the "Queen of the Evergreens" – the Gastein arolla pine!

The Tour: Departing Bad Hofgastein, we will drive to Bad Gastein and the Graukogel lift. We will then ride this chairlift up to the mountain station! Together, we will now explore the Pine Path, enjoying the fragrances, listening to the call of the nutcrackers and looking down into the valley. From the Pine Path, our hike takes us up to the picturesque Palfnersee. Here, we will be introduced to the art of yodeling!


The Schuhflicker in Dorfgestein:

A picture-book mountain hike along one of the region's most scenic ridgelines, with wonderful views of Grossarl & Dorfgastein.
The Tour: We will ride the bus down to Dorfgastein. Now, the gondola will carry us quickly to the top of the Fulseck at 2000 m above sea level. Our hike begins and, in about one hour, we will reach the Arltörl - a traditional pass from the neighboring valley of Grossarl to Gastein. Now, we will hike up to the weather cross. Once there, we're just 30 minutes from the summit. For hikers who are a little less surefooted, they have the option to take a break at the weather cross and watch the avid summiteers make the final ascent. Together again, we will descend via the “Jaga Steig” and treat ourselves to refreshments at the Grabnerhütte. For the last stage back to the valley, we will ride the gondola lift.


A Happy Hike to the Leidalm:

Meadows in bloom as far as the eye can see! Hiking guide Christian leads you on an especially beautiful hike in Bad Hofgastein.

The Tour: Our hike begins with a lift ride up to the Schlossalm in Bad Hofgastein. We will then hike in the direction of the Maurachalm, continuing for about another 1 ½ hours to the Brandner Hochalm, where we will stop for refreshments. With our tummies full, we will make our way through the area of the Leidalm until we reach the mountain station on the Kleine Scharte. Here, at 2050 m above sea level, we will truly be able to appreciate the wonderful views of our mountain world. Then, we will enjoy a pleasant ride on the gondola back down to the valley below!


Gold Fever:

Hike in the footsteps of the gold miners! Our hiking guide Christian will set out with you in search of Gastein's gold-mining history – which will lead us to Sportgastein.

The Tour: We will first take the bus to Sportgastein. From the valley floor, a path leads us steeply uphill. After about 45 minutes, we will reach the Lower Bockhartsee and enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore. Our hike will now bring us to the Upper Bockhartsee - and with a little bit of luck, we might even catch sight of a marmot or two. We can certainly count on hearing their whistles as we hike!


Hike to the Gadaunerer Hochalm:

If you like to marvel at lush, flower-strewn alpine meadows, you will definitely want to join our guide Christian for a hike up to the high pastures!

The Tour: We will ride the bus in the direction of Angertal. From Gasthof Lackenbauer, we will hike alongside the Lafenmahder up to the Baldauf Hütte, where we will stop for refreshments: incl. Kletzenbrot & genuine hill-farm cheese – plus a selection of other mouthwatering products to sample.


The Power of Herbs:

What is that pretty flower over there? Herb educator Renate knows the answer and will share her knowledge about the herbs that grow in Gastein with us! We will collect a variety of these herbs along the way and then, while we enjoy a bit of a break, turn them into delicious products and sample them!

The Tour: Our path will take us on a leisurely walk up to one of the sunniest places in Bad Hofgastein and to Café Sonnberg, where we will take a break and get to taste some of the natural treasures we have plucked along the way. We then continue our hike via the Gasteiner Höhenweg in the direction of Bad Gastein.
We will pass the Gadaunerer Schlucht and hike through enchanted forests. As we make our way home, the path will lead us along the banks of the Gasteiner Ache and back to our starting point!

The mountain of the Gasteiner - the Breitfeldkogel

Gastein offers its hiking enthusiastic guests a variety of hiking routes - from easy and family-friendly to really challenging and high alpine. The tour on the Breitfeldkogel should definitely be in every hiking book! The Kalkbretterkopf or Breitfeldkogel, as the locals call it and love it, is with 2412m one of the higher peaks and should not be missing in any hiking and ski touring book because of its wonderful view. The people of Gastein love this mountain because it is a sporting challenge in summer as well as in winter, which is rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the Hohe Tauern.

You still only need your hiking boots, but as soon as winter moves into the mountains, it is worthwhile to have the touring equipment with you. The start is at the parking lot in the Angertal. The path leads across the high plateau of the - Gadaunerer Hochalmen - either via the Breitfeldboden above the Ecklgrube or via the Stanz-Scharte. From the Stanzscharte it's a comfortable climb to the summit. If you are lucky, you will not only see chamois, but also golden eagles and griffon vultures. When it is really wintry in the Gastein Valley, the descent leads directly back to the parking lot. Conquer the Breitfeldkogel together with our hiking guide Christian!

Full moon hike - Hiking with all senses!

When the full moon illuminates the mountain peaks of the Gastein Valley like stars in the spotlight and the number of stars in the sky really goes to infinity, hiking becomes one dimension richer. You perceive the sounds and smells of nature much more intensely! This full moon hike on the Fulseck in Gastein is a fairy tale experience that not only children will enjoy, with storyteller Helmut Wittmann. During the hike he tells the old legends of the Gastein Valley. For example, he knows the secret of the Saligen women, who lived in the caves of the Gastein Valley and helped the people of the valley with words and deeds.

He also knows how to tell about the magic of the fairy queen, about the glow of the dragon and about the happiness that lies along the way. Musically, he is accompanied by a harp and the alpine form of the bagpipe - the Bockpfeife. A must for all who love mythology.