July 1st - September 18th, 2023

Like pearls on a string the alpine pastures of the Gasteinertal valley stretch along the border of the national park Hohe Tauern, the largest nature reserve of the Alps. Enjoy regional delicacies and Austrian hospitality as you visit rustic alpine cabins and have a first-hand look at the daily routine of the local mountain farmers.

Requirements and general information

The tour mainly covers alpine terrain. You will need appropriate mountain equipment and basic stamina. Necessary mountain equipment: ankle-high boots, functional clothes, rucksack, food and water, rain and sun protection, first-aid kit, mobile phone, possibly hiking sticks,… The routes are well signposted, although the signs could partly be covered by snow. Hence, it is imperative that you take your maps and your hiking book with you. An experienced guide is available to accompany you upon request.

The carrying out of the tour is dependent on weather conditions!
Alternative walking routes are always possible.

…self-guided trek (no luggage transfer)

Arrangement

6 x overnight stay with breakfast buffet in hotel and alpine breakfast at huts (3 x ***hotels, 3 x in huts – double rooms or communal bunks, hut sleeping bags mandatory, running water available, toilets partly biological)
1 x free entrance in public solar-swimming pool in Dorfgastein
1 x Hiking map + guide-book (1 x per room)
1 x Parking for 5 days at the starting point
Daily service hotline from 08.00 – 18.00 (also on weekends)

Routing:

1. day: Individual arrival in Dorfgastein.

Handing over of your travel documents at your accommodation.

Overnight stay in Dorfgastein.

2. day: Roundhike to the Steiner Hochalm

~ 12 km, 5,5 hrs, difference in altitude á 730 m / â 730 m

Directly from your hotel in Dorfgastein, you hike steadily uphill to the Steiner Hochalm with a wonderful panorama of the Gastein Valley. Here the alp invites you to take a long break. At the end of this circular hike you will reach Dorfgastein again.

Overnight stay in Dorfgastein.

3. day: Hike to Heinreichalm or continue to Präau Hochalm

~ 14,5 km, 8 hrs, difference in altitude á 1 470 m / â 630 m

Today's stage requires good physical condition, rewarded with a unique landscape. From Dorfgastein you hike first to the Amoser Hochalm and then on the Almenweg to the Heinreichalm, which scores particularly well with its excellent alpine snacks from our own farm. The location of the cabin is ideal for spotting wildlife on the opposite slopes.

Alternative hike

~ 10 km, 4 hrs, difference in altitude á 850 m / â 20 m

Alternatively, you can also climb past the Kokaseralm on a more direct route to the Heinreichalm.

Overnight stay at the Heinreichalm or Präau Hochalm (+ approx. 2 km or 45 min)

4. day: Alpine hike to Biberalm – with one of the best vistas of the Gasteinertal valley.

Rest stop along the way at Präau Hochalm highly recommended.

~ 10 km, 5 hrs, difference in altitude á 802 m / â 756 m

Overnight stay at the Biberalm

5.day: Watch out for chamois and eagles along the way to the Hofgasteinerhaus. You will come across many alpine cabins offering refreshments as you close in on one of Gastein’s main skiing mountains, the Stubnerkogel. The Hofgasteinerhaus lies at the Schlossalmbahn cable car above Bad Hofgastein.

~ 8,5 km, 5 hrs, difference in altitude  787 m /  558 m

Overnight stay at the Hofgasteinerhaus.

6. day: After a hearty breakfast you take the trail from Hofgasteinerhaus to Hirschenhutte.

~ 10 km, 4 hrs, difference in altitude  371 m /  1 135 m

At Hirschenhutte buses leave regularly for Bad Hofgastein, the local landlord can also arrange taxi transfers on spot. From Bad Hofgastein take the connection back to Dorfgastein. Costs to be paid on spot, at approx. EUR 11,-- per person.

Overnight stay in Dorfgastein

7. day: Individual departure or additional nights

Rates for the arrangement per person in €:

	01.07. – 18.09.23
***hotel/inn in double room (communal bunks in hut)	465,--
Supplement halfboard (3 course dinner at the inn, hearty mountain breakfast and dinner at the huts)	170,--
Supplement single room (1., 2. and 6. night at hotel )	90,--
Mountain guide	on request
Day of arrival	daily

Local tax is extra to pay on spot in each accommodation (from € 1,-- to € 3,-- per person/per night)

Prices are subject to change

Notes on staying at an Alpine lodge:

*Hut sleeping bag: blankets are available in the huts; necessary but mandatory is only a lightweight cotton/silk sleeping bag liner
Overnight stay at the huts in communal bunks or sometimes multi-bed rooms.
Due to their location, not all huts can offer running water, hot water or showers. In some cases there is also no flushing system in the toilets.
On most huts, card payment is not possible. Take enough cash with you for food and drinks.
Dogs on request; not allowed in the sleeping areas. Attended stay in the winter room possible, partly dog kennels available, extra costs to be paid on spot. In Austria there is a general linen and muzzle requirement!

Information for arrivals by car:

Free parking at your accommodation is available for the duration of the whole itinerary.

The standard terms and conditions of the Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH apply in the current version.

Prices are subject to change.

Our recommendations:

Get a travel cancellation insurance.

Become a sponsor of Austrian mountain rescue and enjoy the comprehensive rescue protection: www.bergrettung-ooe.at/en/foerderer-werden

Plan sustainable and travel by public transportation (train/bus).

Non-binding enquiry

We recommend a travel insurance.
Hotel Cancellation Plus: https://www.europaeische.at/pip/en/hospl
Hotel Cancellation Premium: https://www.europaeische.at/pip/en/hospr

The standard terms and conditions of the Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH apply in the current version.

Go back