Gastein Valley: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
In Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park in the Salzburg region, the Gastein Valley stretches between high peaks, clear mountain streams, and sunny plateaus. Numerous marked hiking trails lead to ancient alpine pastures or the Gastein Waterfall. In the cold season, the Gastein ski area offers slopes as far as the eye can see.
Table of contents
Gastein Valley - 5 most beautiful natural sights
Gastein Waterfall
The Gastein Waterfall is not only a unique natural spectacle, it also contributes to the healthy air in the spa town of Bad Gastein. In the water cascades, water is finely atomized and absorbed by the air. The waterfall is also unique because it is located directly in the town between the houses. If you want to combine the visit to the Gastein Waterfall, which pours over three cascades, with a hike, the waterfall trail from Bad Bruck along the Gastein Ache is recommended. For the return journey, the Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade is suitable. You can also hike over the Höhenweg to Bad Hofgastein.
Gasteiner Ache
A popular starting point for a vacation in the Gastein Valley is Bad Gastein. With its thermal springs, the spa town is an attractive destination for a mix of relaxation and hiking holidays. In the middle of the town, the Gastein Waterfall cascades down as a natural highlight of the spa town. The Gastein Ache falls over 340 meters here. Bad Hofgastein, Dorfgastein, and Maierhofen are also popular holiday destinations located directly on the Gastein Ache. You can enjoy beautiful views of the valley and its river during hiking tours. From Dorfgastein, for example, you can hike or take the summer lift to the Fulseck, high above the Gastein Ache at an altitude of 2,033 meters.
Hohe Tauern National Park
On hikes in the Hohe Tauern National Park, you pass through cool larch, stone pine, and spruce forests. More than 15,000 animal species live in the region, including marmots, chamois, and Alpine ibex. Designated cycling and mountain biking routes run through the national park. The Glockner bike path near Austria's highest mountain in Carinthia offers great views. Even in winter, the Hohe Tauern National Park is a perfect holiday destination. In Carinthia alone, four ski areas and more than 150 kilometers of slopes attract visitors. The glacier ski area on the Kitzsteinhorn and the spectacular Streif descent are also located in the national park. Winter hikes and cross-country skiing through the deeply snow-covered landscape are ideal for active relaxation.
Reedsee
Embedded in the mountain landscape of the Gastein Valley in Austria, you can reach the Reedsee either via the Palfnerscharte from Bad Gastein or from the Kötschachtal. The hiking trail up to 1917 meters in height is not easy, but the panorama of the mountain lake between the mountains is worth the effort. The snow-covered peak of the Rauchkaglkogl is picturesquely reflected in the clear water. Along the shore of the approximately 10-hectare Reedsee, there are some flat and easily accessible spots suitable for splashing and swimming in the fresh mountain water. On the shore is the private Reedseehütte.
Sportgastein
The well-marked network of hiking trails in Sportgastein ensures active relaxation during the summer retreat: Stroll over lush alpine pastures like the Astenalm or to the romantic Bockhart lakes. On hot days, water enthusiasts plan a visit to the Gastein bathing lake. On the Schlossalm, there is a lovingly designed children's playground. Golden Powder, Golden Rush, and Golden Ride are the names of the three fantastic freeride routes in the Sportgastein ski area. It is part of the Amadé ski association. Due to the altitude, the best snow conditions are guaranteed. 24 kilometers of slopes are available for skiers who prefer to move on a groomed descent. You can warm up in rustic ski huts.
Gastein Valley - Climate
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.