From today, we head out for six days through the famous Gastein Valley. The Salzburg Alpine Trail leads along the west side of the 40-kilometre-long valley to its end and branches off from there eastwards into the Grossarl Valley. But, step by step! This first day in the Gastein Valley leads from the idyllic Kögerlalm at the valley entrance to the Heinreichalm high above Dorfgastein, the northernmost of the three valley towns. Already from here, you get an impressive view of the Goldberg Group, whose name refers to the rich ore deposit that determined the history of the valley for a long time. But also the healing thermal waters contributed to its fame in the thousand-year history of this valley. Today, Gastein is known and loved for the ingenious combination of "mountains & thermal waters" â both in summer and in winter. And be patient, because on your way through the valley, you will also have the opportunity to immerse your tired muscles in the pleasantly warm waters.From today, we head out for six days through the famous Gastein Valley. The Salzburg Alpine Trail leads along the west side of the 40-kilometre-long valley to its end and branches off from there eastwards into the Grossarl Valley. But, step by step! This first day in the Gastein Valley leads from the idyllic Kögerlalm at the valley entrance to the Heinreichalm high above Dorfgastein, the northernmost of the three valley towns. Already from here, you get an impressive view of the Goldberg Group, whose name refers to the rich ore deposit that determined the history of the valley for a long time. But also the healing thermal waters contributed to its fame in the thousand-year history of this valley. Today, Gastein is known and loved for the ingenious combination of "mountains & thermal waters" â both in summer and in winter. And be patient, because on your way through the valley, you will also have the opportunity to immerse your tired muscles in the pleasantly warm waters.
To make sure your day in the mountains is an unforgettable experience, here you can find some tips to keep you safe in the mountains.
For further information about the Salzburger Almenweg click here.
Stage Course
The start of the stage is the Kögerlalm, a certified alpine summer hut at 1,360 metres above sea level. Since there is no place to stop for refreshments today, it is advisable to head to the hut with a prepared snack or packed lunch. The first part of the trail leads through a dense mixed forest over roots and stones to the south, until the view of the Gastein Valley opens up for the first time. This path is known as the oldest transition into the valley, which was difficult to access for a long time. After just over 20 minutes, the Drei-Waller Chapel is reached which, with its detailed decoration, invites you to enter briefly and pause. The pass at 1,425 metres above sea level, on which the chapel stands, is considered a special place of energy.
From the chapel, the path leads past the Rauchkögerl (1,810 m) and Kreuzkögerl (1,806 m) to Hahnbalzköpfl (1,862 m) and on towards Bernkogel. The Pappernigg Cross at 1,897 metres above sea level is already above the tree line and opens up a fantastic view of the Hohe Tauern Mountains in the south.
Now follows an impressive high-altitude hike over mountain ridges and past ponds and moors. Before the descent, a small rest is recommended to enjoy the view, especially of the imposing Bernkogel with its striking summit cross. On the east side of the summit, a path descends from the Bernkogel on the east side of the peak towards the hidden kettle landscape and the overnight accommodation in the Heinreichalm, which is also a certified alpine summer hut. The Bettlersteig, an old connecting path, finally leads on to the stage finish. Even if the managed hut is close by, you should still pay special attention to this part. The steep grass slopes and cable fixings require sure-footedness and should be covered particularly carefully in wet conditions.
The Heinreichalm has only twelve beds, so a reservation is absolutely necessary, otherwise you would have to descend back into the valley.
Along the trail
The Drei-Waller Chapel, shortly after the Kögerlalm, commemorates three pilgrims who, according to legend, made a barefoot pilgrimage from Gastein to the Holy Land. Once there, it was their most fervent wish to return safely to their homeland. But on their return journey, one misfortune followed another. When they finally reached the valley entrance, completely exhausted, and saw their homeland, their hearts are said to have stood still and they died. It was precisely on this site that the chapel was built in their memory.
