In earlier times, the mountains were dreaded places as the weather was too unpredictable and the area too lonely. Today, it is precisely this seclusion and tranquillity that is considered a real luxury. You don't have to travel far to enjoy this unspeakable silence, interrupted only by the croaking of the jackdaws and the occasional ringing of the cowbells. Today's stage also leads through such seclusion, which is all the more astonishing because the Gastein Valley with its villages is so close. Streams that are crossed without a bridge, cows that stand together curiously and alpine huts that have been cultivated for generations are among our companions. Step by step we head south, where the mountains rise up on the horizon. The landscape becomes more barren and the sky gets ever closer. At the end, you will spend the night high above Bad Hofgastein. This is a stage to marvel at and enjoy.
Stage Course
Directly in the centre of Dorfgastein next to the municipality the fifth stage of the Salzburger Almenweg starts.. From there the path leads north along the Dorfstraße to the tourist office. From there, you can see the
Crossroads to Unterberg district on B167. Cross the road and bridge, the turn left and follow the forest road uphill through the village forest for about 100 meters. After 45 minutes, you’ll reach the Strohlehenalm crossroads, the continue left towards Heinreichalm and Präau Hochalm. If you want to have a rest and some food at the Präau Hochalm, you have to take a 30-minute diversion. If you stay on the Alpine Trail, you’ll arrive at Jägerhäusel after 2 hours, then turn left at the crossroads towards Biberalm.
The path first leads through a vast alpine pasture area and then uphill toward the Hohe Scharte. The challenging ascent to the Hohe Scharte and 1,895 metres high Wetterkreuz is rewarded with an extraordinary view of the Gastein Valley. You should stay here for a moment before going downhill to the Biberalm. This certified Salzburg Alpine Summer Hut of the Gruber family promises a magnificent view of Gastein's local mountains such as the Schuhflicker, the Fulseck, Graukogel, Ankogel and Stubnerkogel.
Alpine Trail Tip
The Gastein Valley has been appreciated for hundreds of years for its highly effective thermal waters, and Bad Gastein is one of the oldest health resorts in the Alps. Health and well-being have always been the focus of guests and hosts. The holistic approach of internal and external health is also reflected in the comprehensive wellness and well-being offers, which is closely linked to the natural resources of forest and mountains. For example, the "forest bathing" with guided forest bathing sessions and the annual yoga spring or yoga autumn in Gastein.
