Hiking vacation in Gastein

Get into your hiking boots and out into nature - explore the Gastein mountains!

As soon as the sun has melted the last snow and the flowers begin to bloom, you are drawn out into nature and up the mountain? Understandable, because there are not many places where you can switch off, come to rest and really enjoy your hiking vacation. In Gastein, over 600 km of hiking trails with numerous stages are waiting to be explored! Starting with the Gastein Trail and great circular hiking trails to themed trails and panoramic trails - a nature experience for a hiking trip of a special kind. The hiking vacation can come!

Discover the variety of hiking trails in Gastein

Experience nature in a very special way with our themed hiking trails that combine knowledge and nature. Discover the flora, fauna and culture of the region and enjoy an educational adventure for young and old. Gastein is the ideal hiking destination for families - child-friendly paths and exciting adventure trails turn every hike into an unforgettable adventure.

The Gastein Trail offers adventure at every meter, from gentle hills to steep climbs, and will make your hiking heart beat faster. All long-distance hiking trails lead you through breathtaking landscapes, past picturesque alpine huts and majestic peaks.

The clear streams and crystal-clear lakes of the Gastein mountains invite you to enjoy refreshing hikes by the water. Enjoy the gentle babbling of the streams and the tranquil atmosphere of the mountain lakes as you experience nature in its purest form.


Eine Gruppe Wanderer, mit Rucksack und Wanderstöcken unterwegs Richtung Berge in Gastein.
With experienced guidance

Guided hikes

 

Experience the beauty of the Gastein mountains in the company of experienced hiking guides who will lead you along gentle paths to hidden natural treasures. These guided hikes invite you to leave everyday life behind and enjoy the breathtaking nature.

Whether easy tours through blooming alpine meadows, moderate routes to impressive viewpoints or challenging climbs to majestic peaks - every hiker will find their own way to relaxation here.


High up in the Gastein adventure mountains

Hiking with the mountain railroad

The Gastein adventure mountains allow you to start your hike in a relaxed manner halfway up or directly at the summit. Thanks to the mountain lifts , you can explore the attractions of the mountains without any effort and enjoy the majestic panoramas as you ascend.

On the Fulseck in Dorfgastein, the picturesque Spiegelsee lake and leisurely themed trails await you, ideal for families. The Schlossalm offers breathtaking views, a motor skills park and a children's playground.

On the Stubnerkogel you can experience freedom on the spectacular suspension bridge with impressive views, while the Graukogel with its old Swiss stone pine stands offers peace and relaxation. Thanks to the cable cars, you can enjoy the Gastein mountains to the full.

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Questions and answers

How are the paths marked?

The hiking trails in Gastein are marked with yellow hiking signs and red-white-red markings. Do not leave marked trails and turn back if you have lost the marking.

What all should I take with me on a hike?

Sufficient water and a small snack are indispensable - especially in spring and autumn, when not all alpine pastures are open yet. Also, make sure you have enough weather and sun protection with you - the weather can change quickly in the Austrian mountains. A hiking map to scale for all eventualities or just for exploring is an advantage. Sticks for walking downhill are also recommended, as the descent can often be more strenuous than the ascent.

What shoes should I wear?

Hiking or mountain boots with a good profile sole are absolutely necessary. Ankle-hugging shoes are an advantage (twisting around). Please note that in case of insufficient footwear during guided hikes, it is at the discretion of the hiking guide whether you will be taken along.

How do I behave properly with cows/grazing livestock?

Special care is required for mother cows with calves! The mother wants to protect her young and reacts particularly sensitively to any stroking or approaching. Keeping your distance is especially important. It is best to walk slowly and calmly past the animal. To visually gain the necessary respect, you can carry a stick with you. Dogs must always be kept on a leash. Cattle and horses perceive dogs as a particular danger. Do not feed animals!

Awarded the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality

Excellent hiking in Gastein

Experience hiking in Gastein at the highest level!

 

As a holder of the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality, Gastein guarantees a perfect hiking experience that makes the"magic of walking" tangible in all its fullness. The ideal combination of idyllic villages as a starting point, specialized hiking hosts and hiking trails that capture the breathtaking landscape of the Gastein mountains makes hiking in Gastein something very special.

Enjoy excellent hiking trails that invigorate body and soul and be enchanted by the beauty of nature in Gastein.

Comfort and hospitality

Certified hiking hosts

The daily hiking experience starts and ends at our hosts certified with the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality . This seal of approval stands for quality and shows which establishments have specialized in the all-round perfect hiking vacation.

The hiking accommodation in Gastein offers you comfortable accommodation and warm hospitality. Here you will find the perfect base for your hiking adventure.

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The Gastein hiking pin

The Gastein hiking pin has a long tradition. The idea for the hiking pin was born over 35 years ago to raise funds for the maintenance of the hiking trails. The proceeds continue to support the Alpine clubs in maintaining the hiking trails.

There are a total of 10 different Gastein hiking pins, which are inspected and awarded by the Bad Gastein Alpine Club. Each pin is handmade in a Salzburg manufactory and is a unique one-off.

Gastein Alpine wreath
Gastein Alpine wreath
2000 points
Gastein - 1000 points needle
Gastein - 1000 points needle
1000 points
Gastein - Tauerngold pin
Gastein - Tauerngold pin
600 points
Great Golden Hiking Needle
Great Golden Hiking Needle
300 points
Golden hiking pin
Golden hiking pin
150 points
Silver hiking pin
Silver hiking pin
100 points
Bronze hiking pin
Bronze hiking pin
50 points
Golden Alpine pin
Golden Alpine pin
44 points
Gastein Alpine Needle
Gastein Alpine Needle
20 points
Summit wreath
Summit wreath
55 points

How does collecting the Gastein hiking pins work?

To get your Gastein hiking pin, it's best to pick up a stamp pass or the "Dein Augenblick" summit book from one of the tourist offices. During the hikes you collect stamps at every opportunity (inns, mountain huts, summits), which earn you points. If there is no stamp station, make a note of the route and take a photo of the destination. As soon as you have collected the required number of points, you can purchase the hiking pin at one of the tourist offices.

Hiking the Gastein hiking pin digitally

With the SummitLynx app

Since 2021, guests can also hike the Gastein Hiking Needle digitally with the SummitLynx app. You simply stamp in digitally via the app and collect points that earn you the respective hiking pin and a certificate online. You can use this virtual pin to purchase a real pin at the tourist offices.

There are also exclusive online pins, such as the winter pins and the Gastein Trail pins in bronze, silver and gold, as well as event pins, which can be earned through special challenges and time-limited activities.

Wandergruppe am Biberkopf

Safety tips:

  1. Inform others about your hiking route before you start

  2. Don't overdo it, adjust the planned route to your fitness level and drink water regularly
  3. Be aware of rapid weather changes and severe weather warnings

  4. Always take a windproof jacket

  5. Do not forget your first aid kit in case someone gets injured

  6. Choose safe routes and avoid recklessness

  7. Prepare for the tour with the help of maps and compass. Always know your position

  8. There is no shame in turning around

  9. Divide your strength well, stop at a hut if necessary

  10. Memorize all emergency numbers in your cell phone.