Gastein High Trail (Gasteiner Höhenweg) - Image 1
1 / 3

Gastein Valley Trails Bad Gastein

4.8
·184 reviews·Bad Gastein, Austria

Explore the stunning Gastein Valley trails in Austria, offering scenic hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Perfect for all ages and budgets.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Gastein High Trail (Gasteiner Höhenweg) - Image 1

Gastein Valley Trails Bad Gastein

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the stunning Gastein Valley trails in Austria, offering scenic hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Perfect for all ages and budgets.

4.8
(184 reviews)

"Easy but very scenic trail. Some parts can be done even with small children."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes are essential for the varied terrain.

💧 Bring a Water Bottle

Refill with fresh, cold waterfall water along the trail.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gastein Valley Loop

Gastein Valley Loop

Gastein Valley

A scenic 12 km round trip offering diverse landscapes, wildlife, and resting spots. Perfect for a half-day adventure.

Reddit
Waterfall Views

Waterfall Views

Along the trails

Enjoy the refreshing sight and sound of waterfalls, with opportunities to refill your water bottle with fresh mountain water.

Reddit
Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Mountain pastures

Keep an eye out for local wildlife like sheep, goats, and deer amidst the stunning alpine scenery.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Best Footwear for Gastein Valley Trails

Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must for exploring the Gastein Valley trails. While some paths are easy, others can be steep or uneven. Opt for hiking boots or good walking shoes to ensure a pleasant and safe experience, especially if you plan on tackling longer routes. TikTok

Timing Your Gastein Valley Adventure

Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, as some local businesses might have reduced hours on Sundays. The trails are generally accessible in various weather, but heavy rain can make some sections slippery. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny or cloudy days
Why
Shaded paths offer comfort
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#Badgastein (#österreich🇦🇹 , 28. August 2023).#überschwemmung
@edelsteine4
163.4K likes • 7.5M views

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes are essential for the varied terrain. TikTokReddit

💧 Bring a Water Bottle

Refill with fresh, cold waterfall water along the trail. Reddit

Bad Gastein is popular for skiing but it’s worth a visit in summer too. There’s many nice hiking trails around here, not to mention the town itself is sooo aesthetically pleasing. 😮‍💨 It’s steep in many places so wear comfortable shoes and make sure to check opening times for restaurants / stores if that’s what you want. I was there on a Wednesday and a lot of things were closed (or didn’t open ...
@imolalaland
23.6K likes • 316K views
⛷️🏃‍♀️🤣 Ski, Sonne ☀️, Wind & gute Laune! Wait until the end of the movie 🎥 😜🤣 Gastein Valley - I‘m Coming back this weekend for more snow ❄️ & trail running fun! 🤪 This time back again beautiful @thecomodo ❤️ in Bad Gastein! Who is in the valley, too!? 😍 What do you think had happened up here with @magda._.lena_ skis 🏔️⛷️🎿🤣 ? Because of the wind 💨 with 50km/h? 😱 Despite of some happy litt...
trail.icious
74 likes • 3.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Easy for All Ages

Many sections are suitable for families and beginners. Reddit

🚗 Parking Advice

Park at Cafe Gamskar (Bad Gastein) or Höhenweg Cafe Gamskar (Bad Hofgastein). Reddit

🏃🏼‍♀️❤️🏔 Hey ya - noamoi Trailrunning in Bad Gastein!? I really can’t get enough of this awesome place! 😍 This weekend I’m going to train with @adidasrunners community from Germany, Austria & Switzerland for @infinitetrailsrace and rock the trails around the Gasteiner Valley ! ☀️😎🏔🏃🏼‍♀️💥 … and of course with a lot of fun, healthy food, wellness @alpentherme_gastein … #trailcamp #trailrunning #tr...
trail.icious
285 likes • 5.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes are essential for the varied terrain. TikTokReddit

💧 Bring a Water Bottle

Refill with fresh, cold waterfall water along the trail. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy for All Ages

Many sections are suitable for families and beginners. Reddit

🚗 Parking Advice

Park at Cafe Gamskar (Bad Gastein) or Höhenweg Cafe Gamskar (Bad Hofgastein). Reddit

🔦 Tunnel Navigation

The dark tunnel halfway is safe; walk slowly and use your phone light. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(184 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Gastein Valley trails, highlighting their beauty, ease of access, and suitability for all ages. The scenic loop, waterfalls, and wildlife encounters are frequently praised. Some note the unique dark tunnel section and recommend comfortable footwear. Reddit

"👍🏻 One of the hiking trails worth experiencing in Austria is gorgeous and beautiful.

👍🏻 Suitable for all ages.

👍🏻 It's easy.

⚠️ Bad Gastein arrives with Bad Hofgastein And vice versa.

⚠️ Its round trip distance is approximately 12 km.

⚠️ The round-trip time is approximately 3 hours.

⚠️ Organized and comfortable.

⚠️ Most of the road is shaded by trees, it is suitable for sunny days and cloudy days with light rain, and I do not recommend walking on rainy days.

⚠️ There are approximately 4 toilets along the way.

⚠️ Take a bottle of water with you and you can fill it with the cold and fresh water of the waterfalls, as it is available along the way.

⚠️ On the way, you will see many landscapes and wildlife such as sheep, goats, deer, and others.

⚠️ There are plenty of chairs available for a break.

⚠️ Halfway through, you'll pass through a dark tunnel with no lighting, don't feel afraid and rush out of it, just walk slowly and enjoy the view with your phone lit It is the window of time that will take you to the other side of :).

⚠️ I think it's a better option than the downroad.

⚠️ It can be completed back and forth without the need to return by bus, provided that the breaks are adhered to.

⚠️ Important note for visitors coming from outside Bad Gastein & Bad Hofgastein :-

- Park at Cafe Gamskar
Bad Gastein To want to start from Bad Gastein.

- Park at Höhenweg Cafe Gamskar Bad
Hofgastein To want to start from Bad Hofgastein.

Limited free parking is available."

KHALIFA ALRAYSSI

"Easy but very scenic trail. Some parts can be done even with small children. The whole loop is very long but still easy."

Gacsályi Balázs

"Beautiful hiking trail, perfect for beginners."

Éva Pillér

What People Like

Gorgeous and beautiful scenery
Easy for all ages
Organized and comfortable

What People Dislike

Dark tunnel navigation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

To start from Bad Gastein, park at Cafe Gamskar. The trails are well-marked and accessible from the town. Reddit

While specific public transport details to trailheads aren't detailed, Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein are connected, suggesting local bus services might be available. Reddit

For Bad Gastein access, park at Cafe Gamskar. If starting from Bad Hofgastein, park at Höhenweg Cafe Gamskar. Limited free parking is available. Reddit

Yes, the trails connect Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein, and you can complete the round trip without needing to return by bus. Reddit

While popular for skiing, the trails are also beautiful in summer. Winter accessibility for hiking may vary and is best checked locally. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Gastein Valley trails are generally free to access, making them an accessible outdoor activity for everyone. Reddit

The trails are open year-round, but it's advisable to check local conditions, especially during off-peak seasons or after significant weather events. TikTok

No, there is no entrance fee for the Gastein Valley hiking paths. Enjoy the natural beauty of Austria for free. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, local tourist information centers in Bad Gastein or Bad Hofgastein may offer information on guided hiking tours. Reddit

The trails are accessible at any time, but hiking during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment, especially when navigating the tunnel. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The trails are generally considered easy and suitable for all ages, with some parts being very beginner-friendly. The 12 km loop is manageable with breaks. Reddit

The round trip for the approximately 12 km Gastein Valley loop takes about 3 hours, not including extended breaks. Reddit

Yes, there are approximately 4 toilets located along the Gastein Valley trails for visitor convenience. Reddit

Expect beautiful views up and down the valley, shaded paths, waterfalls, and opportunities to see wildlife like sheep and goats. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Many parts of the trail are easy and can be completed even with small children, making it a great family outing. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the valley, waterfalls, and local wildlife. The tunnel also offers a unique photographic opportunity. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's safe. Use your phone's flashlight to illuminate your path and capture the unique atmosphere of the tunnel. Reddit

Morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful golden hour shots, but the shaded paths make it pleasant for photography throughout the day. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the Gastein Valley. Instagram

Keep an eye out for sheep, goats, and deer. Early morning or late evening might offer better chances for wildlife sightings. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Gastein Valley trails are an excellent choice for families. Many sections are easy and suitable for even small children, making the 12 km loop manageable with breaks. Reddit The presence of toilets and plenty of resting spots ensures comfort for younger hikers. Reddit The opportunity to see wildlife like sheep and goats adds an exciting element for kids, and the chance to refill water bottles from waterfalls is always a hit. Reddit

Remember to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes for everyone, as some parts can be uneven. TikTok The shaded paths offer protection from the sun, and the overall experience is described as organized and comfortable, ensuring a positive outing for the whole family. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Gastein Valley trails are a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers, as access to the hiking paths is free. Reddit You can enjoy breathtaking Austrian scenery without any admission fees. Reddit Packing your own snacks and water, and refilling your bottle from the natural springs, further minimizes costs. Reddit

Parking at the designated spots is also free, though limited, so arriving early is advisable. Reddit By focusing on the natural attractions and packing your own provisions, you can experience the beauty of Gastein Valley affordably. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Gastein Valley Trails

The Gastein Valley offers a network of trails, with the popular 12 km loop being a highlight. This well-organized and comfortable route is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Reddit Most of the path is shaded, making it a pleasant experience even on sunny days, though heavy rain is not recommended. Reddit The trail is designed for a round trip, meaning you can complete it without needing to rely on bus transportation back, provided you manage your time with breaks. Reddit

Key features of the Gastein Valley trails include approximately four well-placed toilets and readily available benches for resting. Reddit A unique aspect is the opportunity to refill your water bottle with fresh, cold water directly from the waterfalls along the way. Reddit The diverse landscapes offer chances to spot local wildlife such as sheep, goats, and deer, adding an element of natural discovery to your hike. Reddit

One memorable part of the hike is a dark tunnel that requires a slow pace and the use of a phone light for navigation. Reddit This section, while potentially unnerving for some, is safe and offers a unique sensory experience. Reddit For those arriving by car, designated parking is available at Cafe Gamskar in Bad Gastein or Höhenweg Cafe Gamskar in Bad Hofgastein, with limited free spots. Reddit

Gastein Valley: Beyond the Trails

While the hiking trails are a major draw, Gastein Valley is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and charming towns. Bad Gastein, in particular, is famous for its Belle Époque architecture and thermal spas, offering a luxurious contrast to the rugged mountain trails. TikTok The valley is also a popular destination for winter sports, with excellent ski resorts, making it a year-round destination. Instagram

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities beyond hiking, including mountain biking, paragliding, and exploring the local culture. The town itself is aesthetically pleasing, with many picturesque spots perfect for photography. TikTok The Comödo hotel in Bad Gastein is a noted place to stay, offering a comfortable base for exploring the region. Instagram

For those interested in wellness, the Alpentherme in Bad Hofgastein provides a relaxing experience after a day of outdoor adventures. Instagram The combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and wellness options makes Gastein Valley a comprehensive destination for relaxation and adventure. Instagram

You may also like