Emerald Trail in the Habachtal (Bramberg)
The fastest route to this destination
Emerald Trail in the Habachtal (Bramberg)
Family-friendly easy hike in the Valley of Emeralds for big and little treasure hunters
The Habachtal is considered the mineral-richest valley in the Hohe Tauern and therefore carries the nickname “Valley of Emeralds.” In fact, the only emerald deposit in Central Europe lies in the Leckbachgraben, attracting many treasure hunters. At the stream near the Alpenrose Guesthouse, hikers can try their luck panning for gems.
moderate
4h 0min
13.76 km
Family-friendly
A to B
Out and back
Neukirchen und Bramberg am Wildkogel
Seasons
Directions
Cross the Salzach at the stop and follow the Habach along through the settlement. To the right, over a bridge to the hiking parking lot, where a massive stone gate marks the entrance to the Emerald Trail. To the left, follow the path along the creek always inward into the valley. The themed trail conveys interesting knowledge on several stations via information boards about the valley's mineralogy. The path goes slowly but steadily uphill, meets a wide gravel path again, and passes a steep slate wall. Past a viewpoint that extends over the wild creek until you reach the Enzianhütte. On the alpine meadows, with some luck, marmots can be heard or seen. Past the Jagahäusl and Mahdlalm, you eventually arrive at the Alpenrose Inn (1,384 m). Behind the guesthouse, you can pan for emeralds and gemstones in a creek bed, which is a highlight especially for little treasure hunters. Alone the valley's scenery is worth the ascent: on the right-hand side, a waterfall plunges over the rock, mighty scree slopes pile up at the edges, and behind the valley's end, the glacier remnants of the Habachkees can be seen. Descent same as ascent or back via the gravel road.
Information & contact
Information & Contact
Stefanie Ruep
5020 Salzburg
stefanie.ruep@gmail.com
@stefitzka
Photo credit: Stefanie Ruep
By public transport
Rex to (stop) Zell am See, transfer to Pinzgauer Lokalbahn or rail replacement service to (stop) Habachtal-Weyerhof station
If you want to save yourself the walk back, you can also take the hiking bus Smaragd-Express back.
Timetable information and download: online at www.salzburg-verkehr.at or on your smartphone via the free Salzburg Verkehr app for Android and iOS.
Route profile
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