Forest cure in Bad Hofgastein
The fastest route to this destination
Forest cure in Bad Hofgastein
DIVE INTO THE GASTEIN SPA OFFER WITH A REFRESHING FOREST AND WATERFALL HIKE TO THE COUNTESS’ SEAT.
The Gastein Valley is famous for its healing baths, waterfalls, and forests. On the hike from Bad Hofgastein towards Gamskarkogel, all of these health aspects can be combined. A little-known waterfall trail leads to the Annen Chapel, then the path dives into the high forest, which later offers a surprising view of the valley and the Goldberg group. This exclusive viewpoint is known as the “Countess’ Seat.” Or actually hardly known. The hike could continue up to the Gamskarkogel, which is considered the highest grassy mountain in the Alps and where Archduke Johann has a monument with the Bad Gastein hut he initiated. Alternatively, it is more leisurely to continue to the managed Rastötzenalm. Or return directly to the valley. In Bad Hofgastein, be sure to visit one of the eight public thermal springs for regeneration.
easy
4h 0min
9.32 km
Family-friendly
Out and back
Bad Hofgastein
Seasons
Directions
From the bus terminal, it takes 10 minutes to reach the prominently visible parish church. Along the back, turn left to Wasserfallgasse and now follow the signs for the "Gamskarkogel Trail" or "Annencafe" (path 513). Over several stairs and a bridge, the path leads close to the waterfall tiers and after 30 minutes merges into the "Rastötzen" path. Either via the comfortable goods road, or more rewarding and shorter via the forest trail to an interesting place of rest, a tasteful mix of forest chapel and shelter. Shortly after, the path branches off right to the scenic "Countess' Seat" (1560 m). Back on the goods road, it goes downhill back, or in 40 minutes to Rastötzenalm (1740 m) and for those who want, in two sweaty hours further up to Gamskarkogel (2467 m). Return from Gamskarkogel is possible via an alternative route, either from Rastötzen the same way up or on the goods road.
Information & contact
www.gasteinertal.com/tvb-badhofgastein, www.badhofgastein.salzburg.at/Tourimus-Informationen
Mag. Christian Heugl
5400 Hallein
Image credit: Christian Heugl
By public transport
By train to Bad Hofgastein station or Schwarzach station. By bus 550 from the Bad Hofgastein Abzw. Bhf (5 minutes walking) or Schwarzach Bhf (forecourt) stops to Bad Hofgastein bus terminal. Frequency: convenient schedule, also on weekends.
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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