The Gastein Waterfall and Bellevue-Alm Trail
The fastest route to this destination
The Gastein Waterfall and Bellevue-Alm Trail
Experience the natural beauty in and around Bad Gastein on this hybrid tour that combines both urban and forest paths!
Nestled in the heart of the Pongau region, in the far south of the Gastein Valley, lies Bad Gastein – a town steeped in history, now primarily known as a winter sports hotspot. Even the journey there is an experience: the train ride from Salzburg offers breathtaking views of the increasingly imposing mountain scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
This tour takes you on a compact circular walk through the over 1,000-year-old town of Bad Gastein. You’ll explore both the town’s historical corners and the natural beauty for which the region is so famous. The distinctive architecture is particularly striking: for a relatively small town, Bad Gastein has a surprisingly urban feel. The tall, elegant buildings in the center cling spectacularly to the steep slopes along the Gasteiner Ache river and around the famous waterfall. This architectural style, dictated by the location, leaves a lasting impression.
The town also offers a wide variety of culinary options: from cozy traditional inns to modern, stylish restaurants. Those wishing to extend their stay will find numerous accommodations to suit a range of needs.
Direct travel information and details at: www.salzburg-erfahren.at
easy
2h 5min
5.87 km
Family-friendly
Round trip
Bad Gastein
Seasons
Directions
The circular walk begins directly at the Bad Gastein train station. From there, the path leads a few steps north before turning right onto Grillparzerstraße. This leads to the impressive Gastein Waterfall and the Waterfall Trail. At the bridge over the Gasteiner Ache river, the route continues to the left and leads down a small set of steps to the footpath. From here, the route follows the river gently downstream before passing through the town center along Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Straße. The following section is somewhat more challenging, depending on your fitness level. The ascent begins at the Bellevue-Alm-Weg trail. The path winds its way uphill in gentle switchbacks, gradually revealing increasingly impressive views over the Gastein Valley. The trail runs mostly through dense coniferous forests, which provide pleasant shade and are filled with the typical fresh mountain scent. In winter, this path is also used as a toboggan run. At the top, the Bellevue Alm awaits as a special highlight. The over 600-year-old alpine pasture combines a traditional atmosphere with a cozy ambiance and offers an ideal place for a break as well as an impressive view over the surrounding mountain landscape.
Information & contact
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There is a lift to Bellevue-Alm that can be used as an alternative to hiking up. Information about the lift, the toboggan run, and their prices, as well as opening times, can be found here: www.gastein.com
Salzburg Verkehr
Image credit: Simon Klein
By public transport
- From Salzburg Central Station, there is at least one long-distance train connection per hour, usually 7 minutes past the hour, with the fastest connections provided by the Railjet and ICE trains. The journey to Bad Gastein typically involves 5 stops.
- The fastest return journey follows the same route as the outbound journey: take the Railjet or ICE from Bad Gastein to Salzburg Central Station.
Timetable information and downloads: Online at www.salzburg-verkehr.at or on your smartphone via the free Salzburg Verkehr app for Android and iOS.
Direkte Anreise und Details auf: www.salzburg-erfahren.at
Safety information
This hike is possible in both winter and summer; sturdy footwear is recommended regardless of the season. In winter, when there is snow, and during opening hours, you might encounter sledders, but the path is wide enough to pass.Route profile
All content has been researched by the editorial team to the best of their knowledge. However, the editorial team of Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information provided. We kindly ask you to verify the details when planning your trip, as opening hours, admission prices, or other information may change. Any liability claims against the editorial team or Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH relating to material or non-material damages arising from the use of the information provided, or from the use of incorrect or incomplete information, are generally excluded.
