Gaistalalm

The Gaistalalm at 1,350 m is the first staffed alm in the Gaistal and has been a firm port of call for hikers, families and mountain bikers for generations. Those arriving from Leutasch, passing through the barrier and entering the Gaistal, will find a warm welcome here after just over 30 minutes – with hot food, fresh drinks and a sun terrace that invites you to linger.

Location and Atmosphere

The alm sits directly on the Ganghoferweg, the flat main path that runs through the entire Gaistal from east to west. At 1,350 m it barely rises above the valley floor, yet the terrace still opens up a fine view of the rock faces of the Wettersteingebirge to the north. Cattle graze on lush alpine meadows all around – quintessential Tyrol, straight out of a picture book.

Because of its flat position and the wide, surfaced access path, the Gaistalalm is one of the few alms in the Gaistal that is also easily accessible for pushchairs and wheelchair users. This makes it the ideal excursion destination for families with young children, older guests and everyone who wants to enjoy the Gaistal at a leisurely pace.

Food

The menu features classic Tyrolean alm dishes: Brettljause with bacon, cheese and farmhouse bread, hearty soups, hot daily specials and of course homemade cakes. Regional lemonades, farm-pressed apple juice and, for adults, a cold beer or shandy complete the offering. Those who set out early can even have breakfast here – the alm opens at 8:30.

Overnight Stays

Those who want to explore the Gaistal as more than a day trip will find simple overnight accommodation here: a dormitory with 9 places and a separate 4-bed room. The facilities are simple and alpine – perfect for everyone who wants to head off early to reach the higher-lying alms before the day-trippers arrive. Advance booking is essential as places fill up quickly.

Season and Opening Hours

Season	Mid-May – end of October
Opening hours	Daily 8:30–17:00
Phone	+43 5214 5190
Dogs	Welcome
Children	Very suitable
Overnight stays	Dormitory + 4-bed room (advance booking)

Getting There

From the Salzbach car park (P1) at the entrance to the Gaistal, follow the flat, traffic-free Ganghoferweg westwards. The path is wide and well surfaced with minimal elevation gain. After roughly 30 minutes on foot – or 15 minutes by mountain bike – the Gaistalalm appears on the right-hand side.

Those arriving by car drive along the Gaistalmautstraße to car park P1 (Salzbach) and continue on foot from there. Bicycles and e-bikes are permitted on the Ganghoferweg.

Onward Tours from the Gaistalalm

The Gaistalalm is not just a refreshment stop but also a good starting point for further tours into the valley:

• Tillfußalm (1,420 m): 15 minutes further up, with a view of the former Ganghofer hunting lodge
• Hämmermoosalm (1,417 m): alternatively on the northern side of the valley, a good destination for a circular walk
• High-alm circular hike: Those with energy can tackle the big loop from here over the Wettersteinhütte, Wangalm and Hämmermoosalm (approx. 4.5 hrs, 650 m altitude gain)
• Steinernes Hüttl: For ambitious hikers the route continues from the Gaistal valley floor over the Mitterjöchl to above 2,000 m – one of the most impressive tours in the valley

Tips for Your Visit

• Come early: The Gaistalalm opens as one of the first alms in the valley – ideal for early risers
• Combination with the Ganghoferweg: Those doing the full Ganghofer loop (10 km, ~190 m altitude gain) pass the alm on the way out and can stop in again on the return
• Dogs: Welcome on a lead, water bowl available
• Cash payment: Recommended; card reader available

The Gaistalalm is the perfect first step into the alm paradise of the Gaistal – a place where Tyrolean hospitality meets unspoilt Alpine scenery.