Hämmermoosalm

The Hämmermoosalm at 1,417 m is one of the most distinctive alms in the Gaistal – a magnet for hikers, cyclists, families and nature lovers in both summer and winter. The alm is run by the Reindl family and belongs to the traditional Leutascherhof. What was once a simple alpine barn has become one of the most celebrated huts in the Gaistal: in 2024 Gault&Millau named the Hämmermoosalm “Alm Hut of the Year”.

Location and Atmosphere

The alm sits on a sunny alpine plateau on the northern side of the Gaistalbachtal – a little off the busy main path, but still easily reached. Cows and horses graze on the surrounding meadows, and the Wetterstein massif rises prominently into the sky in the background. The large wooden terrace provides plenty of room for a leisurely lunch stop with a panoramic view.

In summer the Hämmermoosalm is a meeting point for hikers of all levels – from the day-trip family to the high-alpine enthusiast stopping in before venturing onto more demanding terrain. The family atmosphere and the warmth of the host family are legendary.

Award-Winning Cuisine

The culinary offering of the Hämmermoosalm stands well above the typical alm standard – and that is precisely what earned the Gault&Millau title. The menu features regional Tyrolean specialities prepared with great attention to detail: homemade Germknödel with poppy-seed butter, hearty Brettljausen with regional cheese and cold cuts, daily specials made with fresh alm ingredients, and home-baked cakes and tarts. The Kaiserschmarrn is considered a insider tip.

Drinks come from the region wherever possible: Tyrolean beers, farm-pressed apple juice, herbal teas – and of course the obligatory fruit schnapps at the end of a long tour.

Winter: Natural Toboggan Run and Cross-Country Skiing Destination

In winter the Hämmermoosalm plateau transforms into a toboggan paradise. The natural toboggan run leads from the alm down towards the Gaistal and is especially popular with families with children. Sledges can be hired on site – or bring your own.

Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will find a direct connection to the Leutascher Loipe in winter. The alm is then a welcome destination after a ski tour.

Season and Opening Hours

Season	Mid-June – end of September
Opening hours	Daily 9:00–16:00 (closed Monday)
Dogs	Not permitted (grazing livestock)
Children	Very welcome, but be mindful of the grazing area
Award	Gault&Millau “Alm Hut of the Year 2024”

Getting There

The easiest route to the Hämmermoosalm leads from the Salzbach car park (P3–P5) along the traffic-free Ganghoferweg into the valley. After approx. 2 km and just under 200 m altitude gain a signpost points to the alm – follow it left across a small bridge and you arrive in a few minutes. Walking time from the car park: approx. 40–50 minutes.

Alternatively the alm can be reached from the Stupfer car park (P2) in approx. 30 minutes. Mountain bikers often use this tour as the first leg of more challenging rides in the Gaistal.

Combination Options

The Hämmermoosalm is a central part of the Ganghoferweg loop (10 km, ~190 m altitude gain) and a classic refreshment stop on the high-alm circular hike (12.5 km, 650 m). Possible combinations:

• Gaistalalm → Hämmermoosalm → Tillfußalm: classic circular tour on the Ganghoferweg
• Hämmermoosalm → Rotmoosalm → Südwandsteig: more demanding variant on the southern Wetterstein wall
• Hämmermoosalm → Wangalm → Wettersteinhütte: the great high-alm circuit of the Gaistal

Tips for Your Visit

• Closing day: The alm is closed on Mondays – plan your tour accordingly
• Dogs: Unfortunately not permitted on this alm (livestock protection)
• Come early: In peak season (July/August) it gets busy – visit before 11:00 or after 14:00
• Gault&Millau tip: Germknödel and Kaiserschmarrn are the stars of the menu

The Hämmermoosalm proves that authentic alm culture and gastronomic quality are not mutually exclusive – a must-visit in the Gaistal.