The Almenparadies Gaistal in Tyrol is one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Austria. Visitors here are rewarded with views you won’t forget in a hurry – jagged rocky summits, lush green alpine meadows and peaceful valleys. I’ve put together the 5 best viewpoints in the Gaistal so you can plan your next hiking day perfectly.
The viewpoints at a glance
The Gaistal lies at the heart of the Region Seefeld – Tirols Hochplateau and is easily accessible from Leutasch. The hiking trails are well marked, and the alpine huts along the way invite you to stop for refreshments. Here’s a quick overview before the grand tour:
- Wetterstein – family-friendly, approx. 2 hours
- Leutascher Alm – high altitude, for experienced hikers, approx. 3 hours
- Rauthof – short tour with a big payoff, approx. 1.5 hours
- Gaistalalm – most beautiful alpine hut with panoramic views, approx. 2.5 hours
- Katzenkopf – wide all-round panorama, approx. 2.5 hours
1. The viewpoint at the Wetterstein
The view from the Wettersteinhütte is quintessential Gaistal: the Mieminger Kette in front of you, the Nordkette beyond – and in between nothing but silence and crisp mountain air. The path is well maintained, winding through light mountain forest before opening up to the viewing platform.
- Difficulty: easy
- Walking time: approx. 2 hours from the Leutasch car park
- Ideal for: families, beginners, day-trippers
Tip: Start early in the morning when the light is low and the mountains appear at their most three-dimensional.
2. The Leutascher Alm
The Leutascher Alm is one of the highest-altitude staffed huts in the Gaistal. Up here you quickly understand why the valley is so popular: the panorama stretches far beyond the surrounding summits, and after the hike a hearty Tyrolean Brettljause platter awaits.
- Difficulty: moderate
- Walking time: approx. 3 hours from Leutasch
- Ideal for: experienced hikers, those who appreciate the finer things
Tip: Usually open from mid-June – worth a quick call beforehand.
3. The viewpoint at the Rauthof
If you don’t have the whole day free, the Rauthhütte is the one for you. In just an hour and a half you reach a viewpoint that lays out the entire Gaistal before you like a postcard – Wetterstein, Mieminger Kette, Nordkette, all in one glance.
- Difficulty: easy
- Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours from the Leutasch car park
- Ideal for: families, short outings, afternoon tours
4. The Gaistalalm
The Gaistalalm is not just a viewpoint – it’s an experience in itself. The alpine hut is nestled in a wide mountain meadow and offers an unobstructed view of the peaks all around. Sitting here with a portion of Kaiserschmarrn in front of you, you immediately understand why the Gaistal has so many devoted regulars.
- Difficulty: moderate
- Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours from Leutasch
- Ideal for: hikers with a meal stop in mind, families
Tip: The Gaistalalm is also reachable by bicycle – ideal for a bike day out.
5. The viewpoint at the Katzenkopf
The Katzenkopfhütte is a genuine insider tip. The path is somewhat less frequented than the other routes, but rewards you with a 360° panorama across the entire Gaistal. From here you can see all the way towards Seefeld and deep into the valley at the same time.
- Difficulty: moderate
- Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours from Leutasch
- Ideal for: experienced hikers, photographers and anyone seeking tranquillity
When do the huts in the Gaistal open?
Most huts in the Gaistal are open from early June to late September. Exact dates depend on snow conditions and weather – a quick glance at the current info & toll status is worthwhile before you head out.
Is the Gaistal suitable for families?
Yes, very much so. In particular, the routes to the Wetterstein, Rauthof and Gaistalalm are manageable for children too. The right footwear and enough water are essential – the food and drink on the huts takes care of the rest. Pushchairs are only suitable on most paths to a limited extent.
The Gaistal is one of those rare hiking areas that has something to offer beginners and experienced mountain walkers alike. Browse all the hiking routes in the Gaistal, plan your day, lace up your boots – and let the panorama speak for itself.