The Gaistaler Jause is the culinary highlight in summer for hikers, families and nature lovers travelling through the sunny Gaistal (18 °C, light wind). On the many pastures of the Almenparadies Gaistal freshly prepared home cooking is served – from hearty Tyrolean lard dumplings to light yogurt‑ and berry‑variations that are perfect for a break after the ascent.
What is available to eat on the pastures?
Each pasture has its own offering, but some classics can be found everywhere:
- Käsespätzle with mountain cheese from the region
- Speckknödel in clear broth
- Bauernsalat with fresh cabbage, apples and nuts
- Homemade cakes (apple, plum or curd cake)
- Snack platter with ham, cheese, farmhouse bread and jam
Tips: Try the Jause on the Gaistalalm for an authentic experience – the terrace offers a wonderful view over the valley.
The most popular pastures for the Gaistaler Jause
Gaistalalm – 1373 m
- Opening hours: 9–18 Uhr, daily
- Season: mid May–end October
- Dog: dog‑friendly
- Accommodation: mattress dormitory (9 places) + 4‑bed rooms (15 places) – advance booking required
Food: Traditional Tyrolean cuisine, large snack platter, homemade cakes.
Ehrwalderalm – 1500 m
- Opening hours: 8:30–16:30 Uhr, daily
- Season: end May–mid October
- Dog: dog‑friendly, no accommodation
Food: Fresh mountain‑herb salads, goulash soup, Kaiserschmarrn.
Wangalm – 1753 m
- Opening hours: 8–20 Uhr, daily
- Season: early June–mid October
- Dog: dog‑friendly, accommodation (4 rooms, 20 beds) – advance booking required
Food: Alpine‑hut bread, board snack, homemade jams.
Rotmoosalm – 2030 m
- Opening hours: 9–22 Uhr, daily
- Season: early June–mid October
- Dog: dog‑friendly, accommodation (mattress dormitory, 14 places)
Food: Game ragout, beef goulash, Kaiserschmarrn with plums.
Kristenalm – 1348 m
- Season: mid May–mid October, dog‑friendly
- Accommodation: none
Food: Light yogurt bowls, fresh fruit and nut snacks, Tyrolean bacon.
Other recommended pastures for the Gaistaler Jause are the Knorrhütte, Polis Hütte, Hämmermoosalm, Seebenalm, Tillfußalm and Coburgerhütte – all offering regional specialties and a cozy atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions by hikers
How far is the nearest snack from my starting point?
The distance depends on your starting location. Those who choose the Gaistalweg – Family Walk (5 km, 80 Hm, 1.5 h) can take a break at the Gaistalalm after about an hour of hiking.
When do the pastures open in August?
In summer almost all pastures are open from 7 Uhr to 22 Uhr. Specific opening hours:
- Gaistalalm: 9–18 Uhr
- Ehrwalderalm: 8:30–16:30 Uhr
- Wangalm: 8–20 Uhr
Is the snack suitable for children?
Yes, all listed pastures offer child‑friendly options such as milk soup, spätzle with applesauce and fruit‑based desserts.
Can I eat with my dog?
Most pastures in Gaistal – Gaistalalm, Ehrwalderalm, Wangalm, Rotmoßalm, Kristenalm – are dog‑friendly. However, pay attention to designated leash‑required areas.
Are there vegetarian alternatives?
Many pastures offer Käsespätzle, vegetable soups and berry yogurt as vegetarian options. Ask the staff about daily dishes.
Practical tips for your snack stop
Tips: Use the parking lot P1 – Öfen at the valley entrance for quick access to the Gaistalalm.
Tips: If you travel by bus, take line 433 from Seefeld to Leutasch and continue into Gaistal – the stop is right next to the main pastures.
Tips: In midsummer the pastures can become very crowded. Arriving early (before 10 Uhr) secures you a seat with a panoramic view.
Where can I find more information?
- Detailed descriptions of all pastures are available at /almen.
- Current opening hours and special offers can be seen on /aktuell.
- For hikes to Wangalm and Rotmoosalm we recommend the routes /routen/wanderung-zur-wangalm and /routen/wanderung-zur-rotmoosalm.
Conclusion
The Gaistaler Jause combines culinary enjoyment with impressive mountain scenery. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty snack‑jause or a cozy dinner – in Gaistal there’s a pasture for every taste. Plan your hike, check the opening hours and enjoy the fresh air, sunny weather and traditional specialties of Tyrol.
