Gaistalweg – Family Walk

The Gaistalweg Family Walk is the ideal introduction to the Almenparadies Gaistal – for families with young children, older walkers, pushchair-users and anyone who wants to enjoy the Gaistal in a relaxed and effortless way. Covering 5 km with just 80 metres of elevation, the circular walk follows the picturesque Gaistalbachbach through the wildly romantic valley – with alpine meadow atmosphere, the sound of the rushing stream and mountain panoramas all included.

Why This Walk?

The Gaistal is a valley with two faces: on one hand, demanding mountain tours to high-alpine huts, and on the other, a beautiful valley floor that can be enjoyed without great fitness levels. The Gaistalweg Family Walk is the finest example of the second face.

The route follows well-surfaced, wide tracks – largely flat, with minimal elevation change. The Gaistalbachbach accompanies the route for much of the way: perfect for paddling in summer, wild and rushing in spring after the snowmelt, and golden in autumn larch light.

Route Description

Start at Salzbach car park (P1): From the car park, follow the car-free Ganghoferweg into the valley. The path is wide, level and well surfaced. The valley opens up immediately with its distinctive rock faces on either side.

Along the Gaistalbachbach: The path follows the stream bed into the valley. Grazing cattle, flowering alpine meadows and the calls of mountain birds accompany the walk. After about 2 km you pass the first wooden bridges over the stream.

Turning point after 2.5 km: At the Gaistalalm (1,350 m) you can stop for refreshments and rest on the terrace – before heading back to the starting point along the opposite side of the valley. The return route is just as beautiful as the outward journey, but offers different perspectives.

Return journey: Back on the other side of the stream – slightly offset, through somewhat different terrain. Also flat and easily walkable.

Refreshment Stops

• Gaistalalm (1,350 m): Perfect turning point with refreshments – hot food, Brettljause, homemade cakes, pushchair-friendly access
• Poli’s Hütte (at the entrance to the Gaistal): For cake and coffee before or after the walk

Family Highlights

Pushchairs: The entire route is suitable for pushchairs and buggies. Wide path, no steps, no bottlenecks.

Young children: The Gaistalbachbach is close to the path in several places and offers wonderful spots for paddling (in summer, shallow bank areas available).

Wildlife spotting: Grazing cattle, occasional horses, and alpine birds make the tour a memorable experience for children. With a bit of luck, marmots can also be spotted at the valley’s edge.

Wheelchair access: Generally possible for the first 2 km – the path becomes somewhat uneven further on. Manageable with assistance.

Seasons

Tips for the Walk

• Evening strolls: The Gaistal is particularly atmospheric at dusk – light on the rocks, stillness in the valley
• Rain: The walk is beautiful even in light rain (bring a rain poncho) – the valley takes on a particularly mystical quality
• Combined with the Gaistalalm: A perfect 3-hour combination: walk + lunch stop + return journey
• Dogs: Please keep on lead near grazing animals; the stream is a wonderful refreshment for dogs too

The Gaistalweg Family Walk is the perfect introduction – and for many visitors the beginning of a long love affair with the Gaistal.