Hiking Tours in Gastein
For centuries, the farmers of the Gastein region have farmed the high pastures (known as “Almen“) during the summer. With their cattle - mostly cows, though more rarely also goats and other smaller cattle - the herdsmen head out in late spring to spend the summer at higher elevations. Over the centuries, people have left their mark on the alpine landscapes and transformed them into the unique cultural setting which hikers encounter today.
A total of 40 hill farms await you at elevations ranging from 1200 to 1830 metres above sea level. And some of the most beautiful of these lie along the „Salzburger Almenweg “, a hiking theme trail and an association of traditionally-run alpine huts. Salzburg, incidentally, boasts the highest concentration of such farms of any province in Austria.
There is so much to discover in the mountains of Salzburg. The Amoseralm in Dorfgastein, for example, where you will be able to bake your own delicious farmhouse bread - using traditional techniques in a rustic charcoal oven. At the Schlossalm, milk is processed as it has been for centuries: Traudi, your host, will be happy to let you watch as she churns out the butter. If you would like to plan your hiking tour from the comfort of your own home, then you can do just that with the aid of an interactive “Alm Atlas“ - the map is available here:
