Salzburg Alpine Pasture Trail - Stage 05: Dorfgastein - Heinreichalm - Präau Hochalm - Biberalm

The starting point of the fifth stage of the Salzburg Alpine Pasture Trail is at the Dorfgastein hiking start area directly at the town hall. From here, the path leads north along the village street through the historic center of the town to the tourism office. Panels along the way describe notable sights and guests learn some history about Gastein and Dorfgastein.

From the tourism office, you can already see the large intersection on the B 167 into the Unterberg district: After crossing the street and bridge, however, turn left and follow the forest road uphill to the right through the Dorferwald after about 100 meters. After about 30 minutes of walking, the shorter variant 5a turns left – but the main route continues straight ahead along the forest road. Always uphill to an intersection with another forest road. Here turn left uphill, after two more bends before a barrier turn right to a mountain meadow. Here opens a wonderful view of the Hochkönig. Now the path turns into a trail, which you follow for another just under half an hour through the Zechnergraben to a forest road. Follow the forest road uphill and at the next bend follow the hiking trail to the Heinreichalm (1,688 m). After the long ascent, a stop at this managed hut (also with overnight accommodation) is well deserved!

[For those who chose variant 4a with overnight stay at the Heinreichalm on Salzburg Alpine Pasture Trail stage 4, stage 5 now starts.] From Heinreichalm there is an easy climb south over a farm road to the Heinreich Chapel, which looks almost kitschy in the picturesque basin landscape. Passing the rustic Kokaseralm, in a left bend you choose the path leading straight south, which initially goes through the forest to a saddle between Tagkopf and Mooseckhöhe. The feeling of "mountain solitude" spreads – surrounded by nature and silence, you can recharge your energy. Despite the actual proximity to the valley, you feel completely isolated and far from any civilization in these basin landscapes. Across an extensive pasture area, the path leads to the rustic Präau Hochalm (managed with overnight possibility). On closer inspection of this alpine pasture, you can see that the shape of the roof matches the summit in the background. Many streams and crossings line the further path – waterproof footwear is recommended. At the Jagahäusl junction, the main route described here and variant 5a via the Dorferwaldweg meet again and share the same route to the stage destination at Biberalm.

At Jagahäusl, the onward route to Biberalm follows the hiking trail (coming from Präau Hochalm) to the right through the extensive alpine pastures of Wölflalm, Gröbneralm, and Walchalm (all three unmanaged; between Gröbneralm and Walchalm at a crossroads take the right path no. 116 uphill). From Walchalm, the path becomes steeper and leads in switchbacks (at a fork take the left path) to Hohe Scharte and the 1,895-meter-high Wetterkreuz, where you are rewarded with an extraordinary view of the Gastein Valley. You should linger here for a moment before descending on a path to Biberalm. The certified Salzburg Alpine Pasture summer hut of the Gruber family promises a magnificent view of the Gastein local mountains such as Schuhflicker, Fulseck, Graukogel, Ankogel, and Stubnerkogel.

Refreshment and overnight possibilities 

Heinreichalm (1,680 m) (variant 4a & stage 5), (after approx. 8 hours), late June to mid-September T. +43 664 9248501 alpine summer hut / food / overnight / lodging partner Salzburg Alpine Pasture Trail Info and booking center by Trail Angels

Präau-Hochalm (1,808 m), late June to mid-September / T. +43 699 100 27 636 alpine summer hut / food / overnight / lodging partner Salzburg Alpine Pasture Trail Info and booking center by Trail Angels

Biberalm (1,735 m), T. +43 664 593 20 45 alpine summer hut / food / overnight / lodging partner Salzburg Alpine Pasture Trail Info and booking center by Trail Angels

Here you will find everything about the right hiking boots, perfect equipment, and correct walking technique.

To make your day in the mountains truly an unforgettable experience, we give you some tips to ensure you are safe in the mountains.

Dorfgastein has an ÖBB train station and is therefore well connected to the public transport network. Also, within the Gastein Valley, you can use the public bus line.

In Dorfgastein, you can park your car in the town center at the parking lot of the Dorfgasteiner Bergbahnen AG. This is about 250 meters from the stage start. Please leave the “Alpine Pasture Trail parking meter” from the brochure in the parked car!

 All further information about the Salzburg Alpine Pasture Trail can be found here.

The Gastein Valley has been appreciated for its highly effective thermal water for hundreds of years: Bad Gastein is one of the oldest spa towns in the Alps. Health and well-being have always been the focus for hosts and guests here. The holistic approach to inner and outer health is also reflected in the wellness and well-being offering, closely linked to the natural resources of forest and mountains, such as yoga days in spring and autumn or forest bathing in Bad Hofgastein.