Hohe Tauern Bike Trail | ST02 Bad Gastein | Kötschachtal | Bad Hofgastein | Dorfgastein | Embach

Here begins the well-maintained forest road towards Prossau. The path steadily climbs through dense mountain forests, accompanied by the rustling of the Kötschachbach. Shortly before the valley end, the route climbs a bit steeper again but remains technically easy to manage. The wild romantic landscape with its moss-covered stones, old larches, and the proximity to the impressive Himmelwand makes this section a real natural experience.

Upon arrival at Prossau, you will find a particularly idyllic spot to rest. Those with time and leisure can hike a short distance further to the back of Prossau – with an open view of the glaciers of the Ankogel, right in the National Park Hohe Tauern (details see author’s tip „Bike & Hike possibility“).

After the rest, you roll back on the same route and enjoy the gentle descent to the hotel village „Grüner Baum“. Immediately after, you leave the already known route and turn right onto a smaller street that leads downhill and soon crosses the Kötschachbach. Shortly after, at a fork, follow the right road towards Gasthof Gamskar. After about 600 m, a small street sharply turns left downhill over the Radern, which leads you to the district Bad Bruck and the valley floor of the Gasteiner Valley.

From there, it continues on the right valley side of the Gasteiner Valley downstream on small, hardly frequented village roads – past the quiet districts Remsach and Gadaunern, nestled in the lovely landscape of the Gastein Valley. Orchards, lush meadows, and well-kept farms line the path that leads you directly to the center of Bad Hofgastein.

There you switch to the well-signposted Gasteinertal cycle path. This section runs almost flat on paved paths and takes you through open valley landscape to Dorfgastein. The charming village invites you to a pleasant break with cozy cafes and inns.

From Dorfgastein, the Gasteinertal cycle path continues downstream towards Lend. You follow the gently descending course to Klammstein, where the route passes through three well-developed, illuminated tunnels with cycle paths – a special experience that also marks the transition to the Salzach Valley at Lend. Immediately after the tunnels, you meet the Tauern cycle path running through the Salzach Valley, go under the federal road running through the Salzach Valley, and follow the Tauern cycle path to the left (west) through the village Lend directly in the valley floor of the Salzach Valley. Shortly after, you meet the crosswise state road between Dienten and Embach. You cycle it briefly straight and then left over the Salzach Valley federal road towards Embach.

The final section demands your stamina again: on the partly quite steep but not heavily trafficked state road, the route winds up to Embach. Upon reaching the sunny high plateau, an impressive panoramic view awaits you – a worthy conclusion to a versatile stage full of landscape contrasts, cultural impressions, and genuine Gasteiner hospitality.

Charging stations along the stage: 

E-charging stations Gastein Valley >>

Recommended Equipment >>

From Taxenbach/Rauris by train: 921 towards Vienna West Station to the exit stop Schwarzach-St.Veit. Then by regional bus 550 towards Sportgastein Goldbergbahn to the exit stop Bad Hofgastein bus terminal/Schlossalmbahn. Afterwards by bike to the spa and tourism association Bad Gastein.

Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region

Gerlosstraße 18, 5730 Mittersill, Austria

Tel. +43 6562 40939  E-Mail: hohetauerntrail@nationalpark.at

Booking Center &  Info-Hotline Trail Angels GmbH

9821 Obervellach 15, Austria

Tel. +43 4782 93093 E-Mail: info@bookyourtrail.com