Summer in the Gesäuse

Be outdoors. Find your inner peace. In summer, the Gesäuse really comes into its own! The mountains and cliffs offer wonderful hiking and cycling in unspoilt nature, cosy stops at mountain huts or challenging climbing at the ‘University of Mountaineering’. But things are also buzzing down in the valley, because white-water sports are the Gesäuse’s other name. Whatever you choose to do, here you can simply be yourself – at your own pace. And shhh: the summer nights here are still lovely and cool...

Discover the summer activities in the Gesäuse

Speaking of ‘Xeiseln’. The River Enns provides the musical backdrop. It murmurs and roars, and, like a jukebox, is responsible for the name ‘Gesäuse’. The ‘murmuring’ of the Enns is the etymological root of ‘Gesäuse’. Diversity. There it is again. For the Gesäuse has not just one wild river, but two. The Salza is, in fact, the longest unspoilt wild river in Austria. Forty kilometres of unregulated white water flow through the Styrian Grand Canyon in the east of the Gesäuse, in the Salza Valley. To the seasoned water sports enthusiast, it is what the Hochtor north faces are to the ambitious climber. And so it must be noted: since the Gesäuse is not just one thing – though it is, of course, unique – but many things, you can only really get to know it by exploring it thoroughly. From above and below, from the north and the south, on the rock face and on the water. You have to feel the dolomite beneath your fingernails, the Salza on your skin, the forest floor beneath your soles. Only then can you experience what the wild locals here are so unanimously raving about. This diversity.

Hiking

The Gesäuse is still unspoilt. Many say it is ‘untouched and gruelling’.

Climbing

Biking

Kultur erleben

Natur- & Geopark Steirische Eisenwurzen

Schutzhütten

Nationalpark Gesäuse

Kajak & Kanu

Canyoning

Rafting

Bäder & Seen

Dark Sky Reserve

Less light. More of the universe. You’re in Central Europe’s largest natural dark sky area – the darkest spot in the Alps. That means: up to 6,000 stars and the Milky Way in all its splendour are visible here to the naked eye. Want to sleep right under the stars? You can do just that in our mountain huts or at the Forstgarten campsite, for example. But be warned: it might leave you in awe...

More info

Tour highlights

It really is quite special: half of the Gesäuse consists of nature reserves! So you’ll be hiking and walking through a national park, a nature park, a wilderness area and a Dark Sky Reserve. On every trail, nature takes centre stage – offering you unspoilt views and awe-inspiring encounters with the natural world. From the themed trail along the stream for the whole family, to long-distance hiking routes and challenging alpine climbing tours: when you let go of control, the Gesäuse takes over...

Leierweg

Route 2,2 km

Duration 0:45 h

Begin Admont

Difficulty easy

Johnsbacher Sagenweg - The Wild John

Accessible by public transport

Route 10,2 km

Duration 2:32 h

Begin Admont

Difficulty easy

Hartelsgraben

Route 6,3 km

Duration 3:50 h

Begin Admont

Difficulty medium

Johnsbacher Almenrunde

Route 10,2 km

Duration 3:45 h

Begin Admont

Difficulty easy

The Sieben Elemente Trail: Long-distance hiking and a search for meaning

7 stages, 126 km and 6,100 metres of elevation gain – a journey of hiking and natural beauty: the Seven Elements Trail takes you through the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark – comprising the municipalities of Altenmarkt, Landl, Sankt Gallen and Wildalpen – over seven days. The landscape offers a space for tranquillity, self-reflection and renewed vigour. Wayside crosses, wayside shrines and churches lend the trail a sense of depth and invite you to pause and reflect as you walk.

More info

Good to know

Outdoor activities are something you have to learn. After all, you should be focusing mainly on having fun on your trip and always feel safe. That’s why it’s important to know in advance when and where it’s best to go. If you’re not sure yourself, why not just book a guide – they know the ropes.

Outdooranbieter am Wasser

Berg- & Wanderführer

Snapshots from a summer in the Gesäuse

Summer at its best: there’s always something to do and marvel at in the Gesäuse! Whether it’s an active holiday, enjoying nature or cultural highlights: here we show you the most beautiful sights.

FAQ

In summer, the Gesäuse is a paradise for all outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and culture vultures.

Some highlights:

Hiking, mountaineering and climbing: hut-to-hut hikes, long-distance hikes, gorge walks, themed trails and more
Water sports: rafting, canyoning, kayaking and more
Cycling: MTB tours, the Bussi Baba gravel route, cycle paths
Culture: Admont Abbey, museums, Strechau Castle, Gallenstein Castle ruins
Nature experiences and guided tours: Gesäuse National Park, Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark, Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area, Dark Sky Reserve
Swimming lakes and natural bathing spots
Many other activities such as archery, tennis, golf, horse riding or mini-golf

Any weather is good weather! In the Gesäuse region, for example, the following are ideal when it rains:

Admont Abbey Library and a visit to the abbey with its five museums
Museums in the region, e.g. the Silvanum Forestry Museum, the HochQuellenWasser Museum, the Steyr Car Museum at Strechau Castle, GeoRama Gams, Historama Hieflau
City Rock climbing centre in Liezen
Wellness, e.g. at the Hotel Spirodom’s Day Spa or at the GrimmingTherme
Galerie Fokus in Admont
Cinema at Starmovie Liezen
Tennis in Liezen
Some of the themed trails and caves in the Gesäuse are perfect for exploring in the rain

In the Gesäuse region, families can look forward to exciting outdoor adventures and impressive nature spotting.

Some highlights:

Sankt Gallen Water Adventure Park
Admont Abbey & Natural History Museum
Rafting on the River Salza (ages 6 and over)
Weidendom Nature Discovery Centre
Walking trails and themed trails, e.g. Lettmair Au, Der Wilde John, Zinkgraben
Wasserlochklamm Gorge, Palfau
Gams GeoWorkshop
Pürgschachen raised bog
Swimming lakes
Gesäuse Adventure Golf
Alpaca walks, amongst others

Yes, the local transport options range from buses, shared taxis (booked by phone) and trains to taxis and the Rail&Drive car-sharing scheme.

Want to get back to your own car after crossing the mountains? You can do so with the Gesäuse shared taxi. The shared taxi operates throughout the four municipalities of Admont, Ardning, Landl and Sankt Gallen, travelling to all those places not served by RegioBuses.

Crossings such as the route via the Hesshütte – Hieflau to Johnsbach or the Wasserfallweg, as well as the Wasserfallweg to Johnsbach – are ideal examples. Bookings: Tel. 03613/21000-99 (1–2 hours before your desired pick-up time, until 7 pm).

The Gesäuse National Park offers several accessible attractions, including the accessible themed trails Leierweg, Lettmair Au and Wilder John. These trails are flat and feature compacted gravel or wooden walkways, making them well suited to people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users

Accessible trails and nature experiences:
• Leierweg: Approximately 4 km long, a flat gravel path with wooden walkways and seating areas
• Lettmair Au: An easy themed trail near the Weidendom visitor centre
• ‘Der wilde John’ adventure trail: Another easily accessible themed trail suitable for all
• Swiss-Trac hire: All-terrain wheelchairs, complete with a towing device, can be hired at the Weidendom

You can see the starry sky clearly from anywhere here on clear nights – a few particularly good spots for stargazing are:

Buchauersattel: Mountain panoramas and night-time photos
Weidendom Adventure Centre: Views of the sky and the Hochtor Group
Forstgarten Campsite: Sleeping under the stars
Kölblwirt Johnsbach: Overnight stay in the Sternderl Suite
Buchsteinhaus & Ennstalerhütte: Mountain huts right beneath the starry sky
Gallenstein Castle Ruins: Viewpoint and guided tours
Lackneralm Palfau: Nature Friends’ hut, viewpoint and overnight accommodation
Leckermoos raised bog: Nature reserve and fascinating views

In the Gesäuse, you’ll find everything a hiker’s heart desires, from easy walks suitable for pushchairs to technically challenging crossings. Families and leisure hikers have plenty of options for gentle, beginner-friendly walks, such as the accessible Lettmair Au trail, the ‘Der wilde John’ adventure trail or the Zinkgraben.

You can find the up-to-date opening times for the Gesäuse huts here. Most huts open between the beginning and end of May. Check before you set off so that you take enough provisions with you in case the hut is closed.

Yes! To protect the natural environment, cycling and mountain biking are strictly limited to the official routes and the time restrictions specified for them. Among the most popular and officially approved routes are: the Hochscheibenalm Route, the Johnsbacher Almenrunde, the Ennsboden and Rauchboden trails, the Buchsteinrunde, the Trans National Park route and the Bussi Baba gravel bike route.

Oh yes! For example, you can take a mountain guide or a hiking guide with you on your tour. There are also plenty of excursions and tours in the national park and nature reserve that are led by rangers.

Dogs are always welcome in the Gesäuse – however, in protected areas such as the National Park and Nature Park, they must be kept on a lead at all times and are not allowed to run off the paths. Not all mountain huts allow dogs to stay overnight – it’s best to give the hut in question a quick ring before your trip to be on the safe side. You should also find out in advance – either from the hut or from us at the information office – about any potential encounters with grazing livestock on the alpine pastures.

The best time for white-water sports in the Gesäuse is from May to September. May and June (due to the snowmelt) are ideal for action-packed white-water trips. The summer months of July and August are perfect for more moderate trips, families and warmer weather.

Children aged 6 and over can take part in rafting!

Due to the strong current and for nature conservation reasons, swimming is only permitted at specifically designated areas, such as at the Weidendom Adventure Centre and at the Forstgarten campsite (near Johnsbach/Admont).

Planning a holiday

Useful links for planning your trip

Holidays are the best time of the year! To make sure you’re fully prepared, we’ve put together all the information you need about your stay in the Gesäuse at a glance. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!