Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature- & Geopark
Where nature and culture are in harmony
The nature parks are scattered all over Austria - almost like apples in meadows. Each one has its own hobbyhorse. In the case of the more alpine nature and geopark Steirische Eisenwurzen, it is on the one hand the flora and fauna and on the other hand the strong word "geo", which mainly comes into play around the GeoDorf Gams and is even so important that UNESCO has designated the region a GeoPark.
A nature park is there to hold up natural treasures, moreover, the sustainable use of the cultural landscapes shaped over the centuries is the central theme. Nature park specialties partners produce delicacies around scattered fruit meadows, herb gardens and more. The nature park hosts take these specialties and conjure up regional delicacies from them and otherwise it's "protect by using". This also works well with the nature in forest and meadow as well as with the geology in the Geopark.
Entdecke den Natur- und Geopark Steirische Eisenwurzen
Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark
In the Nature and Geopark Steirische Eisenwurzen you will be surprised every day anew: natural wonders like the Kraushöhle, the Nothklamm, the Brunnsee or the emerald green Salza greet you. With hiking boots or a paddle in hand, you can explore the region and find your own happiness. In addition, you can travel millions of years into the past - in the GeoDorf Gams.
kraus cave
With a good guide you will go through the Kraus Cave, which is a collection of superlatives: it was the first illuminated show cave in the world, traces of the old lighting system can still be found today.
nothklamm gorge
In summer, there is no place more refreshing than the Nothklamm gorge near Gams. On wooden paths you traipse further and further into the beautiful natural formation of the Gamsbach.
wasserlochklamm gorge
Near Palfau is the mystery waterhole. A gorge hike with waterfalls, beautiful views and the possibility for culinary reward.
castle gallenstein
In the Gesaeuse north of St. Gallen there is a castle that reminds us that there was already a lot going on here in the 13th century. The Benedictines from Admont took refuge there when the monastery was no longer safe enough from a warlike point of view.
Styrian Eisenwurzen nature and geopark
Quick & Short
The Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature Park is characterized by magnificent forests, romantic river valleys and idyllic farms. All this connects and offers the nature park communities, whereby each community, each place or even each resting place, each forest clearing, each meadow spot and each mountain peak has its uniqueness and its special features.
The Gams is the geological centre of the world.
Get inspired
Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark
Pictures say more than a thousand words. And before you form your own picture of the Gesäuse, let us seduce you a bit visually. The rest will happen automatically on site. Because the Gesäuse has never left anyone untouched.
Orchards in the Styrian Eisenwurzen I Gesäuse Nature Park | © Stefan Leitner
Genussmosthof Veitlbauer I Gesäuse I Steiermark | © TV Gesäuse | Stefan Leitner
Water source Kläfferquelle Wildalpen I Gesäuse | Stefan Leitner
Nature Park Steirische Eisenwurzen I Gesäuse | © Stefan Leitner
Arzberghöhle Cave Wildalpen I Gesäuse I Steiermark | Stefan Leitner
Brunnsee lake Wildalpen I Steiermark | © TV Gesäuse | Stefan Leitner
Contact details
Steirische Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark Office
Markt 35
8933 Sankt Gallen
t: +43 3632 7714
naturpark@eisenwurzen.com
www.eisenwurzen.com
FAQ
Häufig gestellte Fragen und Antworten
Are you curious? Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark!
- Area: 586 km²
- Municipalities: Wildalpen, Landl, Altenmarkt near Sankt Gallen, Sankt Gallen
- Key themes: Geology & Water
A nature park protects special landscapes and helps them to thrive. The motto: Protect through use.
In practical terms, this means:
- Preserving valuable cultural landscapes
- Facilitating sustainable tourism
- Strengthening regional economic growth
- Bringing nature to life – for everyone
Nature parks are not open-air museums. They are living, breathing regions.
A geopark is not a legally protected area, but an international quality designation. It recognises regions that:
possess an exceptional geological heritage
combine education, research and sustainable development
The Steirische Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark is the only geopark in Styria – and truly one of a kind.
Milestones:
2002: European Geopark
2004: Member of the Global Geoparks Network
2015: Recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark
The Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark is not the Gesäuse National Park. Both are located in the Gesäuse adventure region and are neighbours – but they are separate protected areas with different mandates. You can find more information here: https://nationalpark-gesaeuse.at/
Yes, provided you stay on the marked paths. However, the Nature and Geopark is a sensitive habitat. With a few simple rules, it will remain so:
- Treat people, animals and nature with respect
- Take nothing, leave nothing
- Keep dogs on a lead
- Stay on marked paths, respect restricted areas
- Especially along the Salza: avoid gravel banks (breeding season!)
Everyone is welcome! A visit to the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark is particularly suitable for:
- Families: adventure trails, educational programmes, hands-on nature experiences
- Nature and knowledge enthusiasts: hikes, walking trails, guided tours, exhibitions, research, courses
- Sports enthusiasts: white-water sports, hiking and cycling
- Food and drink lovers: tastings, specialities, local produce
Typical features here include:
- Gorges and river landscapes along the Enns and Salza rivers
- Mixed beech forests and unspoilt gorge woodlands
- Orchard meadows, alpine pastures and peaceful valleys
As well as hosting the full range of North Alpine species, the Eisenwurzen is also home to some extraordinary species:
- Plants: Peter’s auricula, snow rose, orchids, Turkish lily
- Animals: common sandpiper, ash fritillary, shovel-backed beetle
Particularly valuable: endemic species such as the anemone-leaved pasque flower, which is found nowhere else in the world.
Yes, dogs are allowed in the nature reserve and geopark, but they must always be kept on a lead!
Wild camping is prohibited here. However, there is the Palfau Rafting Camp, where you can camp in an idyllic spot right by the Salza.
