Gosau
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More Information - Gosau
Mountain biking
is the best form of exercise! Good for the heart and circulation!
Enjoy many different tours in the fresh mountain air of the Dachstein region.
In the Inner Salzkammergut, mountain bike trails cover an area of around 1200 km. The routes are clearly marked, are suitable for all levels of fitness and experience, and are there for you to enjoy, free of charge!
NEW: Guided tours for mountain bikers of ages and abilities. Indoor training .......
A description of all the mountain bike trails is available in the "Guide to mountain biking in the Salzkammergut" by Schubert & Franke, priced around 8 Euros, and available from tourist offices.
"Sheep day" in Gosau - 29th September 2007
Enjoy a day of culture and tradition in the beautiful Hallstatt/Dachstein World Cultural and Natural Heritage region!
"Land train" excursion up to the Iglmoos Alm
Rounding up and bringing down of the sheep!
So what does this mean, exactly?! For generations, small scale farmers have allowed their sheep to wander off into the woods in the spring and summer months. Throughout this time, the sheep are allowed to graze freely and naturally in the pasture land. There is no cost to the farmers for feeding their live stock, and also the meadows do not need to be mown.
In autumn, the sheep are gathered once more by the farmers. Each farmer recognises his sheep from the markings in the ears, "calls out to them"(rounds them up) and takes them back down to the farm. This annual event in the farming calendar has been taking place for 200 years. The tradition has been proudly handed down from generation to generation.
A traditional event not to be missed!
Delightful walks and breath-taking views!
Many of the region's picturesque mountain huts are just one hour's walk away.
Kalmberg (right)
A hike to the summit of the "Hoher Kalmberg" to see the "Indian's Head"
Pass the Iglmoos and Goisern Huts and continue along a safe mountain ridge until you reach the cross at the top! (You can see the "Indian's Head" about 15 minutes before you reach the summit).
It's well worth the 4 hour's hike!
Hiking trails for everyone!
Around the Gosau lake, "Herrenweg" to the Zwieselalm, or an adventure up to the Adamek Hut?
We are happy to point you in the right direction! Just call 0043(6136)8295
ENJOY HIKING
There are many businesses in our region who make it possible for our guests to go out into the countryside and enjoy the boundless opportunities for HIKING. They are specialists in this field, and can provide lots of "walking tips", and offer many other additional services.
Getting Started
YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, RED
So many choices!
Take advantage of the many opportunities offered by the "Wanderfreunde" organization. You will qualify for expert help in getting your walking holiday started, at very reasonable rates, and in no time at all you will be out enjoying the unspoilt natural surroundings of this UNESCO World Heritage Region. Members also enjoy discounted entry to many local exhibitions, museums, caves, parks, indoor and outdoor swimming pools as well as to the thermal baths resort in Bad Ischl.
Packages for families
Was 145.50 Euros max.
Now just 99 Euros
Packages for 2 adults and 2 children include:
* Family ticket and guided tour of the Hallstatt Salt Mines Attraction
* Family ticket for the "Primeval Forest" attraction in Gosau
* Family ticket for the caves
"Loeckernmoos" - a natural gem
A hike of just fifteen minutes from the "Loeckernmoos" brings you to a former quarriers' village (1400 metres above sea level). In his book "Das Gosautal" ("The Gosau Valley"), Dr Paul Bauer wrote that "the mining of grindstone blocks of all shapes and sizes is an historic occupation in Gosau". Indeed there are records of grindstone mining dating back to 1563. Over the course of time, this became an important source of income, due to the building of the railway line to Gosau which then extended over the Gschuett Pass and then onwards to Golling. However, the economy suffered after the First World War. There was a decline in the infrastructure following the Second World War, and now that artificial grindstone is available, mining is no longer carried out as a profit-making business.
THE LOECKERSEE - SMALL MOUNTAIN LAKE
high up in the moorland
Not one single nail was used in the building of the path which leads around this pretty little lake. Only wood and loving hand craftsmanship were used to create a delightful trail through this beautiful mountain moorland which is of international significance. Visitors have the chance to admire what is possibly some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and only natural resources are being used, ensuring the continued conservation of the environment.
The "Loeckernmoos" is now accessible to all, with no threat whatsoever to the delicate balance of nature.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND GUIDED TOURS
Hikes and daily escorted tours from the Loeckernmoos moorland to the Loeckernsee lake and the grindstone quarries.
Option 1: Hike from Vordertal, Mittertal or Hintertal areas of the Gosau valley to the grindstone quarries (about one and a half hours). Follow the Theme Trail accompanied by experienced guides to the Loeckersee lake.
Option 2: Travel in groups to the quarries on the "Gosau Land Train" or take the shuttle bus from the tourist office (see time table). From 4 persons per day.
Daily departures every Tuesday at 10.00!
Escorted circular walk around the Loeckernsee and gritstone quarries as described above.
Cost: Shuttle bus/Land Train plus guided tour: 25 Euros per adult (15 Euros for children)
Refreshments and snacks (regional fare) are available from the "Badstubnhütte" - one of the grindstone huts.
Full day excursion
to the Plankenstein alm - high mountain pasture land and traditional mountain huts
from 9am to 6pm
A trip up to the "Plankensteinalm" (1600 metres above sea level) via the Gosau lake is a lovely day out for all the family. The route takes us through beautiful, unspoilt, natural landscapes, and there are stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Arrival time - 12.00 approx. Return approx 18.00. You guide accompanies you up to the huntsmens' hide (approx 20 minutes).
Cost: 18 Euros per adult and 9 Euros per child aged 6 - 15.
No charge for children under 6 years!
Half- day and Afternoon excursions available!
Visit the Iglmoosalm or the Ebenalm (high mountain pastures)
Depart 13.00 and return 18.00
Cost:13 Euros per adult. Children aged 6 - 15 half price. Children under 6 free of charge. 3 hour visit to the alm. Refreshments and musical accompaniment available. Opportunities for walking!
A pleasant day out!
During the half day tours our "hiking guide" also provides you with musical entertainment - on the accordion!
Trips are organised from the end of May until the autumn (depending on snow/weather conditions). Reach some of the most beautiful valleys and mountain pastures, high above Gosau (up to 1600 metres) without all the physical exertion!
Please enquire at the tourist office. Telephone 06136/8295
A perfect day full of adventure
for the whole family!
The "PRIMEVAL FOREST" is an extension to the "Jagerbauernstadel" Geology Museum and provides insights into the origins of the planet and life on earth in a fun and interpretative way.
There are lots of fun attractions such as
"Wolli" the mammoth or the sabre-toothed tiger who lurks in the woods waiting for his prey. The highlights once again this year will undoubtedly be the 2 water attractions: "Primeval Surfing" and the "Children's Canyoning".
From Pre-Cambrian to Tertiary Period
From Jellyfish to Dugout Canoe
The evolution of life is explained in the park’s eight interactive "stations". The most important episodes in the evolution of the earth are explained in a fun and interesting way. The trail, which is mainly through the oldest parts of the forest, is approx. 300 metres long, and there are more than 30 different "hands on" activities to keep you amused along the way.
"Travel" by pterosaurian into the next age!
Life in the Precambrian is featured by a large jellyfish which can be climbed on. Our jellyfish "lives" in a rather more barren environment! Discover how armed gurnards stole fish eggs in the age of the "Ordovizium". Highlight of your visit is bound to be a flight on the back of the pterosaurian "Scaphognathus" linking the Jurassic to the Cretaceous period.
Enjoy some well-deserved refreshments afterwards. Close to the play/relaxation area is a "Stone Age" playground where there are also facilities for cooking by an open fire, just like in times gone by. There are also facilities to purchase typical regional food specialities without the need to cook it yourself!
Physical activity, challenge,development of new skills, experience and success are guaranteed when you visit the park, and you are certain to take away many long-lasting memories.
Children's parties in the "Primeval Forest"
Guests receive their own special glass of "champagne" and a surprise birthday cake upon arrival!
Adventures in the "Primeval forest" include:
* Balancing on the giant trilobite
* Catching fish eggs with the first armed gurnards
* A few turns on the primeval "spinning earth"
* Race the amphibians: watch out - you might get wet!
* Demonstrate your balancing skills on the "spider's web"
* Search for buried "treasure" in the "desert"
*Swing high up in the air on the back of the giant dragonfly
And there's even more fun to be had!
Hours of endless fun!
* Climb on the life-size mammoth "Wolli"
* Have a rest in the fisherman's hut
* Splash around in the wooden fountain
* Search for fossils in the stream
* Travel by raft to the bridge - or enjoy lots of raft rides
* Enjoy dunking each other in the water
And lots, lots more!
Travel 100m on the back of our flying pterodactyl!
And there's yet another surprise in store!
The highlight of the party is undoubtedly the "Birthday Flight" into the next age! Cimb on to the back of our flying pterodactyl "Pteradondon" who will transport you, in no time at all, to the "Primeval Forest Gastro".
The camp fire will already have been lit, and nothing tastes better than sausages you have cooked yourself by an open fire!
It's always a sad moment when the party's finally over, but this will be a birthday celebration which will not be forgotten for a very long time.
Escorted hiking tours in the Gosau valley
In harmony with nature
An extensive programme of events suited to families, individuals and children too!
"Discovery Days" for the whole family
Theme trails
Walks with deviations from marked trails, allowing you to discover some beautiful hidden gems
Crystal clear mountain lakes, and discover the wonders of nature
Leisurely strolls and mountain summits
Walks on high mountain plateaux with regional food specialities
Alpine tours up to the glaciers
Discovery Days for children in the woods and other open areas
Children's Birthdays in the woods
The Giant Ice Caves
Adventures in a labyrinth of ice filled caverns!
Discoverers of the caves in 1910 told us, "You enter gigantic chambers, carved out by powerful glacial streams, and are overwhelmed by enormous ice formations and monstrous figures. The largest ice caves in Europe have just been discovered!"
Follow in the footsteps of early cave explorers!
Cave treking!
400 caves (150 km in total) have already been excavated in the Dachstein region.
Exciting discovery tour for children:
A guided tour is available on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3pm and on Wednesdays at 9 am.
Mini adventure tour!
Explore the narrow passageways and steep crevasses of the "Koppenbrueller" caves! Suitable for children aged 8 years and over. Grown ups welcome too! Proper safety equipment provided ....... protective clothing, helmet, lamp etc.
A World of Adventure in the Mountains
Hiking in our World Heritage Region
There are numerous opportunities for hiking in our region. Don't miss the "Five Fingers" viewing platform high up in the mountains. An unforgettable experience. Magnificent alpine scenery which will take your breath away!
Hallstatt Salt Mines
A journey through thousands of years in history!
Since time immemorial , the Celts, emigrants from parts of ancient Albania and Iron Age settlers, have inhabited the area around Lake Hallstatt and mined salt there.
As you enter the salt mines, so begins your journey into pre-history. Wander through ancient mine tunnels, illuminated by numerous wooden torch poles. One of the many highlights of the tour is the long, wooden miners' slide. Race down it and discover for yourself the deep, mysterious salt lake, as did the miners did all those years ago!
Amazing discoveries
"The man in the salt"
The greatest discovery in the salt mines undoubtedly took place in 1734 - a corpse preserved by the salt. The "Man in the salt" was probably killed by a landslide about 400 years BC.
"Prehistoric Tour"
Visit the oldest staircase in the world!
Interested visitors have the opportunity, during this tour, to see some of the most archeologically significant discoveries and to visit ancient burial grounds.
Hallstatt
Visit the historic market place!
This beautiful little village with its wealth of historic and cultural interest is, without doubt, well worth a visit!
Vordertal
The long Gosau valley is divided into 3 main inhabited areas.
Travelling from the Bad Ischl direction, the area of gosau you reach first is "Vordertal".
Mittertal and Hintertal
Gosau Lake
The lower Gosau lake is the "crowning glory" of the beautiful Gosau valley.
Dachstein West Ski Arena
37 ski lifts
2 cable cars
9 chair lifts
26 button and drag lifts
"A stroll through the history of the Gosau valley"
Theme: life in the Gosau valley - farming, wood cutting, grindstone quarrying .......
Route:
Tourist Information Office, Schnitzhof - Schichtler - over the main road - Schindereben - Panoramaweg as far as Paß Gschütt Straße - Alte Paß Gschütt Straße - Evangelical Church - Kalvarienberg - Catholic Church - Gosau Mittertal - along the Gosau river - Tourist Information Office
The village high in the mountains
This is one of the loveliest walks in the Gosau valley. There are more than 200 km of hiking paths in total. Lots of interesting things to discover.
Whether you are young or old, this is a delightful walk which you can complete in 2 to 3 hours. The route is easy and you do not need any special equipment/footwear, and you will learn lots about local history along the way! There are many beautiful view- points and 23 boards with lots of information about the countryside and the people who lived here. You can also find out why Gosau has always played such an important part in the development of the Salzkammergut.
"In Gosach"
"Gosach" was the name of the valley right up to the 19th century. Named for the valleys "turbulent waters".
"FROM THE WILDERNESS TO AGRICULTURAL LAND"
The origins of todays farmhouses date back as far as 1324. There are 18 "farms" with separate living accommodation for animals and farming families dating back to the times when Gosau was first inhabited. These have been re-developed and still exist today. There are 23 interesting boards with information explaining the history of these farms, and if you are interested in learning more, just take a walk by!
INTERSPORT DONNERKOGEL CLIMB
Climbing in the Dachstein Region
Start from the Gablonzer Hut, near the summit terminus of the cable car.
If you are interested in hiring a registered mountain guide to accompany you, please contact the tourist information office in Gosau. Tel 06136/8295
THE FIRST SECTION
The first section of the climb is described as an easy to moderate "adventure" rock climb.
THE SUMMIT
..... stunning panoramic views of the Gosau lake and the Dachstein!
The climb to the summit of the "Little Donnerkogel" (Kleiner Donnerkogel (1919 m)) is described as being of "moderate" difficulty. The next part of the climb however, up to the "Great Donnerkogel" (Grosser Donnerkogel (2055 m)) is "difficult". Those really looking for adventure can take the "Donnermandl" route, ("difficult" to "very difficult").
(Foto: Outdoor Leadership)
GRINDSTONE QUARRYING IN GOSAU
Salt was discovered thousands of years ago, but more recently there was a discovery of another kind beneath the Plassen ......
The grindstone quarries are located in the so-called "Loeckermoos", at approximately 1350 metres above sea level. For a long time, grindstone quarrying was an important means of income for the people of Gosau, as was salt mining.
HARD TIMES
In 1563, grindstone quarriers in Gosau formed a guild which remained intact for 400 years.
Due to developments in the 20th century, things became increasingly difficult, however. In imperial times 20 to 25 truck loads could be sold each year, but 2 decades later there was already 30% less for sale. By the 1960s there were just about 3 to 4 loads per year. In 1969 the enterprise officially hung up its boots.
NOWADAYS
Thank goodness grindstone quarrying in Gosau never came to a complete halt.
Johann Pomberger continued after 1969 to quarry stone for a relatively small number of customers. Johann was the last in a long succession of men who worked the quarries as a main source of income. Since 1989 he has been joined by quarriers on a part time basis. There continues to be some demand for the stone, and there is an opportunity for visitors and locals to discover more about the quarries during the "Gosau Culture Weeks" each summer (Please see the "Events" section).
Fossils in the Dachstein massiv
Precious discoveries from the Cretaceous period (about 135 million years ago) to the Triassic age (approx. 230 million years ago)
Rocks on the Dachstein and the Gosaukamm mountain range date back to these times. Stones found on the Plassen summit date back to the Jurassic period which began 180 million years ago.
Ammonites
There were massive geological changes to our landscape during the Cretaceous Period. The level of the sea bed rose and continents, chains of islands and mountains were formed. It was not until the end of this Cretaceous Period that the sea levels returned to normal. Throughout this time, and right up to the Tertiary Period, rock formations of up to 2500 metres were constantly being formed in Gosau.
This was the Age of large prehistoric reptiles and ammonites.
Exhibition of Rocks and Minerals
Mussels, corals and sea snails survived here for thousands of years. They were buried in deep layers of sand and have been fossilised over time.
The Gapp family, throughout several generations, have been collecting these fossils and carefully transforming them into beautiful exhibits.
They established an exhibition of these rare fossils and minerals, as well as locally produced works of art made from stone. This family-run concern has been of great interest to locals visitors over the years, as well as many geologists.
"Schmiedbauern" museum of country life
Local authorities and the local history society have transformed one of the oldest farmhouses in Gosau into a wonderful new attraction.
There is nowhere better suited for a museum of local rural life than this area around the Stausee (small lake) in Hintertal.
"Open air museum"
There are about 9 different exhibits.
Farmhouse, stable, wood turner's hut, wood store, stone turner's hut, grindstone worker's hut, hay barn, bee hives. 2 buildings are still awaiting completion.
Spend an afternoon in a museum of local life!
Well worth a visit! The museum is open on Wednesdays and Sundays by prior arrangement (minimum 10 persons).
A visit to this old farmhouse is like travelling back 400 years in time. Forget the stresses and strains of modern life as you re-live local traditions such as bread baking in the old "black oven"!
