GOSAU
Gosau is an idyllic valley lying in the glorious heart of the Austrian Alps' Salzkammergut region
It is surrounded by high mountains and pretty lakes, and is a walker's paradise
And in winter it is transformed into one of Austria's best kept skiing secrets!
It is surrounded by high mountains and pretty lakes, and is a walker's paradise
And in winter it is transformed into one of Austria's best kept skiing secrets!
Gosau is the premier resort for the Dachstein-West ski area. The valley is 11 km long and is divided into three main settlements: Vordertal, Mittertal and Hintertal. The "crowning glory" of the valley is the magnificent 'Gosaukamm', a huge, rugged mountain ridge at the head of the valley. Gosau is famed also for the spectacular view of the Dachstein and its glacier reflected in the still green waters of the Gosausee
Arriving in Gosau is a thrilling experience!When you approach this hidden valley from Lake Hallstatt you will follow the river up through the narrow gorge as the water thunders down, twisting and turning, through the forest.
Eventually you will emerge into the wide meadows and grazing pastures at the lower end of the valley. Moments later as you approach the village centre the stunning backdrop of the jagged grey teeth of the Gosaukamm ridge at the far end, comes into view! It is a real spectacle! After passing through clusters of homes scattered about the Gosau valley the road climbs steeply upwards, past the ski lifts, and ends abruptly at Gosausee, at 937m. This lake is surrounded by pine trees and lies directly below the mighty walls and impressive heights of the Gosaukamm, part of mount Dachstein, the highest mountain of the Salzkammergut region. Tourists come from afar to see this view. It is photographed by many! 
A wide range of exciting activities awaits you in Gosau: White water rafting, rock-climbing, mountaineering, ice-diving, paragliding, hot air ballooning, as well as lake swimming, fishing, and boat trips - all of which are close by!
The Gablonzahut - on the Zweiselalm, near the top of the cable car
Beyond Gosausee ...Another popular walk is beyond Gosausee, deeper into the mountains, up to Hinterer Gosausee, a smaller but equally beautiful lake. The gravel track climbs through forestry and flowery pastures and would appeal to bird-watchers. In the summer, refreshments are available at the welcoming Holzmeister-alm, a wooden cafe, at 1164m, where sausage soup and a beer await you!
A steep path climbs up from here, over the lower mountainside close to the glacier, to Hallstattersee. On your return to Gosausee, be sure to stop at the lakeside hof for a rewarding drink and apfel strudel - delicious! In Gosau the benefits of fresh air and exercise are hearty appetites! Walkers & Cyclists
All seasons, apart from winter, are ideal for walkers and cyclists
There are over 400 kms of marked trails along mountain ridges, across grazing pastures, beside lakes, along forest trails, past waterfalls and over mountain passes, and beyond. There are 20 welcoming 'alms' huts above Gosau for refreshment, some with rough accommodation. View a YouTube video of The Salzkammergut Trophy, the region's famous biking event! Springtime in the Salzkammergut
In Springtime the mountain slopes become awash with colourful flowers and the freshness of the new greens on the pastures when the snow disappears and retreats back up the mountains. The melting snow releases water which cascade down magnificent waterfalls.
Autumn / Fall Autumn leaves at Altaussee
Autumn colours are wonderful as the countryside prepares itself for winter; the whole area becomes ablaze with stunning colours. The mellow warmth of this season makes it an ideal time for outside pursuits on the mountainside and valley trails, or around the lakes. Or shopping in Salzburg...!
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The massive and stunning Gosaukamm ridge dominates Gosau valley
The Inner Salzkammergut is a wonderful place to enjoy at leisure; no matter whether you like engaging in something energetic, or would rather wish to simply unwind doing something relaxing - you are sure to find what is right for you here!
In the summertime, Gosau is popular for walking or jogging on the trails, It is a level walk around the Gosausee. It takes at least 60 minutes, and the view of the Dachstein glacier mirrored in the lake is often magnificent. The water is a gorgeous green, and along the path are many benches giving wonderful views of the steep cliffs where rock climbers cling on a set course.
From the Gosausee, there is a cable car that climbs up the mountain side to a viewpoint. Here, there are three mountain restaurants with sunny terraces. It's certainly the place to go to soak up the wonderful view over the lake and glacier. The plateau here features an easy walking trail with super views both sides of the Zweiselalm. 
Gosausee trail, with the rock-climbers' ladder
Another very rewarding walk is the one coming down from here, at Zweisalalm and Sonnenalm to the 'Three Churches', opposite our apartment building, and it makes a wonderful day out! Others say walking up is the only way!
We take the cable car up and it takes two hours or so to walk back.along the forest trail below Hornspitz. Great views accompany you, and you will probably meet up with some friendly cows on the way! 
Cows with bells wander as they like
In the village ... Gosau village centre in rush hour
Paths criss-cross the meadows and follow the small river. Beside the main road can be found several banks, the Tourist Office (free wi-fi), food stores and a fuel station.
There are shops, restaurants, hotels and guest-houses scattered all over the valley amongst farms and detached chalets - but it is not crowded. In winter the valley is transformed ...
During winter the valley is transformed into one of Austria’s best kept skiing secrets. The snow in the Dachstein-West region is plentiful all season, and is replenished regularly with fresh powder. To our Ski Page!
Wide walking tracks in the snow are maintained throughout the valley allowing easy walks through the magnificent scenery. Behind the hotel there is a small nursery slope available to our guests, at no extra charge. Dachstein-West is great for Intermediate skiing and snow-boarding. Plus there is a wonderful 'SnowPark' to try tricks on! There are also 45 kms of Langlauf (cross-country) tracks throughout the valley. These tracks are carefully maintained by state of the art equipment, making it easy to get about the valley on foot. The ski-bus to the ski lifts comes up to our front door - and it's free! |
Copyright C R Shelbourne 2013 - 18 Cliff Hill, Gorleston-on-sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England NR31 6DQ
Email: Stay@GosauApartment.com Tel: +44 (0)1493 300721
Email: Stay@GosauApartment.com Tel: +44 (0)1493 300721
