search

About

Gesause National Park is located east of the central point in Austria.  The extended park boundaries cover an area of 48.26 square miles (125 sq km).

The Ennstal Alps, Gesause Valley, and Enns River are at the heart of the national park.  The limestone mountains rival some of the granite landscapes of Yosemite National Park.  The panoramic views are enhanced by the thick forests and flowered pastures.

The landscapes of Gesause National Park are what the park is renowned for.  The terrain is awe-inspiring and captivating to say the least.  The Enns River traverses through the mountains enhancing the landscapes with white-water rapids and a 9.94-mile (16 km) gorge.

Those interested in history and culture will enjoy the high culture of Admont Abbey.  This taste of life only enhances the enchanting exploring of the region.

Alpine experiences are king here with hiking and mountaineering serving as popular ways to engage the park.  White-water rafting follows right behind that as the rapids coming out of the Ennstal Alps into the Gesause Valley are highly engaging.

Rafting is one of the best ways to see the terrain from a different perspective while also providing moments of exhilaration as you pound through the thundering rapids of the Enns and Salza rivers.

Photos

Gesause National Park
Gesause National Park
Gesause National Park
Gesause National Park
Gesause National Park
Gesause National Park
Gesause National Park

Things to See

The park provides some of the most remarkable mountainous and valley landscapes in the country.  The massive mountains are the highlights for many visitors who often stand in awe.

Ennstal Alps

The Ennstal Alps is a mountain range situated in Austria.  They expand beyond the park borders between the states of Syria and Upper Austria. 

The most renowned parts of the Ennstal Alps are located in the national park and the highlight for most people.  The Hochtor mountain at (2,369 m) is the tallest amongst the mountains in Gesause. 

Gesause Valley

The Gesause Valley is a region of the Ennstal Alps where the Enns River has carved through the massive limestone mountains creating a gorge and valley that are nestled amongst the massive giants of the Alps.

Along with Hochtor, Buchstein, Lugauer, and Reichenstein mountains the Enns River and Gesause Valley.  They collectively make the backdrop of the Gesause Valley picturesque.

Gesause National Park Trails

Hiking and mountaineering are the most popular activities of the national park.  The area is actually considered one of the hiking and mountaineering coveted destinations.

placeholder

Kolblalm-Huberalm Loop Trail

This is a lower alpine trail that features an elevation gain of 1,375 feet (419.1 m) while circling through the forests.  It covers a distance of 5.95 miles (9.57 km) and the trail is rated moderate.

placeholder

Haindlkarhutte Loop Trail

Although labeled as a loop trail, much of the return is along the same path.  The trail ascends 1,625 feet (495.3 m) while covering a distance of 3.29 miles (5.29 km).  The trail is rated moderate.  It provides striking views of the magnificent mountains and forested areas.

placeholder

Haindlkar-Haindlkarhutte Loop Trail

This is a loop trail that circles around 5.84 miles (9.40 km) with an elevation gain of 2,100 feet (640.08 m).  This is an alpine hike that is rated difficult and requires good conditioning. 

placeholder

Xeis-Ennstalerhutte Loop Trail

This is another alpine trail that is rated difficult with an elevation gain of 3,075 feet (937.6 m).  It covers a distance of 9.67 miles (15.56 km).  Good conditioning and preparedness are expected.  Plan for astounding landscapes and panoramic picturesque sceneries.

placeholder

Buchsteinhaus-Campingplatz Forstgarten Loop Trail

This loop trail is rated difficult and features an elevation gain of 3,150 feet (960.12 m) while covering a distance of 9.02 miles (14.52 km).  The majority of this loop trail is returning back along the same path.  Anticipate captivating panoramic views and majestic mountains that will leave you mesmerized.

placeholder

Hesshütte via Ennstaler Hütte Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 7.5 miles round trip, elevation gain of approximately 2,300 feet (700 meters)

Description: This trail offers a scenic loop through the heart of the park, combining dense forests with high alpine terrain.

Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Gesause mountains and the Enns River valley, making it a rewarding full-day hike.

placeholder

Tamischbachturm Trail

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 8 miles round trip, elevation gain of about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)

Description: Leading to one of the prominent peaks of the park, this trail is a challenge with steep ascents but rewards with unmatched views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Suitable for experienced hikers.

placeholder

Johnsbach to Mödlinger Hütte

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 6 miles round trip, elevation gain of 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Description: This picturesque trail winds through lush forests and alpine meadows, leading to the Mödlinger Hütte.

Along the way, hikers enjoy diverse flora and chances to spot wildlife.

placeholder

Admonter Haus Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4.3 miles round trip, elevation gain of 1,970 feet (600 meters)

Description: Starting from Johnsbach, this trail climbs to the Admonter Haus, offering stunning views of the Gesause entrance and the Admont valley.

It’s well-marked and offers a good challenge for moderate hikers.

placeholder

Zinödl Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 9 miles round trip, elevation gain of 2,625 feet (800 meters)

Description: This trail offers an immersive experience into the alpine landscape of the park, with diverse terrains, from dense forests to rocky paths.

The summit offers panoramic views, making it a popular choice for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Park Protection

Gesause National Park was created to protect the pristine wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, and astounding panoramic scenery.  The park also protects the last remaining unregulated portions of the remarkable alpine Enns River.

The park also protects the heritage of the historical Admont Abbey culture that interfaces with the new spices of modern-day life in Austria.

Sources