Exploring Austria's Northern Forests

Austria is one of the most densely forested countries in Central Europe, with forests covering around 47% of its total land area. The country's forests offer recreation, protection against natural hazards, and contribute to climate protection through their CO2 storage. In northern Austria, the Gosau Forest blankets a magnificent mountain range at 700m above sea level, boasting a wealth of fauna, flora, and organic wonders.

The Stubai Valley

Austria is one of the most densely forested countries in Central Europe, with almost half of its national territory covered by forests. One of the must-visit attractions for nature lovers is the Stubai Valley, located about 40 km south of Innsbruck.

For those seeking a challenge, the Stubai High Trail leads hikers through forested mountain expanses to the summit of Tyrol, which rises 3,210 meters above sea level. This thrilling mountain peak provides breathtaking views of the region and is accessible only by hiking through the challenging Stubai High Trail.

Arlberg Forest

The Arlberg Forest incorporates five picturesque villages: St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, St. Christoph, and Stuben. Stuben is the smallest hamlet in the region, with just 80 inhabitants, offering a truly dreamy atmosphere. The capital of the region, however, is St. Anton, known for its gourmet restaurants.

The Arlberg region boasts breathtaking views of the Alps, with limestone peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. The highest peak in the region is the Valluga, which can be reached via a series of cable cars from St. Anton. The panoramic summit offers a 360-degree view, stretching to Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany.

For those seeking adventure, the mythical Verwalltal valley just south of St. Anton offers a range of outdoor activities, including dirt biking and e-biking. The region is also ideal for hiking, with trails suitable for all skill levels, from easy to medium, winding through the Alpine landscapes.

The Arlberg Forest has a rich history, dating back to the 14th century when it was a narrow mule track used for salt trading. The name "Arlberg" is derived from the numerous Arlen bushes in the area, also known as mountain pines. The region played a pivotal role in the development of Alpine skiing, with the first ski club being founded in 1901 and the first ski school established in 1921 under the leadership of Hannes Schneider.

Today, the Arlberg Forest continues to be a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a combination of stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.

Lake Weissensee and the Carinthia Nature Reserve

Lake Weissensee and the surrounding Carinthia Nature Reserve is a stunning natural area in Austria. Located at 930 metres above sea level, Lake Weissensee is nestled in the Gailtal Alps and is known for its serene and pristine natural environment. The lake and its surrounding area boast crystal-clear waters, emerald green surroundings, and an abundance of flora and fauna.

The Weissensee region has been recognised for its commitment to environmental protection and conservation efforts. The lake is one of the cleanest in Europe and is known for its drinkable water, which is said to have medicinal properties according to local legend. The area has been designated as a 'climatic health resort', meeting stringent environmental standards for air quality, nature preservation, and scenic beauty. Motorboats are banned on the lake to maintain tranquility and protect the ecosystem.

Lake Weissensee offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. In the summer, the lake is ideal for swimming, sailing, and other water sports, with temperatures reaching 24ºC. The surrounding nature reserve has well-maintained hiking and cycling trails that wind through the forests, meadows, and alpine pastures. The area is also known for its excellent fishing, with 22 different fish species in the lake. In the winter, the lake freezes over, creating a natural ice-skating rink surrounded by the enchanting forests.

The villages of Neusach, Techendorf, Gatschach, Naggl, and Stockenboi border the shores of the lake, offering a range of accommodations and dining options. The region is also known for its culinary delights, featuring regional specialities and organic ingredients. The local restaurants and hotels provide a perfect opportunity to relax and recharge while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

The Carinthia Nature Reserve and Lake Weissensee showcase the beauty of Austria's natural landscapes. With its crystal-clear waters, lush surroundings, and diverse flora and fauna, the area offers a peaceful escape from everyday life and a chance to immerse oneself in nature.

Zell Am See

The Zell Am See forest has a variety of hiking trails that wind through its large expanses of enchanting woodlands, mountain ranges, and wild paths. The "Mystic Forest" themed hiking trail in Zell Am See traces the Pinzgau region's fairy tales and legends. The trail has artistic representations of eight legends from the Pinzgau, including "Tausend Stimmen" (a thousand voices), "Die Wildfrauen" (the wild women), and "Der weiße Hirsch" (the white deer). The trail is an easy family hike that takes approximately 1 hour to complete, with a duration of around 455 m and a highest point of 1,830 m. The trail starts below the Sonnkogelbahn mountain station and ends at Schmiedhofalm, where there is an adventure playground called "White Deer" for children.

The Zell Am See area also offers a lively atmosphere with cosy restaurants, bars, shopping, and entertainment options. The historic centre of Zell Am See is located on the western shore of the 68 m-deep Lake Zell, with the villages of Thumersbach to the east, Erlberg to the southeast, and Schüttdorf directly to the south. The mountains of the area form a horseshoe shape, and the slopes are mainly forested or covered with Alpine pastures. The Hausberg ("home mountain") of Zell Am See is the Schmittenhöhe, which, at 1,965 m, is a popular centre for skiing and winter sports. The Zell Am See ski area offers runs for every taste and level, with the local mountain, Schmittenhöhe, offering panoramic views of around 30 three-thousanders in the Hohe Tauern.

Gosau Forest

Located in the district of Gmunden in northern Austria, the Gosau Forest is a nature lover's paradise. Blanketing a magnificent mountain range at 700 metres above sea level, the area boasts a diverse landscape, including a wealth of fauna and flora, organic wonders, rugged peaks, and shimmering rivers.

The Gosau Forest offers a plethora of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. One of the highlights is the Gosau Lake, known for its breath-taking glacial views and pristine waters. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and impressive peaks, providing a stunning backdrop for hiking and other recreational activities. The area features well-marked and beautifully laid-out mountain paths, with trails suitable for all experience levels, from easy strolls to challenging climbs.

The Gosau Forest also boasts the "Urzeitwald" (Primeval Forest), a family adventure park that takes visitors on a journey through time. The park features life-size models of prehistoric creatures, including giant insects, Pterosaurs, and mammoths, offering a unique and educational experience for young explorers.

Another popular attraction in the area is the Panorama Trail, a family-friendly route that takes hikers through lush meadows and fields in the summer and colourful forests in the autumn. The trail offers relaxed hiking without much effort and is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Gosau Valley delivers with its fixed-rope climbing routes and high-alpine equipment requirements for certain trails. The Donnerkogel hike, for instance, is recommended only for experienced mountain hikers, as it demands good preparation and surefootedness.

The Gosau Forest also showcases the beauty of the changing seasons. In the winter, the area transforms into a winter wonderland, with frozen lakes ideal for ice skating and other winter sports. Additionally, the annual Hot-Air Balloon Week, held between January 13th and 21st, adds a splash of colour to the sky, with hot-air balloons parading against the majestic backdrop of the forest.

The Gosau Forest, with its diverse trails, natural wonders, and recreational opportunities, is a testament to the beauty and allure of Austria's forested landscapes.

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