The Grossarl Valley, also known as the 'Valley of Alpine Pastures', offers wonderful conditions for hikes of all levels of difficulty. Short routes are ideal for families with children, for example to one of the mountain huts, where hiking fans are rewarded with a breathtaking view. Those looking for a challenge can embark on a more demanding summit climb or hike over the mountain ridges of the region.
The 10 most beautiful hikes in Großarltal
Hiking paradise Grossarltal
The Grossarl Valley is located in Salzburg's Pongau region south of the city of Salzburg and is a foothill of the Radstädter Tauern. It separates the Hohe Tauern from the Niedere Tauern and is one of the longest Tauern valleys. Most of the Grossarl Valley is covered in conifers and the summers are usually mild - making the region a true paradise for hiking fans.
On around 400 km of marked hiking trails, you can discover the impressive mountain vistas, explore the flora and fauna and stop off at one of the 40 managed alpine pastures and mountain huts to rest and enjoy a good snack. Whether you are looking for a leisurely hike for the whole family, want to hike along narrow paths to secluded peaks or want to walk from alpine pasture to alpine pasture on a multi-day hike - in Grossarltal you will find every type of trail in one of the most beautiful regions of the Eastern Alps.
The peaks of the Hohe Tauern rise up in the background Photo: ©TVB Großarltal/Lorenz Masser
Hikes to the alpine pastures of the Grossarl Valley
The Grossarl Valley is known above all for its lively alpine pasture culture. There are around 40 managed alpine pastures here. It is not easy to decide which of the huts to visit on your hike. Almost every mountain pasture is a good destination, some are accessible via forest paths, some via beautiful trails. The great views and the great hearty snacks are something that all the huts have in common. Many alpine pastures can also be reached by bike, allowing for extended bike & hike routes. There are also playgrounds on several mountain pastures where children will have a great time.
Hiking and mountain huts go hand in hand in Grossarltal Photo: © TVB Großarltal
With the cable car to the trail
Two gondola lifts make the mountains even easier to reach: The Panoramabahn and Kieserlbahn take you up the mountain quickly, even in summer, and are particularly suitable if you only have a little time but still want to enjoy the panorama, if you want to go a little higher with your children or simply prefer going downhill to uphill. In around 10 minutes, you can reach an altitude of almost 2,000 meters with the gondolas, and then you have numerous options: The short walk to the Kreuzeck is ideal for families, with great views of the neighboring Gastein Valley. But sporty mountain enthusiasts also like to take the gondola, especially on longer mountain hikes to the Arlspitze or the Schuhflicker.
Tip: The high-altitude hike from the Panoramabahn mountain station via the Kreuzkogel and the Fulseck to the Kieserlbahn mountain station is a panoramic undertaking without a long ascent and descent.
The most beautiful panoramic peaks and mountain lakes in the Grossarl Valley
There are plenty of crystal-clear mountain lakes and panoramic peaks in the Grossarl Valley. Two of the most beautiful destinations are the Frauenkogel (2,424 m) and the Gamskarkogel (2,467 m), Europe's highest grass mountain. Both offer breathtaking panoramas and alpine floral splendor.
The Gamskarkogel is one of the most beautiful summit hikes in Grossarltal Photo: © Tourismusverband Großarltal
For lake lovers, the challenging route to Tappenkarsee, which is located at an altitude of almost 1,800 meters and is one of the largest mountain lakes in the Alps, is well worth the effort. The long hike rewards you with turquoise-blue water and a rugged rocky backdrop. The route to the Schuhflickersee, which starts at the Aualm, which can be reached by car, is slightly shorter and moderately difficult. Here, the surrounding peaks are reflected in the crystal-clear water - perfect for a refreshing break.
Multi-day hikes in the Grossarl Valley
If you want to delve deeper into the mountains of the Grossarl Valley, you can also tackle one of the multi-day hikes. Here, you hike from alpine pasture to alpine pasture on beautiful high-altitude trails that connect peaks, saddles and huts and where you can devote yourself entirely to walking and marveling – the panoramic views here are truly unique. In the distance, you can see the glacier-covered peaks of the Hohe Tauern, while the high peaks of the Pongau, such as the Ennskraxn, Glingspitze and Keeskogel, rise up in front of you.
Shorter two- to three-day hikes are ideal for getting a taste of the world of long-distance hiking. For example, you can hike around the Ellmautal valley in two days and find out whether this type of hiking is for you. If you want to go for longer, you can also set off on an epic ten-day hike through the furthest corners of the Grossarl Valley.


