Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal

If you are planning to travel to Austria and, in addition to the unique hiking areas and the diverse cities, would also like to visit other worthwhile sights, then you should visit the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is part of the UNESCO-protected natural and cultural heritage and follows the philosophy "Using nature without harming it."

The Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park: An Overview

The biosphere park was established by UNESCO in the 1970s and is part of the "Man and Biosphere" program. But what exactly does the term biosphere park mean? Biosphere parks have the central goal of making transparent ways in which we can preserve particularly valuable habitats for future generations. As part of this goal, various model regions for sustainable ways of living and doing business emerged over the years, such as the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park or the Salzburg Lungau & Carinthian Nockberge Biosphere Park. This gave rise to the guiding principle "Using nature without harming it" and thus bringing people and nature into harmony. However, it is not only Austrian landscapes that are part of this program. Very well-known places such as the Rocky Mountains, the Galápagos Islands, and the Serengeti are also included.

Division of the Biosphere Park

In order to do justice to the program's central goal, the biosphere park is divided into different zones. These zones are called the development zone, the maintenance zone, and the core zone. Together, these areas add up to almost 20,000 hectares.

The development zone represents the living, economic, and recreational space for people, and is therefore regarded as a permanent settlement area. The maintenance zone forms the cultural landscape that is preserved close to nature through traditional three-tier farming and is not damaged. A large number of animals live there, able to develop freely in their surroundings shaped by plant diversity. In the maintenance zone, you can mainly find mountain forests, alpine pastures, and mountain meadows. In addition to these two zones, there is the core zone. This is home to ecosystems whose development is meant to take place with as little human intervention as possible. These include the Gadental and Faludriga-Nova nature reserves, the Lutz mountain river, the Kirschwald-Ischkarnei area, and the Tiefenwald bog complex. A special highlight is the so-called Rote Wand, the highest mountain in the valley.

Hiking Experiences in the Biosphere Park

If you love nature and also enjoy hiking, then the biosphere park is the perfect place for you. The diverse mountain range offers you a varied selection of hiking trails. Become part of a hike and enjoy wonderful views from the Walserkamm, or join a leisurely hike to the Wangspitze. The biosphere park also offers you certain themed trails that bring you closer to interesting information about the park. Along the way, learn more about the avalanche disaster in the municipality of Blons in 1954. Of course, on your hikes you shouldn't forget to take a short break and walk to the charming mountain huts or visit one of the inns.

Hiking Trail to the Wangspitze

This hiking trail starts at the car park by the Lutz. From there, you must take the forest road into the Hutlatal in the direction of Wangspitze/Rindereralpe. Once you reach the Rindereralpe, the path branches off into a hiking trail. This hiking trail first leads over a short alpine meadow and then up into a beautiful forest towards the Wangspitze. During the ascent to the Wangspitze, you will catch sight of an idyllic mountain meadow before following the unique switchbacks up to the Wangsattel. At the Wangsattel, the first real highlight of this hiking tour awaits you! For there you get a wonderful view of the "Gadental" biosphere park core zone, and your destination, the Wangspitze, is only 15 minutes from the Wangsattel. There, your second highlight awaits. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view from 1,873 m altitude and take in the Grosses Walsertal as well as the Lechquellen mountains. For the return journey, you first cover the same route as on the way there and then descend via the Matona Alpe. From there, follow a wide hiking trail down to the stream in the direction of the Gaden Alps. This is followed by a bridge that leads uphill and takes you down the valley to the Alpengasthof Bad Rothenbrunnen. So a wonderful moment for a perfect conclusion to your breathtaking hike, before covering the last few metres to the car park.

Flower Nature Trail

If you would like to explore the unique alpine flora of the biosphere park and be impressed by its diverse plant life, then you should definitely put the flower nature trail on your list. Between the middle station (1,780 m) and the top station (1,865 m) of the Stafelalpe panoramic cable car, you can discover more than 150 plant species and let the beauty of nature work its magic on you.

On the flower nature trail, you can get to know the various plants better and receive all the important information via the information boards. You can follow this trail on your own, or you can join an expertly guided tour. These take place regularly in May and June as well as August and September.

Culinary Enjoyment Loop

This hiking route is particularly suitable for the gourmets among you. The start of the enjoyment loop is located at the valley station of the Sonntag-Stein cable car. You can get there either by local bus or by car. Of course, you will also find parking directly at the valley station for your vehicle. With the help of the cable car, you can reach Sonntag-Stein within a very short time, and from there the hike begins. Follow the path branching off to the right, which will take you to the Steintobel. After the Steintobel, follow a new path that leads you through the Blickelwald to the Alpe Steris. There, the first enjoyment station with delicious specialities and fresh bread already awaits you. After that, you must head towards the Alpe Oberpartnom/Breithornhütte and tackle a fairly steep climb. The Breithornhütte then welcomes you, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch. After this relaxing and, above all, delicious break, you set off towards the last enjoyment station. Follow the track down to the Alpe Unterpartnom, in the direction of Steinbild, and back to the top station of the Sonntag-Stein cable car. If you are already hiking in this direction, you can also make a short detour to the Echowand and its accompanying themed trail. If you would like to cover the last few metres more quickly, follow the path branching off to the left at the Alpe Unterpartnom, from where you can hike directly down the footpath to the top station of the cable car. Once there, board the cable car and head back to the starting point. In the bistro, you can then enjoy your sweet finish and look back on an eventful day.

BergAKTIV: Organised Hikes with Lots of Fun!

In addition to countless hiking routes offering a wide range of nature experiences, the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park also offers guided hikes. These hikes take place at specific times, and taking part is definitely worthwhile! Special thought is always given to the little ones. For example, your children can take part in the "A Little Pirate on a Treasure Hunt" hike, or as a family you can join the "Family Hike at the Entrance to the Grosses Walsertal". But it's not just the little ones who are catered for – there's plenty for adults too! Enjoy the "Adventure Hike with Cheese Dairy Visit" or the "Sunrise Hike to the Zafernhorn".

Best Time to Travel

The months of May to September are considered the best time for a visit. During the mild to warm temperatures, you can take part in countless hikes and let the impressive nature work its magic on you. The guided hikes take place mostly in July and August and will definitely make your holiday more varied. Take advantage of the months of May to September to enjoy the colourful diversity of plants and be impressed by the breathtaking views. A special highlight is the biennial "Walserherbst" Festival, which always takes place in late summer (August/September) and lasts three weeks. This event combines nature with culture and offers you an eventful stay including music, art, and regional culinary delights.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you a pleasant journey to Austria and lots of fun on your exploration of the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park. Don't forget to find out about the country's toll regulations. You can find more information on the toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to help you plan your trip better and to see the relevant toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via our email.