Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal: Hiking, Nature and Travel Tips

If you are planning a trip to Austria and would like to visit more scenic places in addition to its unique hiking regions and vibrant cities, you should definitely explore the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is part of the UNESCO-protected natural and cultural heritage and follows the guiding principle “Using nature without harming it”.

Großes Walsertal Biosphere Park: An Overview

The concept of biosphere reserves was initiated by UNESCO in the 1970s as part of the “Man and the Biosphere” programme. But what exactly does “biosphere reserve” mean? Biosphere reserves aim to demonstrate transparent, practical ways to protect valuable habitats for future generations. Over time, this has led to the creation of model regions for sustainable living and economic activity—such as the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Park or the Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge Biosphere Park. This is reflected in the motto “Using nature without harming it”, bringing people and nature into balance. The programme is not limited to Austria: well-known regions such as the Rocky Mountains, the Galápagos Islands and the Serengeti are also part of it.

Zoning of the Biosphere Park

To achieve the programme’s core goals, the biosphere park is divided into different zones: the development zone, the buffer/management zone and the core zone. Together, these areas cover almost 20,000 hectares.

The development zone represents the area for living, working and recreation—essentially the permanent settlement area. The buffer/management zone covers the cultural landscape that is maintained in a nature-friendly way through traditional three-stage farming and is protected from damage. Many animal species live here and thrive in an environment shaped by diverse plant life. In this zone you will mainly find mountain forests, alpine pastures and mountain meadows. The third area is the core zone, which contains ecosystems that are intended to develop with as little human intervention as possible. This includes the protected areas of Gadental and Faludriga-Nova, the mountain river Lutz, the Kirschwald-Ischkarnei area and the Tiefenwald bog complex. One особ highlight is the “Rote Wand”, the valley’s highest mountain.

Hiking Experiences in the Biosphere Park

If you love nature and enjoy hiking, the biosphere park is the perfect place for you. The diverse mountain landscape offers a wide range of hiking trails. Join a hike and enjoy beautiful views from the Walserkamm ridge, or take a more relaxed walk to Wangspitze. The biosphere park also offers themed trails that provide interesting insights into the region. For example, you can learn about the avalanche disaster in the municipality of Blons in 1954. Of course, don’t forget to take breaks along the way—visit charming mountain huts or stop by a local inn.

Hike to Wangspitze

This hike starts at the car park by the Lutz river. From there, you follow the forest road into the Hutlatal valley toward Wangspitze/Rindereralpe. Once you reach Rindereralpe, the route continues on a hiking trail. It first crosses a short alpine meadow and then leads through a beautiful forest up to Wangspitze. During the ascent, you will pass an idyllic mountain meadow before following the distinctive switchbacks up to the Wangsattel saddle. At Wangsattel you will encounter the first real highlight of the tour: stunning views into the biosphere park core zone “Gadental”. About 15 minutes from Wangsattel, you reach your destination—Wangspitze. Here, the second highlight awaits: enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panorama from 1,873 metres and take in the Großes Walsertal and the Lechquellen Mountains. For the return route, you initially follow the same path back and then descend via Matona Alpe. From there, a wide trail leads down to the stream toward the Gaden Alps. You then cross a bridge that climbs uphill and takes you down-valley to the Bad Rothenbrunnen Alpine Inn—an ideal place to round off your hike before walking the final metres back to the car park.

Flower Nature Trail

If you would like to explore the biosphere park’s unique alpine flora and be impressed by its diversity, be sure to add the flower nature trail to your list. Between the mid-station (1,780 m) and the top station (1,865 m) of the Stafelalpe panorama cable car, you can discover more than 150 plant species and soak up the beauty of nature.

Along the trail, you can learn about different plants with the help of information boards. You can follow the trail on your own or join a guided tour. These tours take place regularly in May and June as well as in August and September.

Culinary Pleasure Loop

This hiking route is especially suitable for food lovers. The loop starts at the valley station of the Sonntag-Stein cable car. You can reach it either by regional bus or by car, and parking is available directly at the valley station. The cable car takes you up to Sonntag-Stein in a short time—this is where the hike begins. Follow the path branching off to the right toward Steintobel. After Steintobel, continue along the trail through Blickelwald to Alpe Steris. Here you will find the first tasting stop with delicious regional specialties and fresh bread. Next, head toward Alpe Oberpartnom/Breithornhütte and tackle a fairly steep ascent. You will then be welcomed at Breithornhütte, where you can enjoy a tasty lunch. After this relaxing—and delicious—break, make your way to the last tasting stop. Follow the track down to Alpe Unterpartnom, toward Steinbild and back to the Sonntag-Stein mountain station. If you are already heading in that direction, you can also take a short detour to the Echo Wall and its themed trail. If you would like to cover the final section more quickly, take the path branching off to the left at Alpe Unterpartnom and follow the footpath directly down to the cable car station. Once there, take the cable car back to the starting point. At the bistro, you can enjoy a sweet finale and reflect on your eventful day.

BergAKTIV: Guided Hikes with Plenty of Fun

In addition to countless hiking routes offering a wide variety of nature experiences, the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Park also offers guided hikes. These hikes take place at specific times and are definitely worth joining—especially because families are always considered. For example, children can take part in the hike “A Little Pirate on a Treasure Hunt”, or you can join the “Family Hike at the Entrance of the Großes Walsertal” together. There is also plenty on offer for adults: enjoy the “Experience Hike with a Cheese Dairy Visit” or the “Sunrise Hike to Zafernhorn”.

Best Time to Visit

The months from May to September are considered the best time to visit. With mild to warm temperatures, you can join countless hikes and fully enjoy the impressive natural scenery. Guided hikes are offered more frequently in July and August and will certainly add variety to your holiday. Take advantage of May to September to enjoy the colourful diversity of plant life and be inspired by breathtaking views. A special highlight is the biennial “Walserherbst” festival, which always takes place in late summer (August/September) and lasts for three weeks. The event combines nature and culture and offers an experience-rich stay including music, art and regional culinary delights.

The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip

We wish you a wonderful trip to Austria and lots of fun on your exploration tour of the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Park. Please remember to inform yourself about the country’s toll regulations. You can find more information about tolls in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip more easily and to see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us at any time via email.