If you are planning to travel to Austria and, in addition to the unique hiking regions and diverse cities, would like to visit other remarkable places, then you should definitely explore the Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal. This reserve is part of the UNESCO-protected natural and cultural heritage and follows the philosophy "Using nature without harming it".
The biosphere park was launched 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. Over the years, various model regions for sustainable living and economic practices have emerged, such as the Biosphere Park Großes Walsertal or the Biosphere Park Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge. This gave rise to the guiding principle "Using nature without harming it" and thus bringing humans and nature into harmony. Not only Austrian landscapes are part of this program, but also very well-known places such as the Rocky Mountains, the Galápagos Islands, and the Serengeti.
To meet the central goal of the program, the biosphere park is divided into different zones. These zones are called the development zone, conservation zone, and core zone. Altogether, these areas cover almost 20,000 hectares.
The development zone represents the living, economic, and recreational area for people and is considered a permanent settlement area. The conservation zone encompasses the cultural landscape that is preserved close to nature through traditional three-tier farming, ensuring it remains undamaged. A variety of animals live here, thriving in an environment rich in plant diversity. In the conservation zone, you will mainly find mountain forests, alpine pastures, and mountain meadows. In addition to these two zones, there is the core zone. This includes ecosystems whose development should proceed with as little human intervention as possible. These include the nature reserves Gadental and Faludriga-Nova, the mountain river Lutz, the Kirschwald-Ischkarnei area, and the Tiefenwald moor complex. A particular highlight is the so-called Rote Wand, the highest mountain in the valley.
If you love nature and enjoy hiking, then the biosphere park is the perfect place for you. The diverse mountain range offers a varied selection of hiking trails. Join a hike and enjoy beautiful views from the Walserkamm or take part in a leisurely hike to the Wangspitze. The biosphere park also offers special themed trails that provide you with interesting information about the park. Learn more, for example, about the avalanche disaster in the municipality of Blons in 1954. Of course, during your hikes you shouldn’t forget to take a break at one of the charming alpine huts or visit one of the local inns.
This trail starts at the parking lot on the Lutz. From there, you continue along the forest road into the Hutlatal in the direction of Wangspitze/Rindereralpe. Once you reach the Rindereralpe, the path splits into a hiking trail. First, it leads over a short alpine meadow and then into a beautiful forest up toward the Wangspitze. Along the ascent, you will pass an idyllic mountain meadow before following the unique switchbacks up to the Wangsattel. There, the first real highlight awaits you: a magnificent view of the biosphere park’s core zone "Gadental". Just 15 minutes from Wangsattel lies your destination, the Wangspitze. Here, your second highlight awaits: a breathtaking panoramic view from 1,873 meters, overlooking the Großes Walsertal and the Lechquellen mountains. For the return journey, follow the same path back to the Rindereralpe and then descend via the Matona Alpe. From there, continue along a wide hiking trail down to the stream toward the Gaden Alps. After crossing a bridge, which leads uphill, you will head down the valley to the Alpengasthof Bad Rothenbrunnen — a perfect spot to conclude your hike with a delicious break before completing the last few meters back to the parking lot.
If you would like to explore the unique alpine flora of the biosphere park and be amazed by its diversity, then you should definitely put the floral educational trail on your list. Between the middle station (1,780 m) and the mountain station (1,865 m) of the Panoramabahn Stafelalpe, you can discover more than 150 plant species and marvel at the beauty of nature.
Along the floral educational trail, you can learn more about the different plants thanks to the information boards. You can follow this trail on your own or join an expert-guided tour, which takes place regularly in May, June, August, and September.
This hiking route is especially suited for gourmets. The tour begins at the valley station of the Sonntag-Stein cable car, which you can reach either by bus or by car. Parking is available at the valley station. With the cable car, you’ll reach Sonntag-Stein in no time, where the hike begins. Follow the trail branching to the right, leading you to Steintobel. From there, continue along a new path into the Blickelwald and up to the Alpe Steris. Here, your first culinary stop with delicious specialties and fresh bread awaits. Then continue toward Alpe Oberpartnom/Breithornhütte, where you’ll face a steep climb. At the Breithornhütte, enjoy a tasty lunch. After this relaxing and delicious break, continue to the final culinary stop. Follow the path downhill to Alpe Unterpartnom, toward Steinbild, and back to the mountain station of the Sonntag-Stein cable car. Along the way, you can also make a short detour to the Echowand and its themed trail. If you want to shorten the final stretch, take the path branching left at Alpe Unterpartnom, leading directly down to the mountain station. Once there, take the cable car back to your starting point. At the bistro, you can round off your day with a sweet treat and reflect on your adventure.
In addition to countless hiking trails offering a wide range of natural experiences, the biosphere park Großes Walsertal also offers guided hikes. These hikes take place at specific times, and participation is highly recommended! Children are especially well catered for — for example, with the hike "A Little Pirate on a Treasure Hunt" or the "Family Hike at the Entrance of the Großes Walsertal". But of course, there are also exciting hikes for adults! Enjoy the "Adventure Hike with Cheese Dairy Visit" or the "Sunrise Hike to the Zafernhorn".
The months of May through September are considered the best time to visit. During the mild to warm temperatures, you can take part in countless hikes and enjoy the stunning nature. Guided hikes are especially frequent in July and August and will definitely add variety to your vacation. Take advantage of these months to enjoy the colorful diversity of plants and be amazed by the breathtaking views. A special highlight is the biennial "Walserherbst" Festival, which takes place every late summer (August/September) over three weeks. This event combines nature with culture and offers you a memorable stay full of music, art, and regional delicacies.
We wish you a wonderful trip to Austria and lots of fun during your exploration of the Biosphere Park Großes Walsertal. Don’t forget to inform yourself about the toll regulations of the country. More information about the toll can be found in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your journey and see which toll products apply. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via e-mail.
