Situated on the west side of the Gasteinertal is the Biberalm, a perfect place to experience the sunrise. The
initial part of the ascent takes the hiker over an old path which connects to a secluded valley and the third stage of the trail. The Kerscherhütte (not managed) and the Kompberghütte grant the hiker to once again
witness the beauty of a mountain village before taking the Hytongasteig which meanders through the dense
woodland. Our tip: Make a pause to reflect and enjoy nature. Take in the scent of the trees, mushrooms and
woodland moss. Inhale the clear Alpine air and let your thoughts fly away. For the next part of the trail, you
will have to negotiate a crossing over water, you will have to tread carefully if you want to keep your feet dry.
Eventually, you will reach an area where the forest is less dense, and the first Alpine hut is not too far away.
The Fundner Heimalm will entice you to stop and take a break. From this point, hikers will have a view of the
continuing trail. Following the Leidalmbaches the rush of mountain waters will be music to the ears as you pass
through shady woodlands offering relief from the heat on a hot summer’s day. Continue in the direction of the
Brandner Hochalm (managed), where you will be able to take in the view of the valley for the last time before the trail becomes narrower with each step you take. As you walk along the path to the Kleine Scharte the scenery opens up to a charming, rustic secluded valley and one of the longest ski runs in the Eastern Alps. From a concealed plateau, continue until you reach the Schlossalm. Unspoilt nature and modern intervention intermingle on this mountain of adventure. This mountain can be reached by guests both in summer and winter. The 30-minutes ascent to the summit cross of the Hirschkarspitze is well worth the effort, as for the
first time the hiker will have a full panoramic view of the Gasteinertal in all its glory. If you cast your eyes
in the direction of Dorfgastein and back towards Bad Gastein, you will be able to retrace your steps from
the route you have taken and dream of the Hohen Tauern. As you descend towards the top lift station,
stop and pause for thought. When you reach the Hofgasteiner Haus you have also arrived at the end of the third stage and accomplished half of the trail. A tip for both young and more mature explorers: At
the Schlossalm there is large children’s playground as well as a via ferrata. Those who are capable should
make the one hour climb to the Mauskarspitze or the one and a half hours climb to the Türchlwand.
Stunning panoramic views and the newly erected summit cross will be the reward.