12,000 hectares (around 30,000 acres) or 0.7% of the area of Styria is set aside as a national park and is one of the most beautiful attractions this Austrian federal state has to offer. One of the last breeding grounds of the common sandpiper is found along the untamed waters of the Enns. The wild forests are left to their own devices, and endemic rarities such as the Dainty Feathered Pink grow on the awe-inspiring rock giants.
In Gesäuse National Park, resources such as its forest are not exploited, and nature is left to care for itself. As a result, a special diversity of species survives here and continues to develop in complete freedom. Such landscapes have become rare and are therefore particularly valuable.
The national park is a place for everyone to experience nature in a deferent manner. Allow us to share our passion for Gesäuse.
Activities
Gesäuse National Park was already regarded as the "University of Mountaineering" by climbers by the end of the 19th century. To date, over 1000 ascents up the faces of the Hochtor and Reichenstein group and those of the Buchsteinstock have been found. From moderately difficult climbs for enjoyment to the highest levels of difficulty, you will find everything a climber’s heart could desire here.
The white waters of the Enns are also known far beyond the country’s borders. What the Eiger north face is to the alpinist, the white water section at the Gesäuse entrance is to the kayaker. The nearby Salza tributary is regarded as a special gem among white water sports enthusiasts. Gesäuse is ideal for kayaking and rafting.
With a network of hiking trails extending several hundred kilometres and one of the highest densities of mountain huts in the Eastern Alps, Gesäuse and its national park are also an appealing desintation for hiking. Due to the enormous differences in altitude, however, be sure that your level of physical fitness is up to the task. For more leisurely excursions, there is also a wealth of theme trails and alpine hikes to discover.
View at the Tamischbachturm
Arrival by...
Train
From Vienna, there are two daily trains to Gesäuse at weekends and on public holidays; on Fridays, there is also an express train – with a return connection on Sunday. At weekends, there is a more frequent regional service with two direct connections from Attnang-Puchheim.
From Graz, you can easily get to Liezen, and from there you can take the bus to Admont every hour or so.
Bus
Bus routes 910 and 912 connect the towns of Altenmarkt, St. Gallen, Admont and Liezen via Buchau and pass through Gesäuse.
Shared Taxi
You can cover the proverbial "last mile" in the region with the Gesäuse shared taxi. Tel.: +43 3613 21 000 99