Gschlößtal Valley: Under the White Bonnet of the Großvenediger

The end of the Gschlößtal Valley is known as one of the most beautiful areas in the Eastern Alps. Visitors can look forward to an idyllic landscape topped off by the mighty Großvenediger mountain. This high alpine valley in East Tirol is well worth a visit in spring.

As visitors reach the narrow, gorge-like section of the valley near Außergeschlöß they are treated to spectacular views of the rushing Gschlößbach stream, mighty waterfalls cascading down the mountain faces and, high above it all, the peak of the Großvenediger mountain with its glacier summit. Further down in the valley there are lush meadows dotted with countless crocuses. The walking trail from Außergeschlöß to Innergschlöss is easy and enjoys plenty of sunshine in spring. Further highlights include the local chapel and the picture-postcard hut village of Innerschlöß.

As visitors reach the narrow, gorge-like section of the valley near Außergeschlöß they are treated to spectacular views of the rushing Gschlößbach…

Experience

Visitors to the Gschlößtal Valley should definitely check out the "Felsenkapelle", an eye-catching chapel which was moved into the natural cave of a huge rock in the 19th century in order to provide the village below with better avalanche protection. Most of this chapel is made of natural stone. Another must-see is the wooden hut village of Innergschlöß. It has a cosy guesthouse serving food and drink (from Whitsun), the Alpengasthof Innergschlöß, as well as a wood-carving workshop and, in summer, an alpine dairy.

Hiking Tip
Spring Walk in the Gschlößtal Valley

Food

Hiking is hungry work, so what better way to finish a great day in the mountains than with a hearty meal? Matrei has not one but two award-winning restaurants: the Rauterstube and the Saluti. Both invite diners to embark on a culinary journey of discovery from the Alps to the ocean. Saluti, as the name suggests, specialises in Italian cuisine. Those who prefer traditional Tirolean food will find what they are looking for in the Matreier Tauernhaus located at the end of the hike.

Accommodation

The cosy Matreier Tauernhaus serves excellent regional food and also offers the opportunity to stay the night in this impressive building dating all the way back to 1207, making it the oldest guesthouse in the region. Features include an indoor climbing wall. Those in search of more space and a more modern look will find exactly that in the holiday apartments operated by freiraum in Matrei. Last but certainly not least, the four-star hotel Outside with its large spa area is the ideal retreat for couples and families.