Gstatterboden between nature trails, mountain tours and exhibitions

Gstatterboden combines nature experiences, mountain trails and insights into the history of the Gesäuse. A good point of reference is the National Park Pavilion: it is just a few minutes’ walk from the railway station, houses an information centre for Gesäuse National Park as well as a small shop, and is the starting point for several activities. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Gstatterboden can therefore easily plan their preferred travel rhythm around whether hikes, cycling tours, nature observation or exhibitions are the main focus.

Hiking trails with different focuses

A hike to the Ennstalerhütte starts at the National Park Pavilion. The route alternates between forest roads, woodland paths and open alpine meadows, offering a variety of landscapes within a single tour. Another challenging activity is the crossing of the Großer Buchstein. It leads from the National Park Pavilion via the Buchsteinhaus to Eisenzieher. The Buchsteinhaus can be reached from Gstatterboden via the Rauchbodenweg and then Trail No. 641 in around 2.5 hours.

From the Ennstalerhütte, the Tieflimauer and the Tamischbachturm can be reached via separate routes. From there, the Tieflimauer can be reached via the “Teufelssteig” via ferrata in around 2.5 hours and is situated at an elevation of 1,820 m. The Tamischbachturm can be reached from there via Trail No. 648 in 1.5 hours and is situated at an elevation of 2,035 m. This information can help you take the planned focus of your trip into account when choosing your accommodation.

Experience nature and choose your routes consciously

For a shorter nature excursion, the Rauchboden Nature Trail can begin at the Enns bridge in Gstatterboden. The trail is around 4 kilometres long. Its stations give families insights into the geology, fauna and flora of the Gesäuse. This makes it possible to add an informative nature experience to your stay, with the focus not only on the summit but also on the content presented along the trail.

Gstatterboden also offers opportunities for cycling tours. The “Ennsbodenweg Mountain Bike Trail” section runs for just under 4 kilometres along the left bank of the Enns to the “Forstgarten” campsite. The “Hochscheiben – Ennsbodenweg” mountain bike tour starts and ends at the National Park Pavilion. When choosing accommodation for an active holiday, you can therefore distinguish between a hike starting at the pavilion, a nature trail and a mountain bike tour with the same starting point.

Exhibitions at the National Park Pavilion

The National Park Pavilion is not only a starting point for trails, but also houses the “Planspitze – Mountain of Contrasts” exhibition. It focuses on the Planspitze mountain massif rising above Gstatterboden. From May to October, the exhibition is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; admission is free. This allows you to complement a mountain tour or a day in nature with a cultural visit.

A second exhibition is dedicated to the construction of the Kronprinz Rudolf Railway in the Gesäuse. It invites visitors to discover the history of one of Austria’s most important railway lines. From 1 May to 31 October 2026, it can be seen in Gstatterboden daily from 09:30 to 18:30. Admission is free. This clearly defined period is particularly helpful when planning a trip in 2026.

Gstatterboden as a starting point for choosing your accommodation

The “Forstgarten” campsite is also part of a stay in Gstatterboden. It can be reached on foot from the National Park Pavilion, is located on the banks of the Enns and has pitches, a fire pit, a camping area and a riverside bathing area.

Other places to consider

If you would like to compare other destinations alongside Gstatterboden, here is a compact selection: Liezen, Weyern, Donnersbach, Lassing Bei Liezen, Großreifling, Gleiming, Furrach and Tauplitz.

To the higher-level travel overview: Liezen.