Gattererberg: Trails, Alpine Pastures and Local History
Accommodation in Gattererberg
When planning a trip to Gattererberg, nature trails, alpine pasture and summit routes, and local history take centre stage. The trails differ in their destinations and landscape sections; local history tells of a traditional interpretation of the name and the former duties of the farms.
Nature Trails in the Almluft Area
The Almluft nature trail at Gattererberg is 1.3 km long. It leads to the so-called “Eggl” stream, where you can walk through the water following the instructions of Pastor Sebastian Kneipp. Further along, the trail passes a fishpond with trout before descending back to the inn. The stream and pond offer different experiences: walking through the water is the focus at the stream, while trout are part of the nature experience at the pond.
The bee trail focuses on a different topic. It starts above the playground at the edge of the forest; an observation beehive stands right at the beginning. The trail ends at an apiary, which is currently home to five bee colonies. Comparing the two trails, you’ll find different points of interest: water and trout on the nature trail, a beehive and apiary on the bee trail.
Route to Hamberg and Trail to GmĂĽnder Alm
The route to Hamberg passes the unstaffed Steinbergalm and then continues across treeless terrain and rocky steps to the summit. This sequence shapes the character of the trail: after the alpine pasture come open stretches, followed by rocky steps at the end. Alpine conditions can change; check the route information before setting out.
The route to GmĂĽnder Alm follows a different course. It crosses the Steinbach and leads over meadows to Hochstadlalm. From there, it continues through forest and alpine meadows to the GmĂĽnd forestry house and on to GmĂĽnder Alm. The route starts at the Almluft inn in Gattererberg and ends at GmĂĽnder Alm. Unlike the Hamberg route, the focus here is on a sequence of named waypoints between the stream, meadows and forest, rather than a climb across treeless terrain and rocky steps.
Toboggan Run and Practical Information
A toboggan run about 2 km long leads from Almluft into the forest; it is lit for evening rides. Check in advance whether it will be operating during your visit. A car park at the Almluft inn is listed for the Hamberg route. On 4 September 2026, the inn was temporarily closed. Before your visit, therefore, check the current status, parking arrangements and access to the trails. You should also check the route information again before you leave.
Place Name, Farms and a Documented Homecoming
The schoolhouse at Gattererberg was known as “Althauleit.” The name Gattererberg probably comes from a gate said to have separated the two mountains beside the Märzenbach. The farms at Gattererberg were established as Schwaighöfe and, in addition to livestock, were required to supply mainly cheese and loden cloth. These details offer insight into different aspects of local history: a cautiously passed-down interpretation of the name and the duties of the farms.
The return of the cows belonging to the Kröll and Bichler families from Märzengrund to the Almluft at Gattererberg and their home barns is documented for Sunday, 15 September 2024. It was also reported in 2024 that the families had made a point of keeping this homecoming small-scale and down-to-earth for 25 years. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Stans, Zellberg, Hollenzen, Hippach-Schwendberg, Strass Im Zillertal, Aschau Im Zillertal, Steinberg Am Rofan, Zell Am Ziller.
For the main travel overview: Schwaz.
