A 1.3 km nature trail, a bee trail with an observation beehive, and mountain destinations such as Hamberg and Gmünder Alm give Gattererberg a variety of excursion options. You can tailor your stay to your interests: water and bees are the focus of the trails in the alpine air, while the mountain hikes offer different types of routes, with summit or alpine pasture destinations. Local history also includes the Schwaighöfe farms, the “Althauleit” schoolhouse, and a dated return from the alpine pasture in 2024.
Water and Bees in the Alpine Air
The Almluft nature trail in Gattererberg is 1.3 km long and leads to the so-called “Eggl” stream. There, you can practise water treading following the instructions of Pastor Sebastian Kneipp. The trail also passes a fishpond with trout before heading back down to the inn. This route therefore focuses on both a specific water-based activity and the stream and fishpond.
The bee trail has a different focus. It starts above the playground at the edge of the forest, with an observation beehive at the beginning. The trail ends at an apiary that currently has five bee colonies. The number of colonies may change over time. When comparing the two trails, you can choose according to their different themes: water treading and water features on one, an observation beehive and apiary on the other.
Mountain Hikes and Toboggan Run
The route to Hamberg passes the unstaffed Steinbergalm and then continues across treeless terrain and rocky steps to the summit. The route to GmĂĽnder Alm has a different destination: it starts at the Almluft inn in Gattererberg and ends at the alpine pasture. Along the way, it crosses the Steinbach, runs across meadows to Hochstadlalm, and then continues through forest and alpine meadows to the GmĂĽnd forestry lodge. From there, the route continues to GmĂĽnder Alm.
The destinations and described sections help you compare the two routes: one leads to the Hamberg summit via treeless terrain and rocky steps; the other to GmĂĽnder Alm, crossing a stream and passing through meadows and forest. There is also an approximately 2 km toboggan run from Almluft through the forest; it is lit for evening rides. Check that the run is open before making plans.
Local History and Alpine Pasture Life
The farms in Gattererberg were established as Schwaighöfe and had to supply not only livestock but, above all, cheese and loden cloth. Local names and buildings also preserve connections to the area: the schoolhouse in Gattererberg was known as “Althauleit.” The name Gattererberg probably comes from a gate that is said to have separated the two mountains beside the Märzenbach.
One specific event in the history of the alpine pastures is the return of the cows belonging to the Kröll and Bichler families from Märzengrund to Almluft in Gattererberg. On Sunday, 15 September 2024, they returned to their home barns. A report from September 2024 noted that, for 25 years, the families had valued keeping the cows’ homecoming modest and down-to-earth.
Visitor Information
On 4 September 2026, the Almluft inn was temporarily closed. Before visiting, therefore, check access to the nature trail and bee trail. A car park at the inn is listed for the Hamberg route; check its status before setting off. Alpine conditions can change during mountain hikes, so check conditions before you start.
Discover more destinations: Weerberg, Finkenberg, Hochpillberg, Jenbach, Imming, Schlitters, Hainzenberg, Maurach
Return to the higher-level travel overview: Schwaz.
