Gasteiner Höhe

The Gasteiner Höhe is a 1 994-metre peak in the Ankogel group of the Central Alps. It stands on the border between the municipalities of Dorfgastein and Sankt Veit im Pongau in Salzburg. The mountain shelters the Paarseen-Schuhflicker-Heukareck nature reserve, which covers 867 hectares. Five alpine pastures lie on its slopes, including the Hoisbauern-Heimalm and the Klammalm. Several streams rise here, such as the Schwarzerbach and the Stummer Alpsbächlein, all tributaries of the Gasteiner Ache. The summit zone lies within the Tauern window, where rocks like Arkosegneis, Quarzit and Chloritschiefer appear. The mountain is part of the Gasteiner Gipfelkranz, a badge awarded by the Austrian Alpine Club for completing all 55 peaks in the Gasteiner valley. From the top there are wide views down the Salzach valley. The area is also known for its alpine flora, including the rusty-leaved alpenrose. Visitors find marked hiking paths leading to the summit. The Gamswild-Ruhezone and the Rotwild-Ruhezone Maierhoferalm restrict access from December to May to protect wildlife. Between the Upper and Lower Raineralm, the rusty-leaved alpenrose grows among small sedge meadows. The mountain’s streams carve narrow gullies such as the Rainergraben and the Gamsgrabenbach.