Gaistal

The Gaistal is a high valley in the Austrian Alps, running east from Ehrwald to Leutasch in Tirol. It lies between the Wetterstein range to the north and the Mieminger range to the south. The valley is closed to cars, so walkers and cyclists have it almost to themselves. The valley is famous for its twelve alpine pastures, huts and high pastures reachable in a single day’s walk from Leutasch. The writer Ludwig Ganghofer set several novels here, including the 1899 novel Das Schweigen im Walde, and his hunting lodge still stands near the Tillfußalm. The Leutascher Ache stream rises by the Igelsee and flows east through the valley to join the Isar at Mittenwald. Paths lead along the valley floor and climb to viewpoints such as the Hohe Munde and Hochwanner. Mountain bikers follow forest tracks and alpine roads, while the Ehrwalder Sattel at the western end offers a quiet start for walks. The whole valley is part of the “Almenparadies” holiday region.