Der Alpenblickweg

The Alpenblickweg lives up to its name. Several viewpoints offer breathtaking Alpine panoramas when visibility is good. The starting point is the charming spa town of Gallspach. Castle, nature adventure park and modern church invite you to explore before the hike. The trail gently climbs through meadows and forests. Again and again, the view opens up across the Hausruckviertel to the Alpine peaks. Refreshment stops like the Tirolerhof provide hikers with regional delicacies. An easy circular route for connoisseurs – nature, culture and wide views included.

As its name already suggests, the Alpenblickweg rewards us with far-reaching views. Several viewpoints line up along this circular tour and, in clear weather, offer views over the Hausruckviertel to the Alpine peaks. Added to this is the spa town of Gallspach with some other interesting sights and leisure facilities.
The history of Gallspach is closely linked to Gallspach Castle. First mentioned in documents in the 12th century, it still dominates the town centre today. Over the centuries, it served many noble families as a residence. Today it is privately owned and unfortunately can only be viewed from the outside. Through the fenced and wildly overgrown garden, we catch glimpses of the well-preserved architecture, which combines various architectural styles. Thus, the castle continues to exude its charm and is an irreplaceable historical landmark in Gallspach’s townscape. At the extension of the castle park is the publicly accessible nature adventure park. Walking paths lead past ponds and through a garden of flower meadows and old trees. A house dedicated to bees provides information about their life and way of working. In a tasting garden, visitors are invited to try local fruit varieties. So before we even set off, there is much to discover in Gallspach. Also worth seeing is the extraordinary Catholic parish church – a new, modern place of worship. Around the historic church, an architectural team has created a ring-shaped building that successfully combines old and new. Tall glass fronts in a wooden frame construction create a bright, inviting interior. The impressive Way of the Cross, created by local sculptor Erwin Burgstaller, is also worth seeing. Leaving the church behind us, we quickly gain height via the so-called Pfarrergraben and soon find ourselves in an enchanting landscape. Mostly on natural trails, we gently ascend and descend to viewpoints that repeatedly open up the horizon. In clear weather, the Alpine peaks seem within reach.

Directions: The Alpenblickweg (trail number 47) is designated as a permanent IV hiking trail and is well-marked throughout. The starting point is the town centre of Gallspach. Behind the newly built parish church, the trail leads us up the Pfarrergraben to Kochlöffeleck, where the first beautiful views open up. From here, we descend again and cross the main road, then continue on quiet forest paths into a wooded area. Leaving the forest soon after a junction, we hike along a ridge with beautiful viewpoints to the Tirolerhof, a well-known snack station. Descending to Wies and crossing the main road again, we walk – passing the nature adventure park once more – back to the starting point.
Distance: 10 km; Elevation gain: 170 m; Walking time: 3 hrs.
Tip: Look out for good visibility – the clearer the view, the more impressive the Alpenblickweg. Perhaps also visit the Zeileis Health Centre in town, known worldwide for its unique method of high-frequency therapy.
Refreshments: Located along the trail and offering products from its own farm, the Tirolerhof snack station usually opens from 4 pm. In town, you will find Café Huter and some good restaurants.

This hike is from the book “Hausruckviertel aktiv, Wandern – Entdecken – Genießen” by Andreas Mühlleitner.