von Gast Blogger
19 October 2017
SUMMER
Natural jewel: The Gaistal and the Seebensee
A green-blue shimmering mountain lake - the Seebensee. So clear that you can see every single stone on the bottom, every tiny fish in it. The mountain range that surrounds this dreamy body of water reflects beautifully in it.
Narrow wooden walkways lead along the shore of the lake over small inlets. A gentle breeze brings movement to the surface and small waves form, gently lapping over the edge of the lake. One sits by the shore and enjoys: the view, nature, time for oneself. A faint splashing is heard alongside the chirping of birds and the quacking of ducks. Nothing else.
In the midst of nature at an altitude of 1,657 meters, there really isn’t much else to hear. The wild and romantic Gaistal is characterized by nearly untouched nature. It’s understandable that places like the Seebensee emerge there – and above all, can remain. Untouched, pure, and real.
The Gaistal connects three Tyrolean districts – Reutte, Imst, and Innsbruck-Land – and is closed to motor traffic. From Leutasch, one of the five villages in the Seefeld Olympic region, a wide path with a pleasant incline leads through the wild and romantic valley to the crystal-clear Seebensee. At the entrance, the majestic Hohe Munde towers above, while the impressive Wetterstein mountain range to the north and the Mieminger chain to the south flank the valley. The path runs alongside the Leutascher Ache, which was used for timber transport (drifting) in the 19th century, through cool forests and past lush green meadows and small waters. Those seeking relaxation, families, and athletes all find what they are looking for in the Gaistal, which is equally popular for hiking and (E-)biking. Many cozy alpine huts line the path and invite hikers to take a well-deserved rest. It is no coincidence that the Gaistal is also called the alpine hut paradise.
In Ganghofer's times
But not only nowadays is the Gaistal extremely popular and invites you to linger and marvel. Even earlier, it was a social meeting place. One of the most famous "Gaistal enthusiasts" is probably the writer and hunting lord Ludwig Ganghofer, who became known for his regional novels. He drew inspiration from the Gaistal, where he spent nearly 20 years of his life and wrote many of his novels, including one of his most famous works, "The Silence in the Woods." Around 1900, the hunting lodge was a popular meeting place for artists. His wife Kathinka, an actress and singer, was a warm-hearted hostess who loved to invite celebrities and immortalized them in her guestbook: Rainer Maria Rilke, Johannes Brahms, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and Emperor Wilhelm II are just a few of the illustrious guests.
Ganghofer House at the Tillfussalm in Gaistal - Leutasch
A little contemporary history can still be experienced today. Not far from the Gaistal, there is the Ganghofer Museum in Leutasch, which, among other things, commemorates the life of the author. The popularity of the Gaistal has thus not diminished one bit over the course of the century.
Most Beautiful Place in Tyrol 2017 in the show "9 Places, 9 Treasures"
That the Almenparadies Gaistal is truly a little paradise, we have known for a long time. But it has now also won the state election for the most beautiful place in Tyrol 2017 in the ORF show 9 Places, 9 Treasures. A place that was previously regarded as a insider tip – a wild and romantic valley, a crystal-clear mountain lake in lush blue-green, and the untouched nature – soon enchants all of Austria in the final television show.
From spring to autumn: Worth a visit
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