Start directly from the hotel
Valley cycle path, leisurely ride or mountain tour: several routes start directly at Sonngastein.
Starting directly from Hotel Sonngastein, you can discover the mountains around Bad Gastein while hiking, cycling and e-biking. The Gastein Valley offers varied routes for families, couples, leisurely hikers and active holidaymakers, leading through alpine pastures, mountain lakes and peaks in the Hohe Tauern National Park.
At Sonngastein, we support you with personal tour recommendations, guided hikes, rental equipment, as well as bicycles and e-bikes available directly at the hotel. This makes it easy to start your active day well prepared and without any unnecessary planning.
Hiking in Bad Gastein
Hiking in Bad Gastein and the Gastein Valley offers remarkable variety: more than 600 kilometres of marked hiking trails lead through alpine pastures, to mountain lakes, up panoramic peaks and into the mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Historic promenades around Bad Gastein, family-friendly alpine trails, stages of the Gastein Trail and the Salzburger Almenweg, as well as more demanding alpine routes, provide plenty of choice for leisurely hikers, families and active mountain enthusiasts. The Gastein cable cars make it easier to reach many of the higher-altitude starting points.
At Sonngastein, your hiking day starts with personal advice: we recommend suitable tours, provide hiking maps and rental equipment, and accompany our guests on selected guided hikes as part of our activity programme. We are also happy to suggest suitable routes for families with pushchairs and for holidays with your dog.
Personally selected for you
From an easy walk almost directly from the hotel to a special mountain lake: these six tours show just how varied hiking around Sonngastein can be.
↔ Swipe sideways to discover more hikes.
Directly from Sonngastein
One of the most beautiful walks to start directly from the hotel: the Gasteiner Höhenweg connects Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein at an altitude of around 1,000 metres.
From Sonngastein you can join the high-level trail directly and follow it towards Bad Hofgastein with hardly any major climbs. The panoramic path leads through open woodland, past meadows, traditional farms and several small gorges.
One of the highlights is the Gadaunerer Gorge. Illuminated tunnels lead directly through the impressive rock landscape. In 2024, the gorge was voted Austria's most beautiful place on the ORF television programme “9 Plätze – 9 Schätze”.
Relaxed walking
For an easy walk without major climbs, the Achenpromenade is practically on the hotel's doorstep.
Follow the Gasteiner Ache at a leisurely pace towards Bad Hofgastein. The path is largely flat and follows the river, making it particularly suitable for a relaxed holiday outing, families or simply a little exercise between wellness and dinner.
In the opposite direction, you can combine the walk with the Waterfall Trail. This takes you uphill into Bad Gastein, where you can visit the famous waterfall and the historic town centre.
A family favourite
A varied family hike with mountain panoramas, a barefoot trail and a lake reflecting the surrounding peaks.
The Gipfelbahn Fulseck cable car takes you comfortably to the mountain station. From there, a family-friendly trail leads across the high plateau to Spiegelsee. Along the way, wide views of the Gastein mountains open up again and again.
Around the lake, several resting places invite you to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The barefoot trail is especially popular with families and turns the outing into more than just a classic mountain walk.
Panorama & experience
Big views without a long ascent: the area around the Stubnerkogel mountain station makes it easy to create a flexible and varied day in the mountains.
The Stubnerkogelbahn cable car takes you comfortably to an altitude of more than 2,000 metres. Several viewpoints and shorter trails start right around the mountain station and can be combined depending on your fitness level and the weather.
The suspension bridge is particularly well known, stretching high above the terrain in the summit area. There are also several viewing platforms offering wide panoramas of the Gastein mountains and the surrounding three-thousand-metre peaks.
Mountain lake & stone pine forest
Palfnersee combines a panoramic mountain hike with one of the particularly peaceful places around Graukogel.
After taking the Graukogelbahn cable car up the mountain, the hike starts at the mountain station. From there, the trail leads past the Graukogelhütte and into the ancient stone pine forest for which Graukogel is particularly well known.
After around 300 metres of ascent, you reach the crystal-clear Palfnersee beneath the striking rock faces of the Feuersang. The combination of stone pine forest, high-alpine scenery and mountain lake makes this hike especially varied.
Nature & leisure
A longer and particularly varied hike from Angertal through peaceful forests and deep into the Kötschachtal Valley.
From Angertal, the route follows the Erzherzog-Johann-Promenade, affectionately known by many locals as the “Oachkatzl-Promenade”. The quiet woodland sections provide a beautiful contrast to the open valley and mountain scenery.
The route then continues into the unspoilt Kötschachtal Valley, past old farmhouses, the Himmelwand and along the Kötschachbach. The destination is the Alpengasthaus Prossau at the impressive head of the valley.
Three to four times a week, we accompany you into the mountains – sometimes on a gentle walk, sometimes on a longer tour up into the high alpine parts of the valley. The route depends on mood, fitness and weather. Our Bobtails Wolly and Schnuffel often join us too. As your host family, we know the most beautiful corners of the Gastein Valley and are happy to share them as part of our weekly programme. Hiking with the Zitka family is something many of our guests particularly appreciate.
Discover selected offers for hiking holidays, e-bike days and active breaks in the Gastein Valley – combined with culinary enjoyment, wellness and personal service at Sonngastein.
Cycling & E-Biking in Bad Gastein
From leisurely rides along the valley cycle path to challenging mountain bike tours at more than 2,000 metres above sea level, the Gastein Valley offers a wide variety of routes for families, leisure cyclists and sporty riders. The Gastein Cycle Path connects Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein and forms part of the cycling network through the entire valley.
At Sonngastein, you can set off directly from the hotel: trekking bikes and mountain bikes are available free of charge, while e-bikes for adults and children can be rented for a fee.
Our guests can choose from a large selection of trekking bikes and mountain bikes for children and adults. These bicycles are available to hotel guests free of charge.
E-bikes for both adults and children are also available for a fee. They make longer distances, alpine pasture tours and greater differences in altitude easier and more enjoyable to tackle together.
Valley cycle path, leisurely ride or mountain tour: several routes start directly at Sonngastein.
Trekking bikes and mountain bikes for adults and children are available to hotel guests without a rental fee.
E-bikes for adults and children can be rented directly at Sonngastein for a fee.
Leisurely valley paths, family-friendly rides, alpine destinations and challenging summit tours.
As part of our activity programme, we also explore selected destinations together by e-bike.
We recommend routes to suit your fitness level, experience, the weather and the time available.
Our tour recommendations directly from Sonngastein
From a relaxed family ride through the valley to a sporty summit tour: all three routes start directly at Sonngastein and show just how varied cycling and e-biking in Gastein can be.
↔ Swipe sideways to discover more cycling tours.
Well prepared for your ride
Bicycles, e-bikes and personal recommendations are available directly at Sonngastein. You can find further information about equipment, bike storage and tour planning in our service section.
Family-friendly and directly from the hotel
An uncomplicated ride for families and anyone who would like to explore the Gastein Valley at a relaxed pace on two wheels.
From Sonngastein, you can join the cycle path through the Gastein Valley directly. Following the Gasteiner Ache towards Bad Hofgastein, the route has very few significant climbs, making it enjoyable even on a standard bicycle.
If you would like to continue further, simply follow the valley cycle path to Dorfgastein. Along the way, town centres, cafés and numerous places to stop make it easy to adapt the ride to age, fitness level and the time available.
The sporting challenge
From Sonngastein to more than 2,200 metres above sea level: even with electric assistance, this tour is a genuine sporting challenge.
The route starts directly at the hotel and initially heads towards Angertal. From there, a long ascent on forest roads leads up to Stubnerkogel. As you gain altitude, increasingly impressive views open up across the Gastein Valley and the surrounding mountains.
At the summit, you can enjoy not only the panorama but also well-known Stubnerkogel attractions such as the suspension bridge and the Glocknerblick viewing platform. The official Stubnerkogel-Almenrunde then continues past several alpine pastures and offers different options for the descent.
Nature, enjoyment & an alpine stop
An enjoyable e-bike tour combining local history, relaxed cycling and an authentic alpine stop in Gastein.
From Sonngastein, follow the Radernweg towards Bad Gastein. The route then continues along the promenade towards Böckstein and through the historic village with its distinctive church and links to Gastein's gold-mining history.
Beyond Böckstein, the forest road begins its climb towards the Astenalmen. The Upper and Lower Astenalm are among the traditional alpine pastures of the Gastein Valley and are ideal places for a relaxed stop before returning towards Sonngastein.
Exploring the Gastein Valley together
At Sonngastein, you do not have to explore the Gastein Valley entirely on your own. Depending on the weekly programme, we accompany our guests on selected guided hikes and e-bike tours to special places throughout the region.
Guided Hikes
Guided E-Bike Tours
More Activities
Exploring together on foot
Together, we explore selected trails, alpine pastures, viewpoints and special places around Bad Gastein. The tours vary depending on the season, weather and weekly programme and are personally accompanied.
Exploring together on two wheels
Depending on the weekly programme, our guided e-bike tours take you to selected destinations throughout the Gastein Valley. Discover beautiful routes and special places with personal guidance along the way.
Discover current activities
Here you can find an overview of hikes, e-bike tours and other activities that may be offered during a week at Sonngastein.
The programme shown serves as an example. Specific activities, times and meeting points may vary depending on the season, weather conditions and the week of your stay.
Well prepared for your day outdoors
Which tour is right for today? Where does the route begin? What equipment will you need? At Sonngastein, we personally help you plan hiking and cycling tours in Bad Gastein and throughout the Gastein Valley.
We recommend hiking and cycling tours to suit your fitness level, the weather, available time and experience. We also know suitable routes and destinations for families, pushchairs and holidays with your dog.
At reception, you can obtain maps and information about hiking trails, cycling routes, starting points, cable cars and popular destinations throughout the Gastein Valley.
Hiking poles, backpacks and other practical equipment can be borrowed directly at the hotel – ideal if you prefer not to bring everything with you from home.
Trekking bikes and mountain bikes for adults and children are available to hotel guests free of charge. E-bikes for adults and children can be rented directly at Sonngastein for a fee.
We have a dedicated bicycle room for your own and rented bikes, with power sockets for charging e-bikes. Tools for minor adjustments and simple repairs are available at reception.
On foot, you can join the Gasteiner Höhenweg directly and reach the Achenpromenade in just a few steps. By bicycle, you can start at the hotel and follow the Gastein Cycle Path towards Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein.
Personal advice instead of endless searching
Whether you are looking for a family hike, mountain lake, relaxed walk, sporty summit tour or e-bike outing, we help you choose and plan your route and arrange the right equipment – based on the weather, your fitness level and the time you have available that day.
Genuine holiday experiences
Hiking, cycling and personal excursion tips: these guests share their experiences of active holiday days at Sonngastein and in the Gastein Valley.
“The hotel is located in the Gastein Valley and offers great hiking opportunities.”Translated from German
Franziska praises the helpful excursion recommendations from the staff and the large number of bicycles available free of charge. She also positively highlights the fitness room, tennis courts, beach volleyball and sports facilities that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
Franziska Travelled as a family · July 2025 · 6 out of 6 points
View review on HolidayCheck ›“We came to Bad Gastein for hiking and were delighted.”Translated from German
Philipp describes Sonngastein as a family, wellness, activity and sports hotel. His family particularly enjoyed the many beautiful and varied hiking routes around Bad Gastein.
Philipp Travelled as a family · July 2025 · 6 out of 6 points
View review on HolidayCheck ›Good to know
Answers about hikes directly from the hotel, guided tours, bicycle and e-bike rental, and equipment for your active holiday in Bad Gastein.
Yes. From Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein, you can start several hikes either directly from the hotel or just a few steps away. The Gasteiner Höhenweg is directly accessible, while the Achenpromenade is also only a short walk from the hotel.
This makes both leisurely walks and longer hikes possible without having to drive anywhere first. At reception, we are happy to recommend a suitable route based on the weather, your fitness level and the time available.
Yes. As part of its weekly programme, Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein regularly offers personally guided hikes throughout the Gastein Valley.
The hikes offered depend on the season, weather and the week of your stay. Details about meeting points, difficulty and registration can be found in the current weekly programme.
Yes. At Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein, trekking bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes for adults and children are available directly at the hotel.
You can choose a suitable bicycle at Sonngastein and then set off directly from the hotel on your cycling tour through the Gastein Valley.
For guests of Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein, non-electric trekking bikes and mountain bikes are available free of charge. E-bikes for adults and children can be rented for a fee.
Availability depends on size, model and current demand. Information about availability and current e-bike rental fees is available directly at reception.
Yes. Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein has bicycles and e-bikes in various sizes for children, as well as bicycles and e-bikes for adults.
This means families can enjoy cycling tours through the Gastein Valley together. As the number of bikes and available sizes is limited, we recommend asking at reception in good time.
Around Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein, there are numerous easy hikes and walking routes for families. These include sections of the Achenpromenade, the Gasteiner Höhenweg and family-friendly trails in the hiking areas throughout Gastein.
The best route depends on the age of the children, your fitness level and how long you would like to walk. At reception, we are happy to recommend a suitable family hike.
Yes. In the Gastein Valley around Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein, there are selected walking and hiking trails that can be used with a suitable pushchair.
As trail conditions, snow and weather can affect suitability, we recommend checking with reception before setting off. There you will receive an up-to-date route recommendation suited to your family.
Yes. Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein has a dedicated bicycle room with power sockets for charging e-bikes.
Guests can store their own bicycles and e-bikes there during their stay and charge their e-bike for the next tour through the Gastein Valley.
Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein provides guests with hiking poles, backpacks and other practical rental equipment for hikes throughout the Gastein Valley.
Hiking and tour maps, as well as personal recommendations for suitable routes and excursion destinations, are also available at reception.
Yes. Around Hotel Sonngastein in Bad Gastein, there are numerous hiking trails that are suitable for holidays with a dog. Dogs can generally also join suitable guided hikes in the Sonngastein weekly programme.
Whether a particular guided tour is suitable for dogs depends on the route, duration, transport arrangements and other conditions. Please check with reception in advance before joining a guided tour with your dog.