Hiking along the Roman path

4,000 years ago goods were transported across the Tauern Mountains. Transport routes were an important requirement. The historical crossing across the Mallnitzer Tauern has lost its function as traffic & transport route, but a hike across the Tauern main ridge still remains something special.

Today parts of an ancient Roman footpath form this trail. Following the tracks of the freight hauliers connects us with ancient history.

Find out interesting things about flora, fauna and the geologic structure of the Tauern. A taxi service will bring you to Nassfeld (Sportgastein) from the railway station in Bad Gastein. Across the nature observation path, walk through the long basin of the Nassfeld where traces of the former gold and silver mining are still present. Observe cattle grassing on the Alpine pasture.

After a good half-hour walk, one reaches the climb to the Hagener hut. For the skilled mountain walker the steep path with numerous serpentines and crossings are easy to master. One quickly wins in height and gets a magnificent look across the Nassfeld to the northern lime Alps. Frequently the footpath crosses the 2,000 year-old Roman footpath. Enough time remains to drink from the clear mountain water spring. After a good 3-hour walk, one reaches, across the “Eselkar, the Hagener hut at 2.446 metres, the actual Tauern crossing. Here Roman as well as Celtic coins have been found, which proves the use of this crossing in pre-roman times.

After a comfortable rest at the Hagener hut, the footpath No. 110 leads us to the Tauern south side, past the Tauern house, which Archduke Johann built in 1836. Still today the natural stone masonry and arches of the original building can be seen. The rather wide path with numerous curves takes us through marvellous Alpine grassland.

After approx. 2-hours we reach, at 1.745 metres, the Jamnig-alm. A taxi service will take you from the parking area at the Jamnig-alm to the railway station Mallnitz. After 20 min. by rail we reach Bad Gastein station.

You can get information about guided hikes at the tourist board Bad Gastein:
Tel. +43 6432 3393 560

This hike is demanding, good climbing boots and waterproof clothing are absolutely necessary!

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