Brief information about Gesäuse:
- What is the Gesäuse? The Gesäuse is a region in Austria, more precisely a national park and a nature park. It is known for its impressive landscape and its diverse flora and fauna.
- What can you experience there? There are numerous activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy in this region. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, climbing, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning and more. There are well-marked hiking trails and climbing routes suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers.
- When is it open and how much does admission cost? The Gesäuse National Park is open all year round. Entry to the national park is free. The day ticket for parking costs 6€
- How much time should I plan for a visit? The duration of a visit to the Gesäuse depends on personal interests and the activity planned. Some visitors spend just one day in the national park, while others stay for several days to fully enjoy hiking, climbing and other activities. It is recommended to plan at least two to three days to explore the beauty of the region.
If you would like to learn more about the Gesäuse, you can find more information in our Article about the Gesäuse National Park all important information.
In this blog post we want to the most beautiful photo spots along the Enns Our excursion begins at the Laufernbauernbrücke.
1. Laufernbauern Bridge
Journey: To get to the Laufernbauernbrücke, drive east from Admont on the B146 to the Gesäuse entrance. After about 6 km, take the turnoff to Wenig and drive another 500 meters to your destination.
Coordinates: 47°35'16″N 14°32'13″E.
You can easily park your car right in front of the bridge.
This place is one of the most famous views in the Gesäuse and is worth a visit at any time of year. You just walk across the wooden bridge to take photos. On the left you can see the Himbeerstein, in the middle is the Hochtor group and on the right the Haindlmauer. The Enns flows below.
The best time to take photos is about an hour before sunset. Unfortunately, this was not possible due to the changing weather during our visit.
In late summer and fall you can often see the gravel bank due to low water levels.
2. Gesäuse entrance
Journey: From the Laufernbauernbrücke you drive back onto the main road and turn left towards Gesäuse You drive through a stone archway of the railway underpass. Shortly after, there are parking spaces on the left side
Coordinates: 47°34'46“N 14°33'17“E
A few meters upstream in the area of the railway bridge and downstream to the point where the river branches off for about 100 meters and washes around a picturesque island, there are unforgettable subjects for both detailed shots and impressive landscape portraits. However, during our stay in early summer, the water level was so high and the river so rapid that the island was no longer visible. Nevertheless, this place with the railway bridge is definitely worth a stop.
3. Lettmair Au & Willow Dome
Journey: Continue along the main road along the B146 to the car park “Lettmair Au” or the larger car park at Willow Dome
Coordinates: 47°34'49N 14°34'48“E
The fascinating “Lettmair Au” theme trail runs right next to the car park. This trail leads along a paved forest path with footbridges and offers wonderful views of the Enns. During the walk along the trail there are several interactive stations for children that focus on the changes in nature. The circular trail is 1.3 kilometers long.
Afterwards we go to the Waidendom, which we honestly imagined to be a bit bigger and more exciting. The ecological footprint labyrinth, a charming wild garden for people and animals, and an avenue of fruit trees offer inspiring suggestions for sustainable action at home! Throughout the entire site, visitors will find oases of peace with comfortable swings that invite you to rest and linger.
From the Willow Dome There are several adventure and hiking trails.
4. Johnsbach Bridge
Also from Willow Dome Parking lot we go to the Johnsbach-Steg
Coordinates: 47°34'54N 14°35'46“E
The entire beauty of the Gesäuse landscape is evident at the Johnsbach Bridge. From the bridge you have a breathtaking view of the highest peak, the Hochtor at 2,369 m. On the western side of the bridge there is a designated area for visitors, which forms small islands of rest with its benches. From there you can create an attractive foreground together with the picturesque wooden bridge. The enormous masses of water could also be seen here in early summer.
5. On the lyre
This point is also Willow Dome can be reached on foot. By car, continue along the main road in the national park towards Hieflau, past the turnoff to Johnsbach and about 200 meters later there are parking spaces on the left-hand side (just before the tunnel).
Coordinates: 47°34'48N 14°36'11“E
The Leirerweg, which runs along a forest path, connects the visitor center Weidendom bypassing the so-called "gypsy tunnel". From there, the concrete path leads uphill to the impressive viewing point "An der Leier", which offers a breathtaking view of the famous backwater of the Enns on the south-facing slope. There is also a small rest area at this point. The best time to visit this place is at sunset, when the atmosphere is particularly magical.
Shortly afterwards you will find the end of the Leirerweg
We get back in the car and drive towards National Park Pavilion Gstatterboden, which is unfortunately closed. We continue towards Kummerbrücke.
6. Kummerbrücke route
Getting there: from Gstatterboden continue towards Hieflau, over the Kummerbrücke. After that there is a car park called “Wasserfallweg”
Coordinates: 47°35'14N 14°40'12“E
During our visit, there was simply too much water flowing down the Enns, so this photo spot unfortunately did not offer much. Nevertheless, we found the view from the bridge very beautiful. We decided to Admont to return to our tomorrow's Johnsbacher Almenrunde to gather strength.
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