KalserTauernhaus refuge and return via the heights (East Tyrol)

To get to Taurer Wirt from Lienz: take the road towards Matrei. When you reach Huben, take the road that climbs to the right towards Kals. When you reach Kals, after the double bend, go straight on to cross the village, then turn right (signposted Grossdorf). Further on, turn left at the sign for Taurer Wirt. A small road will take you to a large car park (free of charge).

(S/E) Continue on foot along the small road to reach the hamlet of Taurer Wirt, which you will see below, bringing you closer to the stream on your left. Pass through this hamlet.

(1) Immediately turn slightly left to cross a stream and join the dirt track that runs alongside the large Kals torrent on your left, soon arriving at its gorges.

(2) At the entrance to a tunnel under the cliff, take the path on the left. You will soon leave the gorge behind you and arrive in the closed valley.

(3) Keep the torrent on your left and continue straight ahead to the Kalser Tauernhaus refuge.

(4) Pass this refuge and, 100 m further on, take the path that climbs to the left and crosses the stream. The climb is steep and winding.

(5) Higher up, take the path on the left to approach the waterfall (developed plateau), then return to the path and continue the climb. Next, the path arrives above the trees, turns left and becomes much less steep. Cross several small streams (developed passages).

(6) Much further on, at the intersection, take the path on the left, which slowly begins its descent towards the valley. There are a few more small streams to cross.

(7) After the last stream, take the path that descends to the left. The path that goes straight ahead leads to two chalets that you can see in the distance. The descent becomes steeper and leads you to the Bergeralm mountain inn. Leave it on your right and take the bridge over the Kals stream, which brings you back to the path you took on the way up.

(3) Take this path on the right to descend gently along the torrent, reach the gorges and then return to the hamlet of Taurer Wirt, which you cross again to rejoin the small road you took on the way up. Then continue straight ahead to reach the car park (S/E).

There are a few water points and shelters between (1) and (4), notably at the mountain inn and, further on, at the Kalser Tauernhaus refuge.

As you pass through the gorge, you will get a few drops of water on you.

There are benches along the entire route between (1) and (4), as well as a few information panels about the flora and fauna and educational games.

The hike is very well marked (red and white colours + signs).

Go from (1) to (4) and back from (3) to (1): you will walk along the Kals torrent.

At (5), a plateau offers a beautiful view of the waterfall. On the other side of the valley, you can see the eternal snows.