Hüttschlag is a municipality with 909 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2020) in the Salzburg region in the St. Johann im Pongau district in Austria. Hüttschlag has shares in the Hohe Tauern National Park and is a mountaineering village.
Hüttschlag is a charming mountaineering village in the Grossarltal
Valley of Salzburg, Austria, situated at an elevation of about 1,020
meters and home to around 900 residents. Nestled at the entrance to the
Hohe Tauern National Park—the largest national park in the Alps—it
combines rich historical heritage from its mining past with stunning
natural attractions, making it a haven for hikers, skiers, and nature
enthusiasts. The village's name derives from its mining history ("Hütte"
for ore-processing huts and "Schlag" for cleared forest), and since
2008, it has been designated as one of Austria's official mountaineering
villages for its sustainable tourism and pristine alpine environment.
Key sights focus on cultural landmarks, museums, and outdoor wonders,
with activities available year-round—from summer hikes amid 40 managed
alpine pastures to winter ski touring.
Talmuseum Hüttschlag
(Valley Museum)
The Talmuseum Hüttschlag is a captivating open-air
museum that serves as the cultural heart of the village, offering an
immersive journey into the region's rural and alpine heritage. Located
at the head of the valley, it features reconstructed historical
buildings true to their original designs, including a bread baking
house, schnapps distillers' hut, mountain smithy, and the Hubertus
chapel. The centerpiece is the Gensbichlhaus, which hosts the
interactive exhibition "On the Alm – Between Heaven and Earth," delving
into the traditions of alpine pasture life, from cheese-making to
seasonal herding practices. Visitors can explore how farmers and miners
lived centuries ago, with demonstrations of traditional crafts and
insights into the valley's mining boom in the 14th–15th centuries, when
copper and sulfur extraction prospered before declining in the 19th
century. The museum is family-friendly, with guided tours available, and
adjacent to the Talwirt inn, where you can sample local delicacies like
fresh alpine cheese, farmhouse bread, and schnapps. Rated highly on
travel sites (around 4.5/5 from limited reviews), it's praised for its
authentic atmosphere and educational value, though it's best visited in
summer when outdoor exhibits are fully accessible. Admission is
affordable (around €5–8 for adults), and it's open from May to October.
Parish Church of St. Josef
The Parish Church of St. Josef stands
as a prominent historical and architectural landmark in the village
center, embodying Hüttschlag's religious history. Tradition holds that a
wooden chapel existed on the site around the year 1000, which was
expanded over time. In 1675, Hüttschlag became a vicariate, and the
current church was consecrated in 1679 by Archbishop Maximilian Gandolf
von Kuenburg to St. Joseph. It was elevated to a full parish in 1891.
The church features a simple yet elegant Baroque style with a tall,
pointed steeple topped by a cross, a clock face, and white facade that
contrasts beautifully against the surrounding snow-capped peaks and
green meadows. Inside, visitors can admire ornate altars, frescoes
depicting biblical scenes, and a serene atmosphere enhanced by wooden
pews and stained-glass windows. The adjacent cemetery, with its
wrought-iron crosses and flower-adorned graves, adds a poignant
historical element, reflecting the village's Protestant expulsions
during the Counter-Reformation in the 17th–18th centuries, when many
residents emigrated. The church is open daily for quiet reflection and
occasional services, and it's a starting point for village walks. It's
particularly photogenic in spring with blooming surroundings or winter
under snow, symbolizing the community's resilience amid historical
economic shifts from mining to tourism.
Schödersee Lake
Schödersee is a pristine alpine lake nestled in the Hohe Tauern National
Park, offering one of Hüttschlag's most breathtaking natural
attractions. Located at about 1,450 meters elevation, this turquoise gem
is surrounded by lush meadows, dense forests, and rugged peaks,
including remnants of glaciers and waterfalls cascading into the valley.
The lake is accessible via a moderate hiking trail from Hüttschlag
(about 4–6 km one-way, 2–3 hours, with 500 meters elevation gain),
starting from the village center and winding through forested paths and
open pastures. Along the way, hikers pass the Ötzlsee (another smaller
lake) and enjoy panoramic views of the Grossarl Valley. At the lake,
expect crystal-clear waters reflecting the mountains, ideal for picnics,
photography, or simply soaking in the tranquility—wildlife like chamois
or eagles may be spotted. The area is part of protected parkland, so
stick to marked paths to preserve the ecosystem. In summer, it's a
popular day hike (rated moderate on AllTrails, with positive reviews for
scenery), while winter access may require snowshoes. Nearby alpine huts
offer refreshments, tying into the village's "Valley of Alpine Pastures"
theme.
Alpine Pastures and Hiking Trails
Hüttschlag's alpine
pastures (Almen) are a defining natural sight, earning the Grossarltal
the nickname "Valley of Alpine Pastures" with over 40 managed huts
scattered across the landscape. These traditional grazing areas, at
elevations from 1,500–2,000 meters, feature rolling green meadows,
wildflowers in summer, and herds of cows producing fresh milk for local
cheese. Huts like the Loosbühelalm or Aualm offer hospitality, sharing
stories of alpine life while serving homemade treats like buttermilk,
bread, and schnapps. The network includes 160 km of mountain biking
routes and 400 km of hiking trails, many guided by national park rangers
or the "Berg Gesund" program (over 140 activities, including yoga and
flower walks). Top trails: The Schödersee hike (moderate, 10–12 km
round-trip, 600m gain, passing lakes and viewpoints); Keeskogel summit
trail (challenging, 15 km, 1,800m gain, to 2,884m peak with glacier
views); and village loop (easy, 3 km, exploring historical sites). In
winter, trails transform for snowshoeing and ski touring, with access to
Ski amadé's 760 km of slopes. These pastures highlight sustainable
farming, with eco-friendly practices preserving biodiversity.
National Park Center and Street-Art Gallery
The National Park Center
in Hüttschlag functions as an information hub for the Hohe Tauern
National Park, covering one-third of the municipality since 1991. It
provides exhibits on the park's 1,856 square km of protected wilderness,
including 342 glaciers, 551 lakes, and diverse wildlife like ibex and
golden eagles. The unique Street-Art Gallery integrates modern art with
environmental education, featuring murals and installations that depict
the park's ecology and conservation efforts. Visitors can join free
ranger-led hikes (weekly in summer) to explore themes like alpine flora
or geology. This sight emphasizes Hüttschlag's commitment to sustainable
tourism, blending art, history, and nature for an engaging experience.
Other Notable Attractions
KunstRoas Art Trail: A cultural path
showcasing local art installations amid the village's scenic backdrop,
though details are sparse—it's ideal for a leisurely stroll combining
creativity and nature.
Mighty Cliff and Valley Views: The village
faces dramatic cliffs that frame the Grossarltal, offering stunning
viewpoints from trails or the village center, symbolizing the area's
geological history.
By Plane
The closest airport is Salzburg Airport (SZG),
approximately 70 km north of Hüttschlag, making it the most convenient
for international flights. From there:
Public Transport: Take the
Postbus or trolleybus (line 2 or 10) from the airport to Salzburg
Hauptbahnhof (main station, 20-30 minutes, €2-5). Then, transfer to an
ÖBB train to St. Johann im Pongau (about 1 hour, €10-20), followed by
bus 540 to Hüttschlag (20-30 minutes, €3-5). Total time: 2-3 hours.
Taxi or Transfer: Taxis cost €100-150 for direct transfer (1 hour).
Services like Airport Taxi Salzburg or shuttle buses (e.g., Salzburg
Shuttle) offer shared rides for €50-80 per person.
Car Rental: Rent
at the airport (Avis, Hertz, etc.) and drive south (see "By Car" below),
about 1 hour.
Other options include Munich Airport (MUC), 200 km
west (2.5-3 hours by car or train via Salzburg), or Vienna Airport
(VIE), 370 km east (4-5 hours). Linz Airport (LNZ) is 137 km away but
less convenient.
By Train
Austria's efficient ÖBB rail network
connects to nearby stations, but Hüttschlag has no direct train
station—transfer to a bus for the final leg.
From Salzburg: Take
an ÖBB train from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to St. Johann im Pongau (50-60
minutes, hourly, €10-15). From there, catch bus 540 (direction
Grossarl/Hüttschlag) to Hüttschlag Ortsmitte (20-30 minutes, every 1-2
hours, €3-5). Total: 1.5-2 hours.
From Vienna: Direct ÖBB Railjet to
Salzburg (2.5-3 hours, €30-60), then follow the above. Or train to
Bischofshofen (3-4 hours), then bus connections. Total: 4-5 hours.
From Munich: Train to Salzburg (1.5-2 hours, €20-40), then continue as
above. Total: 3-4 hours.
Book via oebb.at; the Salzburg Card or
regional passes may offer discounts. In winter, ski shuttles enhance
connections.
By Bus
Buses are affordable and scenic,
especially for regional travel.
From Salzburg: Direct Postbus
services (line 270 or via St. Johann) to Grossarl, then transfer to
local bus 540 to Hüttschlag (total 1.5-2 hours, €15-20). Check
salzburg-verkehr.at for schedules.
From St. Johann im Pongau: Bus 540
runs frequently to Hüttschlag (20-30 minutes, €3-5).
Long-Distance:
FlixBus or similar from Vienna or Munich to Salzburg (3-5 hours,
€20-40), then local bus/train. In Grossarltal, free ski buses (winter)
and hiking taxis (summer, bookable via local tourism) provide mobility
within the valley.
By Car
Driving offers flexibility through
stunning alpine scenery. Hüttschlag is on the L109 Grossarl Valley road.
From Salzburg: Head south on A10 Tauern Autobahn toward Villach
(toll €12 for vignette, 10-day sticker). Exit at Bischofshofen (exit
47), follow B311 to St. Johann im Pongau, then L109 south through
Grossarl to Hüttschlag (total 70 km, 1 hour, fuel €10-15).
From
Vienna: A1 west to Salzburg (3 hours), then as above (total 370 km, 4
hours).
From Munich: A8 east to Salzburg, then south on A10 (total
200 km, 2.5 hours).
Early Settlement and Origins
Human presence in the Grossarltal
Valley, including Hüttschlag, dates back to around the first
millennium AD, when hardy farming communities adapted to the harsh
alpine landscape. Tradition suggests Slavic settlers from Carinthia
and Lungau arrived between 400 and 700 CE, leaving linguistic traces
in place names like Klettn, Karteis, Schrambach, Tofern, and
Moritzen. These early inhabitants were later displaced by Bavarian
settlers, leading to conflicts in areas like Tappenkar and
Bundschuh, where the Bavarians ultimately prevailed.
The valley,
originally known as Arla (with variations like Arela, Urla, or
Michel-Arl), was first documented around 930 AD, by which time
Bavarian settlers had largely replaced the Slavic population. Around
1000 CE, a wooden chapel is believed to have been built in
Hüttschlag, marking the beginnings of organized religious life. In
1130–1137, a first path was created into the valley, and Archbishop
Conrad ordered the clearing and farming of the uneconomical Taurach
valleys, prompting settlers to select the sunniest locations for
habitation. Until the 14th or 15th century, Hüttschlag remained a
minor, remote farming settlement under the gradual control of the
Prince Archbishops of Salzburg.
Medieval Period and the Rise
of Mining
From the early 15th century, the region up to the High
Tauern crest developed under the Archbishops of Salzburg,
transforming Hüttschlag into a key mining area for copper and
sulfur. Mining activities began around the end of the 14th century,
with the oldest tunnels still bearing traces of wooden wedges,
crowbars, and pickaxes. By 1520, extended smelting works (Hütten)
were constructed in the village center, including furnaces and
processing facilities, some of which survive today in buildings like
the community hall and the inn Hüttenwirt. Smelting initially
occurred at sites like Hüttegalm, and small houses (Sölen) were
built for miners, featuring dwellings, stables, gardens, and
pastures—an example being the Kößlerhäusl, now a museum.
The
geological setting, a zone of greenslate with sulphide
impregnations, supported diverse mineralization including
chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, and others like scheelite and beryl.
Notable mining sites included Karteis, Astentofern, Schwarzwand,
Kree Alp, Zwieselegg, Harbach, Bichler Alp, and Toferer Scharte.
This era brought prosperity, attracting miners and boosting the
population to around 2,000 at its peak.
Religious Upheavals
and the Counter-Reformation
The influx of miners in the 16th–17th
centuries introduced Protestantism, making Hüttschlag a center of
Lutheranism in the Salzburg lands. This led to riots against the
Prince Archbishop's authority during the Reformation. In 1731–1732,
under Prince-Archbishop Leopold Anton von Firmian, around 1,100
Protestants—half the population—were expelled, forcing emigration
and causing significant demographic and economic disruption.
Religiously, the wooden chapel expanded over time. In 1675,
Hüttschlag became a vicariate; in 1679, Archbishop Maximilian
Gandolf von Kuenburg consecrated the new church to St. Joseph; and
in 1891, it was elevated to a parish. The sexton's house was built
in 1735, and public education began in 1755.
Mining Decline
and 19th–20th Century Transitions
Mining prospered through the
14th–19th centuries but declined in the 1850s–1860s, with mines
closing in 1863 due to exhaustion and economic shifts. The last
prospecting occurred in 1946–1947. This closure triggered severe
economic decline, with the population plummeting from 2,000 to 470
as residents turned to subsistence livestock and timber farming.
Education evolved with new classrooms in 1831 and 1905, a branch
school in Maurach (1940–1972), and a middle school in Grossarl
(1955). A new elementary school was built in 1958–1960. Recovery
began post-World War II in the 1960s, fueled by improved
transportation and motorization, shifting the economy toward
tourism.
Modern Era and Cultural Preservation
In 1981,
Hohe Tauern National Park was founded, incorporating one-third of
Hüttschlag's area since 1991, enhancing its ecological and touristic
appeal. By 2008, Hüttschlag joined the "Mountaineering Villages of
Austria" initiative, emphasizing sustainable alpinism and harmony
with nature. Winter tourism boomed with connections to the
Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area via free ski buses, part of the
larger Ski amadé network. Today, the economy relies on tourism, with
502 guest beds and attractions like the Talmuseum Hüttschlag, which
preserves mining and alpine heritage through exhibits like "Mountain
Huts - Between Heaven and Earth." The National Park Street-Art
Gallery and KunstRoas art trail further blend history with
contemporary culture. The local government is led by Mayor Hans
Toferer (ÖVP).
Hüttschlag's topography is characteristically alpine, featuring a narrow, U-shaped valley carved by glacial activity during the Pleistocene era, flanked by steep, forested slopes and high mountain ridges. The village itself is nestled in the upper reaches of the Grossarl Valley, which extends southward into the Hohe Tauern range, creating a dramatic transition from gentle valley floors to rugged peaks. The highest point within the municipality is the Keeskogel at 2,884 meters, part of the broader Ankogel Group in the Eastern Alps. The landscape includes expansive alpine pastures (Almen), deep gorges, and rocky outcrops, with elevations ranging from around 1,000 meters in the settlement areas to over 2,800 meters at the summits. This vertical relief supports diverse microenvironments, from lush meadows in the lower valley to barren, snow-capped highlands. The area is prone to natural hazards like rockfalls, as evidenced by geological studies of local sites, where elevation differences highlight erosion and mass movement processes. The valley's orientation—running north-south—amplifies scenic vistas, with the village positioned at the valley's end, offering panoramic views of surrounding peaks like the Schwarzwand and Kree Alp.
Hydrographically, Hüttschlag is dominated by the Grossarler Ache (also known as the Grossarl River), a tributary of the Salzach River, which flows through the Grossarl Valley and originates from high alpine sources within the Hohe Tauern. The river's fast-flowing waters, fed by glacial melt and numerous mountain streams, carve through the valley, creating cascades, gorges, and fertile floodplains. Key tributaries include smaller brooks from side valleys like the Karteis and Harbach areas. The region's abundant precipitation and snowmelt contribute to seasonal flooding risks, but also support small hydropower installations. Within the national park boundaries, pristine alpine lakes and tarns dot the higher elevations, enhancing biodiversity and providing water resources for local agriculture and tourism.
The geology of Hüttschlag is marked by a prominent north-south zone of greenslate (a low-grade metamorphic rock) traversing the Grossarl Valley, rich in sulphide impregnations that have driven historical mining. This formation is part of the broader Tauern Window in the Eastern Alps, exposing deeper crustal rocks uplifted during the Alpine orogeny (mountain-building event) around 30-40 million years ago. Associated minerals include a diverse array such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and arsenopyrite (sulphides); quartz varieties like amethyst, rock crystal, and smoky quartz; carbonates like calcite and ankerite; and silicates including muscovite (fuchsite variety), epidote, and chlorite group minerals. Other notable occurrences are beryl (aquamarine), scheelite, and rutile. The greenslate hosts these in veins and disseminations, with key localities like Karteis, Astentofern, Schwarzwand, Kree Alp, Zwieselegg, Harbach, Bichler Alp, and Toferer Scharte. Mining history dates to the late 14th century, targeting copper and sulfur, with operations peaking in medieval times and last prospecting in 1946-1947. Smelting occurred at sites like Hüttegalm, leaving remnants of tunnels and slag heaps that now form part of geo-tourism attractions. The area is seismically stable but features evidence of post-glacial rockfalls and landslides, influenced by the metamorphic bedrock.
Hüttschlag experiences a typical alpine continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and mild, wet summers. Average annual precipitation is around 1,200-1,500 mm, much of it as snow from November to April, supporting the region's ski tourism. Winter temperatures often drop to -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F), while summer highs reach 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The valley's high elevation and mountain barriers create microclimates, with föhn winds occasionally bringing warmer, drier conditions from the south. Climate change impacts, such as reduced snow cover and increased heavy rainfall events, are notable in the Hohe Tauern region, affecting glacier retreat in nearby peaks.
As part of the Hohe Tauern National Park—the largest in the Alps, spanning 1,856 km²—Hüttschlag boasts rich biodiversity adapted to alpine gradients. Flora includes coniferous forests of spruce, fir, and pine at lower elevations, transitioning to alpine meadows with wildflowers like edelweiss, gentians, and alpine roses above the treeline (around 1,800-2,000 meters). Rare species thrive in protected zones, supported by nutrient-rich soils from glacial moraines. Fauna features chamois, red deer, ibex, and golden eagles in the highlands, alongside smaller mammals like marmots and foxes. The park's conservation efforts protect endangered species, with birdwatching hotspots and wildlife corridors enhancing ecological connectivity. Human activities, such as grazing on alpine pastures, maintain open habitats for biodiversity.
Land use in Hüttschlag is predominantly natural and recreational, with about 40-50% forested, 30% alpine pastures for traditional dairy farming and hay production, and the remainder dedicated to settlements, tourism infrastructure, and protected areas. Agriculture focuses on sustainable mountain farming, while tourism—emphasizing hiking, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and ski touring—drives the economy. The village connects to the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area via free shuttles, and its status as a "mountaineering village" promotes low-impact activities like via ferrata routes and guided tours. Former mining sites are repurposed for educational trails, blending cultural heritage with environmental preservation. Overall, Hüttschlag exemplifies harmonious alpine land management within a national park framework.