Year-round holiday happiness in Grossarl Valley

Year-round holiday happiness Springtime

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Alpine Summer

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Golden Autumn

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Winter & Ski Season

Where guests become friends

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web-tip: www.grossarltal.info

Welcome to Grossarltal!

Located around 70 km south of Salzburg City of Mozart, Grossarltal is famous for its high alpine pastures and mountain huts. Because the valley is relatively remote, we have been spared the busy through-traffic you encounter elsewhere. That being said, a good road high above world-famous Liechtenstein Gorge provides today’s visitors with ready access to all that our valley has to offer.

Grossarl - the European village Grossarl, which is our main community, lies roughly in the middle of this 30 km-long valley, a village of some 3700 residents boasting around 4600 guest beds. It serves both as the tourism hub of our valley, as well as the gateway to the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area.

Hüttschlag - villages for Alpinism 8 km deeper into the valley you come to Hüttschlag, a village of 930 people offering 460 guest beds. Because the valley head has been absorbed into Hohe Tauern National Park, Hüttschlag is proud to proclaim itself a “national park village”.

And since 2008, it has also met the stringent criteria putting it in the elite group of “Austrian Mountaineering Villages”, a project spearheaded by the Austrian Alpine Association within the framework of the International Alpine Convention.

The world’s most beautiful cul-de-sac No through-traffic, secluded, yet easy to reach.

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1| View into the valley incl. mountains of the Ankogel group - Hohe Tauern 2| Picnic at the Hüttschlag valley head 3| Grossarl - the European Village 4| Hüttschlag - the Mountaineering Village

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Mother Nature blossoms once more

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web-tip: www.grossarltal.info/nationalpark

The power of Mother Nature Right after the snow melts, those gentle harbingers of springtime hint at the approaching summer.

From the beginning of May on, they spread out a blanket of every colour imaginable from the valley all the way up to the alpine pastures. A spectacle simply not to be missed, one which reaches its climax with the rhododendron blossom at the end of June.

Hohe Tauern National Park Founded in 1981, Hohe Tauern National Park covers an area of 1,834 km², making it the biggest national park in all the Alps.

Hüttschlag has been part of this nature sanctuary since 1991.

At the Talwirt National Park Information Centre and the Valley Museum, the nature and history of our valley are impressively presented. Weekly guided excursions and hikes led by National Park Rangers are a real draw for visitors.

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Schödersee - a natural jewel The Schödersee is what we refer to as a “periodic lake”, which makes it a unique natural feature. It only fills during the snow melt, or after exceptionally heavy downpours. During lengthy spells of nice summer weather, it actually dries out entirely.

So if you actually get to see it at all, you should count yourself very lucky.

Spring - a natural spectacle The glorious landscapes of the Hohe Tauern are the stage - and you, in the midst of it all, are one of the players!

1| Schödersee - periodic natural lake 2| Valley Museum at the Hüttschlag valley head

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Enjoy the "Valley of Alpine Huts"

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web-tip: www.talderalmen.at

Why the “Valley of Alpine Huts”?

Grossarltal is home to around 40 huts which open their doors to hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers. In terms of quality and concentration, this makes us unique in SalzburgerLand and probably all of Austria. You can always look forward to a warm, heartfelt welcome from your mountaintop hosts.

Authentic recipes from grandmother’s cookbook Meals at alpine huts truly do have a different flavour about them.

More authentic, more intense, and always accompanied by views of the Hohe Tauern peaks. The hill farmers turn fresh milk produced by happy cows into delicious butter and regional cheeses. These are served along with home-cured bacon, sausage and home-baked bread. And of course, the perfect drinks to go with them.

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And if you are ever in the mood to enjoy a bit of a timeout, you can even spend the night at one or other of these huts, which means you’ll also get to enjoy some truly unforgettable sunsets.

„Sauerkas“ ... is a typical Grossarltal cheese - a special kind of grey cheese which, with just a few exceptions, is produced only here in the valley.

Precisely how is something you should probably learn from the farmer’s wife herself. Our favourite way to eat it is with lots of butter on freshly baked farmhouse bread. And it’s practically impossible to imagine a Christmas here without our delicious Sauerkas.

In the hill farmers’ footsteps Simply glorious ... the views, paths, hearty meals, and moments of relaxation in old dining rooms.

1| Delicious treats at the Maurachalm; ©SalzburgerLand Tourism 2| Open fire at the Karseggalm

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Enjoyable Hikes & High Peaks Adventures

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web-tip: www.kapellen-wanderweg.at

To each his own Hiking in Grossarltal gives the word “variety” a whole new meaning.

Footpaths close to town, family hikes, relaxing strolls across alpine pastures, extended mountaineering tours, multi-day treks including nights spent at mountain huts and the thrills of conquering alpine peaks, hikes from tarn to tarn, and scenery that is simply glorious.

You can find over 100 touring tips on our website.

Hiking with a quality guarantee The hiking selection in Grossarltal is amongst the best in all of Austria.

The first region in SalzburgerLand and only the second anywhere in Austria, since 2010 the two communities of Grossarl and Hüttschlag have managed to meet stringent criteria earning them the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality, impressive evidence of our expertise in all hiking-related matters. Further Information: www.wanderguetesiegel.at 2

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Chapel Hiking Path The route leads out through the valley along safe paths, taking you from chapel to chapel.

It’s aptly christened “The Path of 10 Good Wishes”. Aside from giving body, mind and soul a good workout, it is also an opportunity to contemplate who you truly are and the meaning of life.

Hitting the trail together Discover, enjoy, pause, ascend, rest, gaze in awe - hear the silence of the mountains.

1| Family hike Breitenebenalm - Karseggalm - Unterwandalm 2| Chapel Hike - Laireiting chapel 3| Sunset on the Saukar

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Sports & Adventure in the Valley of Alpine Huts

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web-tip: www.almblog.at

Mountain Bikes and E-Bikes

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You simply have to give it a try - it’s genius! We’re talking about e-biking. It makes even major “ups” practically effortless. Even if you are not an experienced mountain biker, you are easily able to reach the alpine pastures on the far side of the tree line. Now admittedly, hardcore gear-heads will always prefer to hop on a genuine mountain bike and search out one of the 15 routes here spanning around 11,000 vertical meters.

Mountaineering Two well-secured via ferrata climbs, the “Kupfergeist” and “Gletschergoass” through the Hüttschlager Wand, along with yet another known as the “Bella Cascinaia” on the Saukarkopf, promise a pure adrenaline rush. Yet always with the peace of mind of knowing you are in safe, carefully controlled terrain.

But if you prefer to blaze your own trail, 15 different mountaineering routes await on and around the Schuhflicker, with a wide range of difficulty to choose from.

Landing the Big One Tranquil as a mountain lake, or thunderous as a wildwater river.

The Grossarler Ache flows from its source at the River Salzach, through Liechtenstein Gorge to the valley head. For fly-fishers, especially, it is a true paradise, teeming with brook trout, arctic char and alpine salmon.

Pure adrenaline If you are looking for action, you’ll find it right here in Grossarltal!

1| Rest stop for mountain bikers at the Karseggalm 2| E-biking along the Grossarltal bike path 3| Fishing in the Ötzlsee 4| Hüttschlager Wand via ferrata

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Fun, games or simply relaxation

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web-tip: www.gaudi-alm.at

Sports & Recreation Centre

Hey, Kids!

A new, one-of-a-kind sports & recreation centre for the whole family has been created on around 36,000 m² of grounds in the heart of Grossarl. So variety-packed, so colourful, so vibrant, it isn’t just the kids who are doing summersaults of pure joy.

I hope you’ll come and visit me at my “Gaudi-Alm”, the biggest alpine playground in SalzburgerLand (around 4,000 m²). Cool play opportunities and great surprises plus admission is free!

Open-air pool with lap pool, diving pool and kiddie pool, along with an adventure pool with water-jet loungers and extra-wide slide Soccer pitch with synthetic surface Street soccer area (paved) Multi-purpose area for ball games (synthetic) Mini-golf course 2 tennis courts (sand) Beach-volleyball court Restaurant with sun terrace

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Climbing tower with giant slide Crystal mine Zip line Trampoline Mountain lake and raft Alpine stream with dams Go-kart track Animals to pet Picnic area and campfire site Mini play farm

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Recreation Centre & “Gaudi-Alm” Salzburg‘s biggest alpine playground and great sporting opportunities, all just waiting for you!

1| Grossarl open-air adventure pool 2| Multi-purpose area for ball games 3| Beach-volleyball court 4| “Gaudi-Alm” alpine playground in Grossarl

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When your holidays become a celebration

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web-tip: www.grossarltal.info/bauernherbst

Mountains as far as the eye can see Not later than the days on which morning frost covers the fields, everyone knows: This is the arrival of autumn. During this time visibility is virtually unlimited. It’s not unusual that the peaks are already snow-cowered, and the golden larch trees make the landscape colourful. Autumn - season for hiking.

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Harvest Festival in the “Valley of Alpine Huts”

Regional Palate-Pleasers

Traditional arts and crafts, regional specialities from our kitchens and cellars, along with living traditions. These are the three pillars which serve as the foundation for the success of Harvest Festival in Salzburg. And in this part of the world, we’re true pros when it comes to our celebrations, especially in the autumn.

We hope you will join us!

Authentic hill-country favourites, hearty traditional cooking, regional specialities with refined touches, international dishes in keeping with the season. Grossarltal’s restaurant selection couldn’t possibly be any broader. Allow our local hosts to give you a culinary treat you won’t soon forget.

Autumn changes its colours everyday Crystal-clear air, golden larch and endless views.

1| Harvest Festival celebration 2| Homecoming of cattle from the Glettnalm 3| Autumnal view of the Höllwand

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Close to Grossarltal

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web-tip: www.grossarltal.info/ausflugsziele

Area Sightseeing Attractions distances in km, one-way from Grossarl: Salzburg - City of Mozart and the Salzburg Festival 1| Hallein - Salt Mine 2| Salzkammergut Region Grossglockner Road (Franz-Josefs-Höhe) 3| Werfen - Castle/Bird-of-Prey Shows 4| St. Johann - Liechtenstein Gorge 5| St. Johann - Alpendorf/Ghost Mountain Kleinarl - Lake Jägersee Zell am See Werfen - Giant Ice Caves 7| Wagrain - Grafenberg, Water Park 6| Ferleiten Wildlife Park (Fusch) Kaprun Hydroelectric Dams National Park Centre in Mittersill 8 + 9| Krimml Waterfalls Therme Amadé (Altenmarkt) Therme Bad Gastein Therme Bad Hofgastein Therme Kaprun

75 km 65 km 100 km 93 km 35 km 18 km 12 km 37 km 55 km 37 km 25 km 60 km 62 km 77 km 102 km 47 km 50 km 43 km 54 km

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© Nationalparkzentrum Hohe Tauern

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© Nationalparkzentrum Hohe Tauern

So many must-sees!

Castles, palaces, museums, exhibitions, lakes, waterfalls, spas, natural wonders, ...

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web-tip: www.grossarltal.info/wandertips

The “Valley of Alpine Huts” Alpine Huts & Hiking 40 huts & mountain inns 250 km of marked hiking paths right on the Salzburger Almenweg hiking tour mountain lifts with a summer schedule

Biking 120 km of mountain bike trails 15 routes and 11,000 vertical metres total

Theme Hiking Paths Chapels Hiking Path Elemental Nature Path

Mountaineering Via ferrata climbs on the Hüttschlager Wand: “Kupfergeist” (height 130 m, length 240 m, D/E) “Gletschergoass” (height 55 m, length 250 m, B/C) Saukarkopf via ferrata: “Bella Cascinaia“(height 100 m, length 130 m, D/E) 15 climbing routes on the Arlspitze (a lower peak of the Schuhflicker), up to level 7

Tennis 2 tennis courts (sand) at Grossarl Sports & Recreation Centre 1 tennis court (synthetic surface) at Hotel Moar-Gut

Fishing A Grossarler Ache: St. Johann to Grossarl, ca. 12 km B Grossarler Ache: Grossarl to the valley head, ca. 14 km C Ötzlsee See: ca. 2 ha (only reachable on foot) Species: brook trout, arctic char, lake char, lake trout, grayling in some areas.

For areas B + C: fly rod only, catch and release

In the heart of the Alps Nature as far as the eye can see!

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Mandelkogel 2.439 m

Berghütte am Graukogel

Rupi´s Schirmbar Laireiteralm

Gipflstadl

Fulseck 2.033 m

40 Alpentaverne

Höhenloipe Saukaralm

Würstlbude

Jedermann Reiterhütte 1a 7b

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web-tip: www.grossarltal.info/pistenplan

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Stubnerkogel

Grossarltal-Dorfgastein Ski Area Total Lifts: 17

2.246 m

5 gondolas 3 6-seater chair lifts 3 quad chair lifts 2 double chair lifts 4 tows & bunny lifts Total Capacity: 28,000 passengers/hr.

Slopes: 80 km 23 km beginner (blue) 49 km intermediate (red) 8 km expert (black) Ski amadé 270 lifts 860 km of slopes

Snow Reliability & Slope Grooming Alpine ski area: elev. 886 m - 2,033 m 400 snowmakers 82 % snowmaking coverage

Free Ski Bus L1 Grossarl local transport L2 Grossarl - Hüttschlag - valley head L3 Grossarl - Gollegg L4 Grossarl - Gollegg - St. Johann/Alpendorf L5 Grossarl - Ellmautal Dorfgastein - Bad Hofgastein - Bad Gastein - Sportgastein

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… additional important info

1a Hoamroasstub‘n

Mühlbachloipe

WISBI - permanent timing hill Halfpipe on the Kreuzkogel 16 ski huts/umbrella bars 2 ski schools with sport shops and rental gear 25 km of valley ski trails 3 km alpine cross-country trail on the Saukaralm 35 km of foot- and winter hiking paths

Snowshoeing expeditions and back-country skiing Sled run “Lammwirt” (floodlit) Skating rink (floodlit) Ice stock lanes Sleigh rides

Boundless skiing adventures Right there, live, in the heart of Ski amadé!

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Where skiers’ hearts pound with excitement

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web-tip: www.grossarltal.info/sonnenskilauf

Grossarltal-Dorfgastein Ski Area

Snow Guarantee

Exceptionally groomed slopes, state-of-the-art lifts without any long waits, along with personal service. Things the Grossarl lifts are renowned for across the length and breadth of this country. Even if we aren’t the biggest, here you’ll always find that certain “something” certain to make your ski vacation a unique experience. Just don’t tell anyone! Let’s keep it our own special secret!

Know anyone willing to give a 100% weather guarantee? We don’t, and we wouldn’t ever give one either! But we can assure you of one thing: since our lift company was founded back in 1966, we’ve been able to ski every single year from before Christmas until after Easter!

The elevation here, as well as the east-west orientation of our slopes, all contributes to our reliable snow conditions. Back “in the day” we put our trust completely in Mother Nature to drop plenty of the white stuff from the heavens. But today we boast an additional safety net, a high-powered snowmaking team utilizing 400 snowmakers with 82% snowmaking coverage.

Right there, live, in the heart of Ski amadé - the greatest skiing enjoyment in all of Austria!

You are certainly welcome to go skiing elsewhere, of course, but you definitely don’t have to! Precisely where you cut your own, fresh tracks across the snow is entirely up to you. The Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area finds itself in the very heart of Ski amadé, with 860 km of superbly maintained slopes and 270 ultra-modern lifts. Which means, your lift pass allows you to ski all of the following major ski areas: Gastein, Hochkönig, Salzburger Sportwelt, Schladming Dachstein.

With pure spring water The natural way that hoarfrost is formed served as the model for our snowmaking system. And since we use spring water and clean energy from the Grossarl lifts’ own hydroelectric power station, chemical additives play absolutely no role anywhere in the process!

So many choices, so little time!

With 860 km of slopes to choose from, you’re sure to find your own personal favourite.

1| View of the ski area flanking the Kreuzkogel 2| The Grossarl lifts’ slope-maintenance team 3| Grossarl village with the panorama lift

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Skiing enjoyment for the whole family

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web-tip: www.grossarltal.info/ladyskiwoche

Where little dudes are the big winners Hey, kids! We’ve got great practice hills just for you, in the valley and up on the mountain. Along with the coolest ski instructors around, sure to make your skiing enormous fun. You know, with these guys, the journey from “pizza” technique to shooting straight down the hill is shorter than you’d ever imagine - before you know it, you’ll be leaving mom and dad far behind in a dusting of your own powder. We’d also recommend taking a peek on the Internet.

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At www.grossarltal.info/familie you’ll find all of our best family specials including the Junior Weekend Discount, the Easter Family Package, bargain advance-purchase season passes and so much more.

Sun-Skiing Grossarltal is a particularly snowy part of the world, offering sunskiing opportunities and attractive package deals until after Easter.

A must for fans of off-slope action: Refreshment stops, Grossarltal-style!

Friendly restaurants, glorious sundecks and trendy umbrella bars, inviting you to stop in for refreshments, a bite to eat, great company and all the fun of après-ski. And a variety-packed program of special events is an irresistible enticement all winter long.

The absolute highlight for party animals has to be Ladies Ski Week. There’s a different highlight every single day and, as a special bonus, all ladies booking a “Lady Package” receive a free ski pass!

The boards that mean the world Carve, board, chill, party… whatever your heart desires!

1| Chillin‘ on the Kreuzkogel with view of the valley 2| Lunchtime at one of our children-friendly ski lodges

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Enjoy winter to the max

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web-tip: www.grossarltal.info/blog

Cross-Country Skiing Whether you’re a fan of classic technique or skating, morning is the most beautiful time of day to cut fresh tracks on a freshly groomed trail. The Grossarl Trail leads out to a listed historic farm, the “Kösslerhäusl”, whilst the Hüttschlag Trail takes you from the Wolfau part of town to the valley head. On certain days, some sections of these trails are floodlit until 8:30 in the evening. Our special insider tip is the High Trail (ca. 3 km in length) at the Saukaralm: at an elevation of around 1,850 metres, great snow conditions are guaranteed until late spring.

Winter Hikes & Sledding Numerous cleared footpaths and hiking trails, including one out to the picturesque valley head, radiate an idyllic winter atmosphere.

The higher you go, the more magnificent the views become. Which is why you should also consider our many supply roads and forest lanes leading to farms and alpine huts higher up in the mountains.

And when you are ready to head back downhill, sledding is often the fastest way to go. Insider tips include the Saukaralm and a floodlit sled run at the Lammwirt.

Back-Country Skiing Due to its broad areas of alpine pastures, Grossarltal offers backcountry skiers a virtually ideal setting. We’ve compiled the valley’s 10 most beautiful tours in a small guidebook, which is available over the Internet. Back-country skiers should always be conscious of the dangers presented by our untamed alpine world!

In harmony with yourself and nature Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, back-country, hiking and glorious countryside.

1| Alpine winter idyll at the Saukaralm 2| Cross-country skiing at the Hüttschlag valley head

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Alpine winters - a silent dream in white

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web-tip: www.facebook.com/grossarltal.info

Snowshoeing As you set out on a snowshoe hike across undisturbed terrain, with the only tracks you encounter created by scurrying rabbit and deer, you are in for one of the most intensive wintertime experiences imaginable. Trees bedecked in bizarre blankets of snow, glistening snow crystals, boundless tranquillity. It’s as if Mother Nature had gone into winter hibernation. Our tip: Take a snowshoe hike accompanied by a National Park Ranger. You’ll be astonished by just how many surprises nature has in store for you.

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Experiencing Tradition Moments such as these still exist. Moments when you feel time has stood still. For example, when you get involved in a casual game of ice stock with the locals, glide through the countryside on an idyllic sleigh ride, or perhaps when you attend one of our many folk-heritage events such as the Perchten procession and Schlenkerfahrt. The high holidays on the church calendar play an especially important role here in our valley. Advent and Christmas, Easter with the blessing of the palm branches, the unique Mount of Olives & Christ’s Passion singing event, as well as the Easter-night celebrations, summer parades, mountain masses, Harvest Festival, and even our always well-attended Sunday church services.

Make like a marmot!

Tuck the stresses and hectic activity of daily life away for the winter!

1| Snowshoeing on the Kreuzkogel 2| Ice stock in Grossarl 3| “Mount of Olives” singing event in Grossarl 4| Carriage ride at the Hüttschlag valley head

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Salzburg Mountain Advent in Grossarltal

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web-tip: www.salzburger-bergadvent.at

Advent in Grossarltal This is a place where even the Christ Child would want to take a vacation. The Advent atmosphere in our “Valley of Alpine Huts” is more evocative than you could ever imagine.

Whilst elsewhere the run-up to Christmas turns into a hectic race, here we place great store in authenticity and tradition.

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Advent market on the weekends 25 small Advent huts featuring arts & crafts and regional specialities

Carved, life-size village Nativity scene and “Nativity Path” to the parish church

Singers and musicians performing

at the Advent market

Advent music and choral concerts Children’s program: cookie-baking workshop, Angel Post Office, fairy-tale room, Christ-Child Workshop, , …

Advent at the “Alte Wacht” as well as the valley head and valley museum

Carriage rides, torchlight hikes, …

Pastoral play and Joseph & Mary’s search for shelter

St. Nicholas’ festivities and Krampus processions

Refusal of entry to Santa Claus Experience Advent the good, old-fashioned way - sincere, authentic and traditional.

Beginning of Winter We are proud to offer utterly unforgettable experiences courtesy of perfect skiing conditions and a glorious natural setting, coupled with what is probably one of the most beautiful Advent markets in all of Austria.

1| Grossarl Advent Market 2| Hüttschlag in Advent 3| “Alte Wacht” at the entrance to the valley 4| Workshop of the Nativity-scene society

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Year-round holiday happiness GROSSARLTAL TOURIST OFFICE Markt 1 | 5611 Großarl | Austria Tel.: ++43 (0) 6414/281 Fax: ++43 (0) 6414/8193 E-Mail: info@grossarltal.info Internet: www.grossarltal.info

www.grossarltal.info/blog www.facebook.com/grossarltal.info www.youtube.com/grossarltal

Vienna

Munich

A1

Salzburg City

A8

Brussels 990 km

Lofer Wörgl

A10

Bischofshofen Zell a. See

Innsbruck

Mittersill

St. Johann/Pg

Ennstal Radstadt

Grossarl Hüttschlag

A10

Großglockner Nationalparkt Hohe Tauern

Villach

Hamburg 980 km Warsaw Amsterdam Berlin 1075 km Leipzig 1035 km 640 km 800 km Frankfurt Prague 600 km 460 km Munich 210 km

Zurich 520 km

Vienna 390 km Bratislava 460 km

GROSSARL VALLEY

Verona 510 km Venice 420 km

Budapest 625 km

Ljubljana 260 km

Credits: Publisher: Grossarltal Tourist Office | Layout & Text: rigru Grossarl; Grossarltal Tourist Office | Print: Niederösterreichisches Pressehaus www.np-druck.at Photography: Grossarltal Tourist Office; Photo Michael Gruber www.der-photograf.at; Thomas Wirnsperger; Christian Stummer www.c-stummer.com | Not liable for errors or inaccuracies | 1st edition 2011