Core Zone of Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal

Important Information:
The Gadental, one of the core zones in the Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal, is only accessible to a limited extent in winter due to the danger of avalanches. Snowshoe hikes or ski tours are only recommended for experienced alpinists or in the company of experienced mountain guides. Winter sports enthusiasts are advised to follow recommended ascent and descent routes and to observe the information on forest-wildlife protection areas. The Alpengasthof Bad Rothenbrunnen remains closed during the winter months.

The originality of the Große Walsertal biosphere reserve can best be experienced in Gadental, a nature reserve since 1987. This core zone has a variety of forest habitats and for rare orchid-rich Spirkenwälder. No road or dirt road leads into this valley, which emanates from Sonntag Buchboden. Only hikers experience and enjoy this unique landscape, past the gorge Kessischlucht and the waterfalls of Matonbach.

It is possible to have a botanist guided hike through the Gadental nature reserve. More Information

The Gadental, an area of 1543 ha, is preserved as a typical mountain valley of the Northern Limestone Alps in its original and natural form. The Gadental provides a wide variety of biotopes in the smallest space and in unusual density.

Rare willow forests, beech fir forests, spruce forests and pine fields cover the entrances of the valley. Montan-subalpine grazing areas with the alps Gaden-Matona and Diesnerberg mark the middle section of the valley. This is bordered by extensive Karsthochflächen bordered by elevations such as the Schwarze Wand (2524 m) or the Misthaufen (2436 m) to the south.

This landscape is a particularly valuable area with a species-rich plant and animal world (orchid species including Frauenschuh, Knabenkraut) and should be preserved in its originality. While the near-natural use of alpine pastures is still permissible, the diverse habitats of pine and willow forests in the outer valley and jungle-like mixed forests in the middle of the valley, the Karstgebiete areas of the Gadner and Diesner Gschröfs with the natural cave "Wildes Loch" should remain largely untouched.

The Gadental has been protected by decree as a nature reserve since 1987. In 1995 Gadental was also declared a Natura 2000 site (FFH guideline). At the entrance to Gadental is the natural monument "Kessischlucht". A spectacular gorge shaped and polished by water and boulder.

Located at the starting point in the Gadental is the historic Bad Rothenbrunnen, which was once a famous spa mentioned as early as 1460 for its healing baths. Bad Rothenbrunnen is a place with special peace and beauty of undisturbed nature. No road, cars or other houses disturb the idyll. The lovingly renovated house (15 beds) was reopened in the summer of 2006 and offers the ideal conditions for rest and relaxation far away from hustle and bustle.

Walking time Sonntag / Buchboden to Bad Rothenbrunnen approx. 20 min.
Bad Rothenbrunnen is the starting point for numerous smaller and larger hikes, for example through Gadental to Gadenalpe about 1 hour.