Established in 2002, Gesaeuse National Park is Austria's youngest national park, yet it protects some of the country's most rugged and unspoiled mountain terrain. Located in northern Styria within the Northern Limestone Alps, this 110 square kilometer reserve showcases dramatic vertical landscapes that have long attracted climbers and naturalists.
A Landscape Forged by Water and Rock
The name "Gesaeuse" derives from the roaring sound of the Enns River as it crashes through a narrow gorge it has carved over millennia through the massive limestone formations. This 16-kilometer section of wild river, flanked by walls rising up to 2,000 meters above the water, creates one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Eastern Alps.
Key landscape features include:
- Vertical limestone walls reaching heights of 1,000 meters
- The wild Enns River gorge, one of Austria's last unregulated river sections
- Extensive karst formations including caves and dolines
- Ancient spruce and beech forests on the mountain slopes
- Alpine meadows and rock gardens at higher elevations
Wildlife of the Limestone Alps
The park's combination of undisturbed habitats and varied terrain supports a rich community of alpine wildlife. The steep cliffs provide nesting sites for raptors, while the forests shelter species that require old-growth conditions.
Birds of Prey
The towering cliffs provide ideal nesting habitat for several raptor species:
- Golden Eagle - Multiple pairs maintain territories within the park
- Peregrine Falcon - Fastest animal on Earth, nesting on vertical rock faces
- Eagle Owl - Europe's largest owl species inhabits the remote gorges
Forest Wildlife
The park's extensive old-growth forests provide habitat for species requiring mature woodland:
- Three-toed Woodpecker - Specialist of natural spruce forests
- Capercaillie - Rare grouse species requiring undisturbed forest
- Red Deer and Chamois - Large herbivores roam the park year-round
Rare Flora
The limestone substrate supports numerous rare plant species, including endemic alpine bellflowers and saxifrages found only in the Northern Limestone Alps. Spring and early summer offer the best wildflower displays on the alpine meadows.
Activities and Access
Gesaeuse offers activities ranging from gentle riverside walks to technical mountaineering. The park's dramatic terrain means that many areas require experience and proper equipment.
Hiking
The park maintains approximately 170 kilometers of marked trails. Popular routes include:
Johnsbach Valley: Relatively gentle trails through the valley offer access to the park's interior. The historic village of Johnsbach serves as a traditional mountaineering base.
Hochtor Massif: More demanding routes climb to the park's highest peaks, offering exceptional views but requiring good fitness and mountain experience.
Enns River Trail: A scenic path follows portions of the gorge, providing dramatic views of the limestone walls and wild river.
Rock Climbing
The Gesaeuse has been a climbing destination since the late 19th century. The park's limestone walls offer routes across all difficulty grades. However, climbing is restricted in some sensitive areas during bird breeding season (typically March through July).
Rafting and Kayaking
The Enns River through the gorge provides one of Austria's premier whitewater experiences. Several local operators offer guided rafting trips suitable for beginners, while experienced kayakers can tackle the river independently during appropriate water levels.
Visitor Facilities
Weidendom: The park's innovative nature exhibition center features a distinctive willow dome structure and interactive exhibits about the park's geology and ecology.
Information Points: Smaller information facilities operate at several park entrances during summer months, providing maps and ranger guidance.
Safety Considerations
The Gesaeuse is genuine alpine terrain where weather can change rapidly and trails often cross exposed ground. Always check weather forecasts, carry appropriate equipment, and inform someone of your plans. Mobile phone coverage is limited in many areas.
Conservation Focus
As a relatively young park, Gesaeuse is still transitioning many areas from managed forest to natural wilderness. The park administration is actively reducing human intervention, allowing natural processes like windthrow and bark beetle outbreaks to shape the forest ecosystem as they would without management.
Research programs monitor how these areas develop as human influence decreases, providing valuable data about natural forest dynamics in the Northern Limestone Alps.
External Resources
For trail conditions, visitor center hours, and program information: