The Emerald Trail (Smaragdweg) in Salzburgerland

The Emerald Trail is an experiential route for adults and children alike. The trail is easy and follows a marked path in the heart of the Habachtal valley. The abundance of gemstones in the area allows even hikers who are not experienced in finding gems to discover exceptional treasures. In this article, you can read all the information about the Emerald Trail in the Salzburgerland region.

The Habachtal valley is located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern mountains of the Salzburgerland region, right on the way between Zell am See–Kaprun and the impressive Krimml Waterfalls, not far from the famous 10-slide track of Wildkogel.

This valley is the richest in minerals in the entire Hohe Tauern National Park. Gemstones, especially emeralds, are scattered throughout the valley, which is exceptional in all of Europe. Even today, special discoveries can be made in this charming place. Even hikers with no experience in searching for gemstones can find emeralds in this area.

The emerald deposits in the Habachtal valley are mainly found in the area of the Leckbach stream, which flows in the heart of the valley. From the Almgasthof Alpenrose, it is easy to reach the main emerald area via the marked path.

Important to know: The emerald mine in the upper part of the Leckbach stream is not accessible to hikers. Moreover, this part of the stream is in constant danger of rockfalls, so it is recommended not to try and go up there.

This is what this charming area looks like

The Emerald Trail (Smaragdweg)

The Emerald Trail is a marked and highly experiential trail along which you can enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Habachtal valley. Along the trail, next to the stream, there are information boards with explanations about the special minerals found in the valley.

The Emerald Trail begins near the car park in the valley. The trail turns left from the wide road and continues along the stream. The experiential trail includes several stations with diverse information about the valley. At the “Green Earth” (Grüner Boden) station, you will find interesting explanations about the most important minerals of the Habachtal valley and about the legendary mountain gnome who protects the gems in the mountains (Venedigermandl). As you ascend the path, you will enjoy the charming views of this area. After the bridge, you will pass through the “Kingdom of Springs” (Quellenreich), where you will discover an exceptional abundance of clear springs. A short time later, a wooden bridge will lead you to a viewing platform overlooking the mountains and the stream flowing in their heart, and then you will continue through the pasturelands towards the heart of the valley.

A short additional walk and you will reach the viewpoint at the end of the valley, where there are more information boards with explanations about the geology of the valley. From there you will reach the first hut along the trail – the Enzianhütte mountain hut. In the hut area, you can see marmots and spend time at the nearby playground.

The highlight of the Emerald Trail awaits you further along the trail, near the rustic Almgasthof Alpenrose mountain hut. Right behind the hut flows the stream that comes directly from the emerald mine. With a little patience you have a good chance to find emeralds! Equipment for searching can be rented at the mountain hut. The trail continues to the Moa Alm hut, romantically located opposite the charming mountain scenery where the Emerald Trail ends. If you wish, you can take a hiker’s taxi back to the car park or walk the route.

Key Information about the Emerald Trail:

Starting point: Habachtal car park (Parkplatz Habachtal)
Ending point: The trail is not circular. You can go up to the Moa Alm hut in the heart of the valley and from there make your way back on foot or use the local shuttle service.
Trail operating period: From May to October
Difficulty level: Easy
Trail length (one way): 7.3 kilometers
Starting point altitude at the car park: 893 meters.
Peak altitude on the trail: 1408 meters
Walking time (one way): About 2.5 hours
You should bring good hiking shoes. Wind and rainproof clothing is recommended (depending on the forecast).
Cost: There is a fee for parking. The trail itself is free. If you wish, you can rent equipment for searching for emeralds at the Alpenrose hut.

Map and more information

Smaragdexpress – An Alternative for Those Who Don’t Like a Lot of Walking

For those who want to experience the valley and the search for emeralds without a lot of walking, there is a shuttle service that operates during the months the trail is open. The hiker taxis depart several times a day – you must register in advance for the shuttle.

Departure times from the Habachtal car park to the Enzianhütte and Alpengasthof Alpenrose:

May to September: 9:00, 10:00, 13:30, and 16:30
October 1 to mid-October: 9:30 and 13:30

Return departure times from Enzianhütte or Almgasthof Alpenrose:

May to September: 14:00 and 17:00
October 1 to mid-October: 14:00

Important note: You must register for the shuttle in advance (preferably the evening before) by phone: +43 (0) 6566 7451 or +43 (0) 664 3420609 (Innerhofer family).

The National Park Exhibition “Emeralds and Crystals” in the Bramberg Museum

The crystal treasures displayed in this national park exhibition are most charming. The exhibition features a variety of exceptional gemstones found over the years in the Hohe Tauern mountains region. The secrets of mineral formation and the formation of fissures are explained in a clear and visual way.

Special emeralds, a “smoky” quartz stone – the largest in the Eastern Alps, exceptional epidotes, mountain crystals, and more all display the rich variety of local minerals. Films and animations show how the minerals are found in nature and how they were mined in the past.

A visit to the museum is particularly suitable on rainy days in this area.