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 valley car park, turning left from the main road and following the stream. This scenic experiential trail features several informative stations about the Habachtal Valley. At the “Green Earth” (Grüner Boden) station, you’ll learn about the region’s key minerals and the legend of the Venedigermandl, the mountain gnome said to guard the valley’s precious gems.
As you continue, enjoy charming views of the surrounding landscape. After crossing a bridge, you’ll enter the “Kingdom of Springs” (Quellenreich), known for its remarkable abundance of crystal-clear water sources. A short distance further, a wooden bridge leads to a viewing platform overlooking the mountains and the stream flowing through them. The trail then continues through alpine pastures into the heart of the valley.
A brief additional walk brings you to a viewpoint at the end of the valley, where information boards explain its geology. Nearby is the Enzianhütte mountain hut, where you may spot marmots and enjoy a playground area.
The highlight of the Emerald Trail awaits near the rustic Almgasthof Alpenrose. Just behind the hut flows a stream fed directly by the emerald mine—offering a good chance to find emeralds with a bit of patience. Equipment can be rented at the hut.
The trail continues to the Moa Alm hut, beautifully set against the alpine scenery, where the route ends. From here, you can either take a hiker’s taxi back to the car park or return on foot.
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.
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.
Museum Opening Hours:
- June to September: Sunday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- May and October: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entrance Fee:
- Free for holders of the SalzburgerLand Card.
- For those without a discount card:
- Adult – €10
- Child – €5
- Family ticket – €20
Museum Address: Weichseldorf 27 | 5733 Bramberg
You can read more about the museum on the official website.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Official Website
Address: Habach 35, 5733 Schönbach
Map:
Other Attractions in the Area
- The 10-slide track at Wildkogel
- Krimml Waterfalls
- Kaprun Valley
- Kaprun Dams
- Lake Zell
- Sigmund Thun Gorge
- Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
