Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges

Standing sentinel over the Belle Époque spa town of Bad Gastein, the Graukogel is a mountain of contrasts. It is famous for its ancient 'Zirbenwald' (stone pine forest), with trees over 300 years old. While the 'Zirbenweg' near the cable car station is a gentle sensory walk, the true Graukogel experience involves the strenuous, steep ascent to the summit (2,492m) and the traverse to the Palfnersee lake. The terrain transitions from scented forest to unforgiving granite ridges and scree, offering unparalleled views of the High Tauern's 'main chain' and the Ankogel massif.

The Highline Trail is the signature, marquee hike of Glacier National Park. True to its name, this spectacular path hugs the sheer, exposed rock wall of the Continental Divide high above the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. Because the trail starts at the high elevation of Logan Pass, hikers get immediate, sweeping panoramic views of jagged peaks, deep U-shaped glaciated valleys, and hanging snowfields without having to endure a grueling ascent through a forest. The trail traverses scenic alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats, eventually reaching the historic stone Granite Park Chalet.