Guided Tour in the Echerntal Valley near Hallstatt

On Friday, September 11, 2026, a special field trip will take us into the forests of the Echern Valley near Hallstatt. Together with Martin Steyrer from the Inner Salzkammergut Forestry Office, we’ll explore a cultural landscape dating back thousands of years, characterized by impressive natural scenery, valuable protective forests, and visible signs of climate change.

Guided Tour in the Echerntal Valley near Hallstatt

During this approximately three-hour guided tour, visitors can experience firsthand the challenges of modern forest management: windthrow, rockfalls, bark beetle infestations, areas affected by wildfires, and avalanche damage illustrate just how drastically the local forests are already changing. At the same time, the tour highlights the opportunities offered by forward-looking forestry. Once-monocultural spruce stands are being transformed into species-rich mixed forests featuring fir, beech, and rare tree species—resilient habitats that will continue to offer protection, biodiversity, and opportunities to experience nature for future generations.

The guided tour provides fascinating insights into the work of the Austrian Federal Forests and demonstrates how managed forests, nature conservation, and wildlife habitats are interconnected. A collective glimpse into the year 2100 reveals what the forest of the future might look like: diverse, naturally regenerated, and better equipped to cope with climate change.

The forest experience concludes with a cozy snack.

The tour begins at 9 a.m. The meeting point is the Echerntal parking lot near the valley station of the Wiesberghaus material cable car. Participation is limited to 20 people; the tour will take place if at least five people register.

Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and work or protective gloves are recommended. In case of very poor weather conditions, the event may be canceled on short notice.

Guided tour led by: Martin Steyrer, +43 664 819 7615
Questions about registration: please contact Christine Schild, +43 6135 200 02-7611

Experience a 360° panoramic tour of Lake Hallstatt…