Dorfgastein
Dorfgastein is a charming town in the Salzburg, Austrian state, in the St. Johann im Pongau area. With a population of about 1,600, 54.09 square kilometres is its total area. Dorfgastein is located at the northern entry of the Gastein Valley, a breathtaking 40-kilometer long valley tucked away within the Hohe Tauern mountain range, at a height of 812 meters above sea level.
From the Old High German term “dorf,” which means “village,” and the Celtic word “gast,” which means “guest” or “stranger,” comes the name Dorfgastein. With its name, the community honors its historical role as a friendly haven for traders and tourists passing via the Tauern and Gastein gorges to cross the Alps.
Popular tourist attraction Dorfgastein is a member of the Ski Amadé network, which has an amazing 760 kilometers of slopes and 270 lifts dispersed across five areas. The 80 km of slopes and 17 lifts of the Dorfgastein-Großarltal ski circuit are shared between Dorfgastein and Großarltal. The ski area has broad, open runs, contemporary lifts, snow cannons, and amazing sweeping views of the Alps to suit both novice and expert skiers. A kids zone, a fun park, a ski school, and a number of quaint ski lodges are further characteristics of the ski area.
Summertime finds Dorfgastein to be a sanctuary for hikers and cyclists. Impressive 115 kilometers of paths and courses are available in the area, catering to all tastes and skill levels. Exhilarating sports include paragliding, zip-lining, climbing, and archery on the nearby mountain, Fulseck. Take the Gipfelbahn-Fulseck cable car to the highest point of the ski circuit, 2,033 meters, for amazing 360-degree views of the neighboring mountains.
Geographically speaking, Dorfgastein is south of the larger Salzach Valley at the northern end of the Gastein Valley, inside the Hohe Tauern mountain range. About 1,600 people live in the 66.9 square kilometer municipality. At an amazing 2,884 meters, the Keeskogel is the highest point in Dorfgastein; the Salzach river is the lowest, at 780 meters. At 830 meters in elevation, the settlement itself has a classic alpine environment with chilly winters and mild summers.
Dorfgastein has a moderately precipitated continental climate with four distinct seasons. Averaging -3.4 degrees Celsius in January and 16.5 degrees Celsius in July, the average yearly temperature is 6.8 degrees Celsius. With July having the highest amount of rainfall—156 millimeters—and February having the lowest amount—63 millimeters—the average annual rainfall is 1,171 millimeters. Usually lasting from December to March, the snow season averages 60 centimeters in the valley and 90 cm on the mountain.
Dorfgastein had 1,605 people living there at the 2019 census, with a nearly equal number of men and women. At 96.4% of the population, the majority was Austrian; Germans came in second at 1.7% and other ethnicities at 1.9%. Roman Catholicism is the most common religion in Dorfgastein; 88.9% of people identify as such; Protestantism follows at 3.2%; and other or no faith at 7.9%. The population is 42.4 years old on average, of whom 17.1% are under 15 years old, 62.9% are between 15 and 64 years old, and 20% are over 64.
Every season has something to offer everyone visiting Dorfgastein. Personal interests and tastes will determine when is the best to visit. For skiers, winter is the best time of year because of the snow-covered slopes, cosy ski lodges and joyous mood. With its verdant meadows, in bloom flowers, and picturesque routes, summer is ideal for riding and hiking. Taking use of the warm weather, spa treatments, and thermal baths, spring and fall are perfect seasons for rest and wellbeing. Anytime of year, Dorfgastein’s kind and welcoming residents will make guests feel very much at home.
Dorfgastein is conveniently reachable by several types of transportation. Driving to Dorfgastein, one may exit the A10 motorway at Bischofshofen/Gasteinertal and proceed to the village via the B167 route. There’s also train transport, with Dorfgastein station on the Salzburg-Tyrol railway. There, guests can take buses or cabs to their lodgings. For bus travel between Salzburg, Zell am See, and Dorfgastein, see Postbus routes 550 and 551. About 80 kilometers distant, Salzburg Airport is the closest airport for people arriving by aircraft. One may get to Dorfgastein from the airport via train, shuttle service, or taxi.
Currency
Country
Area code
Population
Area
Official language
Elevation
Time zone
Geography Of Dorfgastein
Dorfgastein is a municipality in the Hohe Tauern mountain range, in the Austrian state of Salzburg, more precisely at the northern entrance to the Gastein Valley. Its population of 1,614 as of 2018 is spread over 54.09 km2. cadastral communities of Dorfgastein and Klammstein make up the municipality. Both the ski resort at Dorfgastein, which is a part of the wider Ski Amadé region, and the ancient Klammstein Castle are well-known.
Hohe Tauern mountain range peaks including Fulseck, Schuhflicker, Kieser, and Gamskarkogel encircle Dorfgastein. The settlement proper is 812 metres above sea level. It borders, to the south, the state of Carinthia and the towns of Bad Hofgastein, Großarl, Lend, Mühlbach am Hochkönig, and Schwarzach im Pongau.
Both rail and road routes go to Dorfgastein. The Gastein Valley is connected to the Salzach Valley and the A10 highway via route B167. Through Dorfgastein, the Tauern Railway passes, offering service to Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein as well as a crossing of the Alpine crest via the Tauern Tunnel. Dorfgastein is serviced regularly by train and bus.
Weather & Climate In Dorfgastein
Dorfgastein sees a change from snow to flowering plants in spring. Rain and snow make up the majority of precipitation, which ranges in average from 4°C to 14°C. While hiking and skiing are great outdoor pursuits in the spring, the unstable snowpack raises the risk of an avalanche.
At 18°C on average and 7 hours of sunshine a day, Dorfgastein enjoys a bright and sunny summer. It’s usual to get afternoon and evening thunderstorms and rain. Hiking, bicycling, climbing, golfing, and swimming are all best done outside in the summer. But excessive UV radiation means you need to drink enough of water and use sunscreen.
With autumn come the first snowflakes and shifting colors. Rain, snow, fog and frost are prevalent, and the average temperature is between 13°C and 3°C. Though the föhn wind can make the weather erratic, autumn is a great season for riding and trekking.
At -2°C and 150 cm of snowfall on average, Dorfgastein has a chilly and snowy winter. Popular winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowboarding, skiing and snowshoeing. But cold temperatures, poor visibility, and a significant avalanche danger call for the right gear and prudence.
Demographics Of Dorfgastein
Dorfgastein is the 1,802nd biggest municipality in Austria with a population of 1,614 as of January 1, 2018. Dorfgastein’s population has varied throughout time; it peaked in 1991 at 1,699 and fell to 1,498 in 2001. In 2001–2018, the population grew by 7.7% at a 0.4% annual average rate.
At 29.8 people per km2, Dorfgastein’s population density is lower than both the district average of 46.6 people per km2 and the national average of 106.8 people per km2. Dorfgastein has a little larger proportion of women (50.9%) than of men (49.1%) in terms of gender distribution. At 0.96, there are 96 men for every 100 women overall.
With regard to age distribution, 15.9% of people are between the ages of 0 and 14, 63.8% between the ages of 15 and 64, and 20.3% between the ages of 65 and beyond. 95.8% of Dorfgastein’s inhabitants are citizens of Austria; the biggest foreign-born groups are from Germany, Romania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With 98.9% of people claiming German as their first language, it is the most widely spoken language in Dorfgastein. Roman Catholicism predominates in the municipality; 87.8% of the population identifies as such. Protestantism, Islam, other or no faiths are among the various religions practiced in Dorfgastein.
History Of Dorfgastein
The Gastein Valley hamlet of Dorfgastein boasts a rich historical legacy that goes back to the twelfth century. History records from as early as 1212 refer to the settlement, and the construction of the St. Rupert parish church in 1350 emphasizes its importance even more. At one time a part of the Salzburg Archbishopric, the hamlet was an important administrative center along the ancient trade route.
The 12th-century Klammstein Castle was the administrative headquarters for the Gastein Valley guardian of the archbishops. The Salzburg archbishop acquired it in 1251 after the Bavarian counts of Ortenburg had previously held it. Tolls were imposed from the fortress, which also served to guard the valley entrance. After the surrounding lands were included into the Salzburg Archbishopric in 1297, the administrative seat was eventually relocated to Hofgastein. Klammstein Castle had its exterior walls destroyed in 1589.
In 1735 the community established its first school, and in 1921 it installed electric lights in the classrooms. The local communication was enhanced in 1893 with the opening of a telegraph office. The dedication to education is seen by the 1927 opening of a new school facility.
Tourism In Dorfgastein
A typical and genuine experience of the Austrian Alps may be had in the charming town of Dorfgastein. With so much to see and see, it is a well-liked travel destination for people of all ages and interests. Dorfgastein offers something for everyone, whether your tastes run to outdoor pursuits like hiking and skiing or to rest and wellness.
Tourism in Dorfgastein decreased in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. In all, 211,435 people stayed overnight in the community, staying an average of 4.1 nights. At 38.9% occupancy, the primary source markets were the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Winter was Dorfgastein’s busiest travel season; summer came in second.
Dorfgastein’s 2020 lodging occupancy rate of 38.9% was lower than the Salzburg region’s and the Gastein Valley’s average. February, January, and March had the greatest occupancy rates; April, May, and November had the lowest.
Dorfgastein depends heavily on tourism to support the local economy by providing jobs, investment, and revenue. Contributing 8.2% of the Gastein Valley’s overall tourism earnings in 2019, the total revenue was 38.6 million euros. Higher than the area average in tourist income per person, the industry provided 1,100 jobs, or 38.6% of Dorfgastein’s total employment.
Best Time To Visit Dorfgastein
Popular year-round tourist destination Dorfgastein is a charming town tucked away in the Austrian Alps. Visitors may select the ideal moment to enjoy the special beauty of this mountain community from the two different tourism seasons, peak season and low season. In Dorfgastein, December to March and July to August are the peak seasons. The hamlet comes alive during these months as a result of the flood of tourists coming to take advantage of the summer activities and the winter skiing. For anyone looking for thrill and adventure, this is the perfect time because of the lively and busy atmosphere.
Peak winter months of January and February draw people and greater costs. Catching the final ski runs of the season is made easier and more reasonably priced in March. Early and mid-spring, April and May, offer a peaceful and reasonably priced opportunity to take in the crisp air and verdant surroundings. Ending spring, June is a good month to get ready for summertime activities. Peak summer months of July and August provide a plethora of outdoor activities and events. Starting in September, fall offers a less congested and more reasonably priced opportunity to see the leaves change and savor the harvest. October and November are calm, reasonably priced months to unwind. At last, December heralds in the winter season, which brings with it throngs and higher prices.
How To Get In Dorfgastein
Dorfgastein may be reached by rail from Salzburg Hbf or by air from Munich Airport (MUC) in Germany, Salzburg Airport (SZG) in Austria, Vienna Airport (VIE), Klagenfurt Airport (KLU), Innsbruck Airport (INN), Venice Treviso Airport (TSF). The trip costs anything from €15 to €231 and takes around one hour and ten minutes. Railjet and other firms run nine trains on this route every day.
A direct train from Salzburg Hbf to Dorfgastein takes around an hour and ten minutes and costs between €15 and €231. Direct trains from Vienna to Salzburg Hbf go for between €40 to €801 and take around two hours and thirty minutes. A train from Innsbruck Hbf to Wörgl Hbf takes around thirty minutes and costs between €10 and €201. To Schwarzach-St. Veit, take a regional train from Wörgl; the journey takes around one hour and twenty minutes and costs between €10 and €151. A further regional train departing Schwarzach-St. Veit takes around one hour and twenty minutes and costs between €3 and €51 to Dorfgastein.
Driving the A12 and A10 motorways from Innsbruck to Dorfgastein covers roughly 174 kilometers and takes around 2 hours and 22 minutes.
Ski Resort Dorfgastein
Austria’s Salzburg state is home to the well-liked winter sports resort Dorfgastein. It is a member of the Ski Amadé network, which provides a huge range of lifts and runs throughout five different parts of the nation. With 17 lifts and more than 70 kilometers of ski slopes, the resort is linked to the nearby Großarltal ski region to create the Dorfgastein-Großarltal ski circuit.
Perched between 849 and 2,033 meters above sea level, Dorfgastein provides breath-taking vistas of the neighboring valleys and mountains. Skiing conditions at the resort are guaranteed all year round because to its sunny and snow-sure slopes. Furthermore, Dorfgastein offers skiers and snowboarders effective mobility with its contemporary and cozy lift systems. There are also quaint and comfortable mountain cottages within the resort where guests may unwind and take in the alpine ambiance.
Nestled in the Gastein Valley, Dorfgastein is a component of the biggest nature reserve in the Alps, Hohe Tauern National park. Grand peaks like the Ankogel, Hochkönig, and Schareck encircle the valley. The striking Gastein Waterfall, which tumbles 341 metres into a valley, is also located in the Gastein Valley. At an average yearly temperature of 8.5°C and 1,200 mm of precipitation, the valley enjoys a warm and pleasant environment.
FAQs About Graz
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Dorfgastein is a municipality in St. Johann im Pongau District, in the Austrian state of Salzburg |
| Elevation | The elevation of Dorfgastein ranges from 812 m to 2,033 m above sea level |
| Population | The population of Dorfgastein was 1,632 as of 1 January 2020 |
| Tourism office | The tourism office of Dorfgastein is located at Dorfstraße 1, 5632 Dorfgastein. The phone number is +43 6432 3393 460 and the email address is dorfgastein@gastein.com |
| Postal code | The postal code of Dorfgastein is 5632 |
| Phone prefix | The phone prefix of Dorfgastein is 06432 |
| Area | The area of Dorfgastein is 70.6 km² |
| Established | The first mention of Dorfgastein dates back to 1072 |
| Language | The official language of Dorfgastein is German |
| License plate | The license plate of Dorfgastein is JO (for St. Johann im Pongau district) |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Dorfgastein consists of the following districts and neighborhoods: Dorfgastein, Harbach, Klammstein, Luggau, Maierhofen, and Unterberg |
| Weather & Climate | Dorfgastein has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature is 6.8 °C and the average annual precipitation is 1,142 mm |
| Best Time To Visit | Your preferred activities will determine when is the best to visit Dorfgastein. December to March are the ideal months for skiing and other winter activities since there is a lot of snow and well-groomed slopes.June through September are ideal months for riding and hiking because of the moderate weather and the lush, blossoming vegetation. |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Among the attractions and places in Dorfgastein are the Fulseck adventure mountain, which offers sweeping vistas, paragliding, and a winter hiking trail; the Pumptrack, which offers a riding flow on a circuit of wave tracks; the village tour, which provides an audio guide to help you learn about Dorfgastein’s history and culture; the Dorfgastein parish church, which dates back to the 15th century and has a Gothic tower and a Baroque interior; and the Klammstein Castle, the oldest structure in the Gastein Valley and home to a museum and restaurant. |
