Into the valley of emeralds

Would you like to follow in the footsteps of the gemstone hunter and discover the secret of the emeralds in the Pinzgau Habachtal valley?

It is reported that the Romans were already mining emeralds in the Habachtal valley. This has not been scientifically proven. What is proven, however, is that the emerald mine here is the only relevant emerald deposit in Europe.

The Emerald Trail in the Hohe Tauern National Park is an informative and scenic theme trail. On the hike through this beautiful Tauern valley, information boards explain the geological conditions and the wealth of rocks found here. The history of the development of the Hohe Tauern up to the micro-world of rocks is explained - interesting for young and old alike.

Would you like to find an emerald yourself? Since the major mudslide in August 2002, it has been easy for anyone to find emeralds without much effort. Of course, the gems are not lying at your feet and it takes just as much patience and perseverance as before to find a little green stone. You can hire the appropriate equipment at the Alpenrose guesthouse in Habachtal - and off you go. We wish you "Glückauf"!

Afterwards stop off in one of the serviced alpine huts and treat yourself to cool drinks, coffee and regional delicacies before heading back.

Trail description:

The Smaragdweg branches off from the road after the national park information point at the Habachtal parking lot and leads along the dusty Habach river. At the "Grüner Boden" (green ground), there are indications of the most important minerals in the Habach Valley and the legendary Venedigermandln. After crossing the Habach bridge, the trail meanders through an area with an unusually large number of springs. A little later, a footbridge leads to a large stone in the middle of the mountain stream - the wildness of the mountain stream can really be felt here with a roar. A little later, a legendary figure tells the tale of the Fazenwand. A children's playground and climbing facilities can be found near the Gasthof Enzian.

The highlight of the Emerald Trail is the debris flow near the Almgasthof Alpenrose with the hunt for the green fire.

Duration: approx. 2.5h (half way)

National Park Ranger Tour

When: every Monday (from 07.07.2025-01.09.2025)

Duration: 4 hours / pure walking time approx. 2.5h

Meeting point: at 09.00 am at the Habachtal parking lot (info hut)

Costs: free of charge with the National Park Summer Card

Registration: At reception up to two hours before the start of the tour

or at

Further information 

Photos: ©Hohe Tauern National Park