Alpine Interactive Trail – Swiss Pine forest Obergurgl
The Swiss Pine forest of Obergurgl (1950m-2100m) is an intact 20 hectares (ca. 50 acres) forest of Swiss Pines and includes some individual pines more than 300 years old: a true rarity. It’s because of its uniqueness that it was designated as a National Monument in 1963. In the 1880’s a forest fire nearly destroyed this jewel. The older trees, which survived, now stand side-by-side with the fresh young growth – a true multi-generational forest. Within the forest one can find an amazing diversity of life poking out from holes and hidden among the fallen leaves. Keep your senses awake to the smells, sights, sounds, and textures around you to discover this hidden jewel.
The Obergurgl Swiss Pine forest is part of the UNESCO biosphere park “Gurgler Kamm.” The 2.1 km interpretive trail will guide you through the impressive forest.
Themes:
- The dwarf shrubs: small but hearty
- Feathered friends and their special deliveries: birds of the pine forest
- Alpine extremists: lichens
- Children of the ice age: marshes
- 1000 year old farm rooms: pines
- Near and far: glacial movement
- Tempations and dangers of the alpine sun
- Small worlds, big people: Gurgler stories and history
- Life without a spine: invertabretes
- Where milk and water run: the glacial beds
- Gurgler apes, bears and cats: marmots
Best time of year | Summer - Fall |
Point of departure and end point | Obergurgl, David’s Hütte (cabin) |
Elevation change | 150 m |
Walking time | ca. 1.5 hours |
Refreshment possibilities | David’s cabin, Schönwies cabin |
Family friendly | Yes! |






