Kals Am Grossglockner.
After my first 5 weeks here at MoaAlm it's about time to reflect on my first impressions and experiences in this hidden Austrian gem in Osttirol.
Throwback to my arrival:
After a few hours' drive through the Austrian alps, we finally reach the Felbertauerntunnel and I get really excited. I have been here before and can remember very well what is waiting for me on the other side. Driving through this 5,31km long tunnel feels like diving into a different world. Coming out on the other side, the landscape seems rougher, the mountains look higher and nature feels a bit wilder. Suddenly you are surrounded by massive waterfalls, glaciers and on a clear day you can even get a glimpse on the highest mountain in Austria, Großglockner. We continue our journey down the pass and along the valley until we get into Huben, where we take a turn to drive up to Kals am Großglockner.
The drive up the mountain takes about another 25 minutes and my excitement grows with every corner. The closer we get to Kals the more remote it gets. We are surrounded by lush green fields, lots of happy cows and can see Großglockner from time to time.
The houses in the little mountain villages are very traditional and charismatic. Most of them are nicely decorated with colourful flowers on their wooden balconies and doorsteps.
When we finally came around the last corner and got into the heart of Kals I was quite surprised to see a really modern building at the first sight.
This is the “Johann-Stüdl-Saal”,a contemporary building for cultural events. It fits 300 people and is a nice venue for music gigs, other performances or meetings.
And if that was not impressive enough yet for a mountain village, there is also the “Musikpavillon” for more options to host music festivals and support local musicians.
MoaAlm Mountain Retreat, my new home, is located a few minutes drive above Kals, but luckily I didn't have to wait long before the team took me down to the village to Michl`s Sportbar. Unfortunately we missed the performance of the local choir, but it was still nice to see all the proud locals in their traditional outfits.
It also didn't take long before I got to know the small local shop in the village, called Kalser Handwerksladen. They sell delicious homemade jam, honey, schnapps and more, which our guests really enjoy and it is not often that they come back out without a little treat.
Another interesting site to visit in Kals is the old bread mill which is still working. You can even watch the procedure once a week and buy fresh bread afterwards.
Obviously Kals is surrounded by stunning mountains and offers uncountable walks, hikes, climbs, Via ferrata, mountain bike rides and any kind of outdoor adventure you could wish for.
Therefore it was not before I had been here for a few weeks, that I discovered a beautiful walk along the river in and around Kals. You can follow the path and also get to the little villages around Kals like Arnig for example. Arnig feels a bit more remote even than Kals, as it is just a few minutes away from most hotels and guesthouses in the village of Kals. It's the perfect stop for a lunch break at the sunny terrace at Gasthof Glocknerblick. Not only will you get amazing views, but also home brewed craft beer and local honey from the beekeeper “Glocknerbiene”.
I am confident to find some more hidden gems around Kals Am Grossglockner in the near future and look forward to experiencing all the different seasons here.
Anna Brylla, Yoga Instructor at MoaAlm Mountain Retreat.
If you would like to join Anne for a week of Yoga in the village of Kals Am Grossglockner at MoaAlm Mountain Retreat, check out the type of holidays that we offer.