Gold panning in the Gastein Valley

Let the sand trickle from one corner of the pan to the other, swirl it back and forth, take another close look. And then - with a bit of luck - you'll see something flashing out between the grains of sand. Tauern gold! Gold mining has a long tradition in the Gastein Valley, dating back to the 14th century. However, it is believed that the first gold deposits in the Hohe Tauern were discovered around 2,000 years ago. Moreover, the Tauern gold was responsible for the wealth of the Salzburg prince archbishops, among others. Although gold mining in Gastein ceased in the last century, you can still experience treasure hunter moments during your vacation. At no less than three locations in Gastein, you can follow in the footsteps of the old gold miners and try your luck. An unforgettable experience, not only for children!

The Via Aurea association takes ambitious gold diggers on a special excursion: to the gold panning site at the Angertal stream. Under expert guidance, you can wash, sift and examine what the stream and the gold pans have to offer. For larger families or groups of 10 or more, the association also organizes a meal around the campfire - almost like the old gold miners did back then.

The gold panning site Alt-Böckstein has something fairytale about it: unspoiled and wildly romantic, it is located on the Alte Pöck, just below the Radhausberg and in the middle of the former gold mining area of Gastein. And even today, you can still find shiny gold flakes and minerals in the Nassfelder Ache - always provided you have the necessary luck. By the way, you can also wash gold when the weather gods don't mean well. A shelter with gold panning troughs offers protection from rain or wind. Gold panning boots, a gold panning bowl and a vial for the gold itself are available for a small fee.

Fun for young and old: in the wooden gold panning troughs at the Waldgasthof Angertal, people wash and sift for all they're worth. Every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday the gold panning professional demonstrates how to wash the Tauern gold out of the sand. And afterwards you can try your luck yourself. Maybe there's a bit of gold tinsel in it. Or even more - who knows.

Gold panning is a special experience and ideal for families with children. In the Gastein Valley , you can choose from three different gold panning sites - which one do you like best? Where do you think the most gold is hidden? Find out, on your vacation in Gastein.