Rosenau am Hengstpass
Rosenau am Hengstpass - step by step into the mountain feeling.
Between Hengstpass and Kalkalpen National Park.
Rosenau am Hengstpass - a small national park community in the south of Upper Austria - lies between mountain forest and pass road, between tranquillity and panoramic views. At around 700 metres above sea level, a habitat characterised by forests opens up here: more than 80 percent of the municipal area is forested, large parts of which belong to the Kalkalpen National Park. Nature is not a background here. It is the present.
Rosenau is a place for people who are looking for space. Hiking trails lead from the Hengstpass over alpine pastures and to panoramic peaks such as the Kampermauer. The "Auf der Alm" circular trail connects farmed huts and tells the story of past alpine life. It gets quiet in the Kalkalpen National Park. Ancient forests, gorges and mountain streams characterise the landscape. Step by step, you realise how close unspoilt nature and freedom are here.
Rosenau keeps moving in winter too. The biathlon and cross-country skiing arena offers around 20 kilometres of trails, supplemented by a tarmac training track for the summer. Snowshoe hikes, a floodlit toboggan run and sporting competitions bring life to the clear winter air.
Rosenau am Hengstpass is not a noisy place. It is a place to take a deep breath. Where forest and vision, past and present come together. A piece of Upper Austria that provides space - for experiencing nature, for exercise, for moments that stay with you.
Facts & Figures
History of the municipality of Rosenau am Hengstpass
In the south of the 360° Alpenland - genuine and original.
Rosenau am Hengstpass looks back on a long history - characterised by pass traffic, crafts and the power of the forests. The village was first mentioned in a document in 1359. Its location on the Hengstpass made Rosenau an important link between the Windischgarstner Valley and the Styrian Enns Valley. From the 16th century, an important route for transporting provisions and iron over the Alps ran through here. The pass was more than just a road - it was a lifeline.
Until the early 17th century, Rosenau was primarily a farming community. Agriculture and forestry characterised everyday life. A new chapter began in 1622: the scythe smith Wolfgang Moser was authorised to build a scythe factory on the Dambach. For centuries, this scythe industry characterised the economic life of the village. The water power of the Dambach, the abundance of wood in the surrounding forests and the craftsmanship of the people made Rosenau an important location.
With the end of scythe production in 1904 and the closure of the factory by 1907, the economic basis changed. Wood processing took its place. The forests around Rosenau continued to characterise the area - now as the basis for modern businesses, which are still among the most important employers today. Agriculture also continued to develop: while flax, grain and livestock farming used to be largely self-sufficient, the focus increasingly shifted to dairy and livestock farming.
From the 1960s onwards, tourism became increasingly important. Large parts of the municipality are located in the Kalkalpen National Park, whose extensive forests and quiet valleys today form a protected natural area. A cross-country skiing and biathlon centre was also established in Innerrosenau, which boosted winter sports and brought international competitions to the village.
Rosenau am Hengstpass thus combines past and present to this day. Between its rural roots, industrial history and natural environment, a place has grown that preserves its past - and at the same time leaves room for new paths. A piece of Upper Austria where tradition and vision come together.
Things to know about Rosenau am Hengstpass in 360° Alpenland
Rosenau am Hengstpass lies in the south of 360° Alpenland in the heart of Upper Austria - nestled between Windischgarstnertal and Ennstal. The municipality borders directly on the Kalkalpen National Park and is therefore part of one of the most densely forested regions in Austria. Anyone arriving here immediately senses that a space opens up between the mountains and river valleys where nature and life are close together.
Rosenau is small, but full of natural power. More than three quarters of the municipal area is forested, large parts of which are located in the Kalkalpen National Park. Here, alpine meadows, mountain tours and quiet forest paths combine to create a nature holiday that slows you down. At the same time, you can quickly reach Windischgarsten or the towns of the 360° Alpenland - short distances, many possibilities.
Around Rosenau, marked hiking trails lead to alpine pastures, to panoramic peaks such as the Kampermauer or along natural forest roads. Whether a leisurely family walk or an alpine tour - hiking in 360° Alpenland here means travelling between cool forest, sunny ridges and wide open landscapes.
The Kampermauer is the striking local mountain of Rosenau. There are also views towards the Sengsengebirge and the alpine mountains between Pyhrn and Priel. If you want to go higher, you will find challenging summit destinations in the south of the 360° Alpenland - with panoramic views across Upper Austria.
Around the Hengstpass, cosy mountain huts invite you to take a break. Regional specialities, cider and honest cuisine are all part of the experience here. Between alpine meadows and wooden benches, enjoyment is created that is grounded - typical of the 360° Alpine region.
In winter, Rosenau becomes a cross-country skiing and biathlon destination. The trails lead through snow-covered forests, snowshoe hikes open up quiet paths.
Families appreciate the manageable structure and the natural surroundings. Easy hikes, natural play areas and safe paths make Rosenau am Hengstpass a place where children can feel free and adults can take a deep breath.
Forest roads, pass routes and connections to Windischgarsten make Rosenau attractive for cycling holidays in Upper Austria. Gravel and mountain bike trails lead through wooded areas and repeatedly open up views of the valley.
Rosenau combines mountain scenery, the Kalkalpen National Park and the cultural diversity of 360° Alpenland. Those on holiday here will find space for exercise and tranquillity at the same time - in the heart of Upper Austria, where nature and people come together.