Around 80 million years ago, fine particle, fossil-free sandstone formed a corrie in the cretaceous sea under which Gosau at Dachstein was situated at that time. As a result, high-quality sandstone was formed and mined for over 400 years. Most importantly, it was used to sharpen scythes and wood-working tools.
In spring each year, a layer of marl was removed. The marl protected the stone against snow and weathering. With the help of special tools, the shape of the grindstone was drawn and was subsequently chiseled out with a pick hammer. In winter the workers would transport the stone on huge sledges down to the valley. Lathes were then used to form the stone into the desired shape. The stone is still being mined today on a part time basis.This valuable grindstone is used for small machines.
For information on the sale of the gritstone please contact:
Siglinde Fasl (Badstumer) +43 664 354 77 22
Experience a 360° panorama tour through Gosau valley…
The Gritstone Quarries are accessible from May to October.
1300 m
Accessibility / arrivalYou can reach the Gritstone Quarries with the Gosauer land train or by feet at the way nr. 644 which starts near the inn Gosauschmied.
by car
from Salzburg:
Motorway exit Golling via B162 Abtenau and B166 to Gosau
from Linz:
Motorway exit Regau on Salzkammergut street B145 towards Gmunden and Bad Ischl to Bad Goisern, in Bad Goisern turn right onto B166, at the Gosaumühle junction turn right towards Gosau
from Vienna/Graz:
Motorway exit Liezen on the B320, in Trautenfels turn on Salzkammergut street B145 to Bad Aussee, turn on Koppen street through Obertraun and Hallstatt, at the Gosaumühle junction turn left towards Gosau
from Villach:
Tauern motorway to exit “Eben im Pongau”, via the B166 Pass Gschütt federal road to Gosau
by train
Attnang-Puchheim - Steinach-Irdning lines
Arrival by train in "Steeg / Gosau" then continue with bus 542 in the direction Gosausee
By bus
Bus 470 (Abtenau - Gosau) direction Gosau, stop Gosau Abzw. Pass Gschütt
Bus 542 (Bad Ischl - Gosausee) direction Gosausee, stops Haltestelle: Gosau Klaushof, Gosau Bärnausiedlung, Gosau Ressenbachweg, Gosau Vordertal B166, Gosau Ramsau B166, Gosau, Gemeindeamt, Abzw. Pass Gschütt, Hauptstraße, Gosau Wirtsweg, Gosau Leitenweg, Gosau Schüttmannweg, Mittertal b. Gosau Ort, Mittertal, Hornspitzlift, Hintertal b. Gosau Falmbach, Hintertal b. Gosau Mühlradl, Hintertal b. Gosau Ort, Hintertal b. Gosau Madlgasse, Hintertal b. Gosau Schmiedweg, Hintertal b. Gosau Freilichtmuseum,Hintertal b. Gosau Zwieselalmbahn (Panoramajet), Hintertal b. Gosau Gosaukammbahn
Detailed information on the respective train and bus times can be found at https://www.oebb.at/en/ (train) and https://www.postbus.at/en(bus).
no parking fees
Badstuben hut
For a guided tour reservation is needed.
Please get in touch for more information.
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Gemeinde Gosau