Resolution Reached in Gamsgrubenweg Dispute at Grossglockner

The longstanding legal conflict concerning the ownership of the Gamsgrubenweg trail at Grossglockner has reached its conclusion, following a definitive ruling in favor of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road Company (GROHAG). The Supreme Court has dismissed the extraordinary appeal submitted by the Austrian Alpine Association (ÖAV), confirming GROHAG's property rights over the disputed section of the trail.

The legal proceedings began when the ÖAV contested the ownership status of the Gamsgrubenweg, a prominent high-altitude path that has been mapped under GROHAG's name since its re-survey in 1955. The case was initially reviewed by the Regional Court of Klagenfurt, which ruled in favor of GROHAG by rejecting the ÖAV's claims on multiple grounds, including procedural and factual concerns. This judgment was later upheld by the Higher Regional Court of Graz, which dismissed the appeal as unfounded.

Despite these outcomes, the ÖAV pursued a final review by Austria's Supreme Court. The court has now declined this extraordinary revision, thereby solidifying GROHAG's legal ownership of the Gamsgrubenweg up to kilometer 24.30. This decision brings legal certainty after years of dispute and aligns with historical land records.

The Gamsgrubenweg, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,400 meters, was established in the 1930s during the construction of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The route starts at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe and leads to the Wasserfallwinkel, providing access to the ÖAV's Oberwalderhütte Alpine Center. Renowned for its panoramic mountain views, the trail is accessible seasonally, depending on weather and road conditions, and attracts thousands of visitors and mountaineers each year.

Plans had been in place for GROHAG, in collaboration with the Hohe Tauern National Park in Carinthia, to enhance the safety and infrastructure of the Gamsgrubenweg. The proposed developments included the construction of a supply facility and the installation of a protective gallery beyond the sixth tunnel. These initiatives aimed to mitigate risks such as rockfall and harsh weather, ensuring improved safety for visitors and supporting educational efforts about the region's unique alpine environment. The project had received widespread backing from all political parties in the Carinthian regional parliament.

The legal dispute, initiated by the ÖAV in 2022, delayed these planned improvements. With the ownership question now settled, attention turns to whether GROHAG and its partners will be able to secure the necessary resources and support to move forward with the comprehensive project in the coming years. Meanwhile, GROHAG has expressed willingness to continue collaborating with the ÖAV, the National Park, and local authorities in developing future initiatives.

The resolution of the ownership issue not only clarifies the legal status of this key alpine route but also provides a foundation for renewed cooperation among regional stakeholders. As the Gamsgrubenweg remains a vital part of the Grossglockner region's tourism and alpine infrastructure, the outcome is seen as a significant step towards ensuring the trail's ongoing accessibility, safety, and educational value for all visitors.