The village of Gaal is located in a high valley on the southern edge of the Lower Tauern. The Gaal is characterized primarily by agriculture and hunting as well as a quiet location. Although the Gaal is far from the through roads, the town of Knittelfeld and Seckau is easily accessible (10 km from the S36).
The municipal area (the third largest in the whole of Styria) extends from the settlement area in the valley, at an altitude of approx. 750 meters, to the peaks of the Lower Tauern at 2417 meters. Thanks to the many leisure activities and easy accessibility, the Gaal is an ideal local recreation area for the Aichfeld - Murboden area.
More than 20 mountain peaks with over 2000 m invite you to enjoy the unique panorama of the Seckau Alps. It's best to train your head for heights in the Alpine Park beforehand. Well-maintained walking and hiking trails lead to the popular excursion destination Ingeringsee.
The name Gaal and most of the names of the mountains, streams and settlements are originally Slavic.
Between the 6th and 8th centuries, Slavic farmers from Aichfeld penetrated far into the Ingeringgraben and into the Gaal. It is no longer possible to determine whether they only walked or settled in this area, but they left a name. An important document from 1174 mentions the forest "Trigowle", which contains the later name Gaal. Later, the written evidence varies: from Geul to Geil and Gall to Gaal. It was only through the Middle Ages rhyming chronicler Otacher from Geul that today's place name became known beyond the parish borders. Otacher is the author of the "Styrian Rhyme Chronicle".
Natural spectacle
The Gaal is particularly popular with hikers and wonderful nature excursion destinations such as the Ingeringsee, the Lorettokapelle or the Krugsee invite you to wonderful hikes. The Seckau Alps and the hikes over the 2,000 peaks are also special highlights. With the Gaaler Rundwanderweg, hikers can experience beautiful natural spectacles in short stages.
