Hohe Tauern National Park: Experiences between peaks and glaciers
The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest protected area in the Alps and offers an impressive variety of landscapes and experiences. It stretches over 1,856 km² and includes parts of the federal states of Salzburg, Carinthia and Tyrol. The region is known for its untouched nature, imposing mountains and rich wildlife, including ibexes, eagles and marmots. Whether you want to hike, climb or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of nature - the Hohe Tauern National Park offers you the ideal environment.
Brief information:
- What is the Hohe Tauern National Park?
The largest national park in the Alps, dedicated to the protection of alpine flora and fauna. - Where is it located?
The park is located in the federal states of Salzburg, Carinthia and Tyrol. A central visitor center can be found in Mittersill, Salzburg: Gerlosstraße 18, 5730 Mittersill. - What are the highlights?
The Grossglockner, the Krimml Waterfalls, the glaciers of the Pasterze, the Seidlwinkel Valley in Rauris and the unique alpine meadows and mountain lakes. - Does it cost admission?
Admission to the park is free, but fees may apply for guided tours, museums or special activities. - What activities are possible?
Hiking, mountaineering, cycling, wildlife watching. - When is the best time to travel?
From June to September, most hiking trails are free of snow and accessible. Winter is ideal for ski tours and snowshoe hikes.
The Hohe Tauern National Park extends over 1,856 square kilometers and offers an incomparable natural experience in every season. Whether in the warm summer months or in the snowy winter - the park impresses with its diverse landscape and its unique natural wonders.
Summer: Hiking and nature experiences at the highest level
The Grossglockner: Austria’s highest mountain
The Grossglockner is not only the highest mountain in Austria, but also the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. With a height of 3,798 meters, it attracts mountaineers and hikers from all over the world. The route via the Grossglockner High Alpine Road allows visitors to explore the impressive mountain world comfortably by car and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from several vantage points. The view of the Grossglockner and the surrounding glaciers is unforgettable, especially on clear days when the mountain peaks tower into the sky.
The Krimml Waterfalls: Experience the power of nature up close
Another highlight in the Hohe Tauern National Park are the Krimml Waterfalls, which, with a drop of 380 meters, are among the highest in Europe. The path to the waterfalls is well developed and leads through a shady forest, with the noise level of the water masses increasing continuously the closer you get. The sheer power of nature becomes tangible on site - the water thunders down several steps and creates a refreshing spray that cools you down on warm days. The climb along the waterfall path offers spectacular viewpoints at several points that reveal the roaring water masses.
The Glacier Trail Innergschlöß is worth a hike in summer. This route leads through an impressive glacier landscape, past roaring mountain streams and blooming alpine roses. Here you can experience the geology of the region up close and enjoy the unique tranquility of the alpine landscape.
Winter: Magic and silence in the snowy mountains
In winter, the Hohe Tauern National Park turns into a fascinating snowy landscape. The mountains, valleys and forests are buried under a thick layer of snow, and the clear air creates a special atmosphere of silence and isolation. The Grossglockner is particularly impressive in winter, when the peaks glitter under snow and ice and the surrounding glaciers form an almost unreal landscape.
The Krimml Waterfalls show a completely different but equally impressive side in winter: the frozen water masses form bizarre ice formations that sparkle in the winter sun and create an almost mystical atmosphere. This scenery can be particularly well enjoyed on a winter hike along the frozen waterfall. Snowshoe hikes also offer an excellent opportunity to experience the winter silence of the national park. Far away from the large ski areas, you can immerse yourself in snow-covered forests and enjoy untouched nature in its purest form.
Ski tours in the national park are a special experience for experienced winter sports enthusiasts. The high alpine routes lead through lonely valleys up to spectacular peaks and offer descents that are incomparable in their beauty and originality. Away from the groomed slopes, you can experience the mountains in their wildest form, which makes the nature experience in winter even more intense.
The Hohe Tauern National Park is a place where you can experience nature in all its diversity and beauty at any time of year. Whether in the green of summer or the white of winter - this park offers experiences that you won't soon forget.