National Park Hohe Tauern
Matrei in Osttirol, Tyrol, 9971
Austria’s largest national park, National Park Hohe Tauern runs from the Brenner Pass in the west to the Grossglockner mountain in the east. The park unfurls across three southern Austria provinces in a swath of mountains, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and forests that beckon walkers, skiers, and nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Basics
National Park Hohe Tauern covers 694 square miles (1,800 square kilometers) in Austria’s Tirol, Corinthia, and Salzburgerland provinces. The park offers majestic alpine scenery, from the 12,460-foot (3,798-meter) Grossglockner, the country’s highest peak, to rushing waterfalls and 10,508-foot (3,203-meter) Kitzsteinhorn mountain and glacier, whose summit platform affords far-reaching views over the park’s sea of mountains.
Whether you want to hike hill trails, see glaciers, or stroll around picturesque villages, the park is open to all to explore independently or on tours. Take a day trip from Salzburg to discover highlights such as the mountaintop Hohenwerfen Castle and Lake Zell, or prebook tickets to secure your spot on the Kitzsteinhorn’s Top of Salzburg platform to take in stellar glacier and mountain views.
Things to Know Before You Go
National Park Hohe Tauern is a must-visit for walkers, nature fans, wildlife lovers, and outdoor sports aficionados.
Many of the park’s trails and attractions are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain if you’re tackling the walking trails.
Bring sunscreen, shades, and water whatever you plan to do in the park.
How to Get There
National Park Hohe Tauern is located in southwest Austria, 59 miles (95 kilometers) south of Salzburg and 70 miles (113 kilometers) east of Innsbruck. Most travelers from Salzburg arrive by car—following the A10, B311, and B168—or as part of a guided tour. Regular trains from Salzburg also run to Zell am See, on the park’s northern edge. Other visitors arrive by train or car from Switzerland, Italy, or Germany.
When to Get There
The park attracts visitors year-round, with skiers flocking here in winter and walkers, nature lovers, and sightseers arriving at other times. Whenever you visit, it’s sensible to arrive in the early morning to avoid the worst traffic and allow all day to explore the park.
Natural Wonders in National Park Hohe Tauern
The Hohe Tauern’s centerpiece is the Grossglockner, aka "the Black Mountain,” which towers over a 5-mile (8-kilometer) glacier. Its slopes are home to ibex and marmot, and golden eagles and vultures circle its summit. For the best views of this black monolith, drive the High Alpine Road, following its twists and turns past waterfalls, glacier fields, and stunning alpine panoramas.
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