When bloggers take a trip: The highlights in the Hohe Tauern National Park

The personal blogger Top 10 tips for the region

Everything is possible in the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region. At least as far as outdoor and nature experiences are concerned. In just one day you can breathe in fresh air in a Pine forest, climb up a glacier to over 3,000 metres and swim in black lakes. A group of adventurous bloggers visited Uttendorf/Weißsee, Mittersill, Hollersbach and Bramberg and experienced many special moments between the mountains and the valleys. Here for us, they have summarised their personal Top 10.

#1 Spend a few days in the Lake Weißsee Glacier World

About half an hour’s drive away from Zell am See-Kaprun, the Lake Weißsee Glacier World opens its doors. It can be reached either by hiking or comfortably with the gondola. The starting point is always the valley station at the Enzingerboden high plateau at 1,482 metres. Tip: When the weather is nice, ride up to the middle station and hike from there in about 2.5 hours to the Rudolfs Hut at over 2,300 metres. On the way, you pass three beautiful lakes – top photo-spots included. Warning: When arriving at the Rudolfs Hut, it might happen that you do not believe your eyes. It’s so beautiful up there. In the Rudolfs Hut Mountain Hotel there are enough rooms for all hikers, fine food and even a wellness area and an indoor climbing wall. Just in case you want to stay longer. We would understand.

#2 Climb the Medelzkopf

A challenging hike with a wonderful view is promised by the Medelzkopf in the Lake Weißsee Glacier World. From the Rudolfs Hut we take the chairlift to the Medelz Mountain Station and hike from there in about an hour to the summit at 2,760 metres. First, the marked path leads towards Medelzkopf before it becomes steeper and rockier. Surefootedness is absolutely necessary! Just as are warm clothes and a hat – we are already here in a high Alpine area. It is best to ask in the Rudolfs Hut for a mountain guide – Christian Steger-Jud accompanied our blogger group with wit, charm lots of mountain knowledge.

#3 A sunrise hike with a view of Lake Weißsee

The early bird catches the worm and a breathtaking view of Lake Weißsee. No matter where you are, the view at sunrise is beautiful from every position. We recommend the hill behind the Rudolfs Hut with a view of the mountain hotel, the lake and the surrounding glaciers or a spot directly above Lake Weißsee. Add to that a cup of coffee and the start of the day is just perfect.

#4 Hiking through a mysterious mountain forest

If you ride up with the gondola from the middle station of the Lake Weißsee Glacier World, your view falls on a grey cottage in the middle of the forest. On a hike through the enchanting Wiegenwald Forest, you will pass pine trees, moors and pools. This tour is less demanding, but more beautiful. The mobile phone reception dwindles all by itself, as here you can breathe deeply and feel the nature. We feel the resin of the cones, soft moss and raindrops that have been deposited on the ferns. A photo of the Wiegen Forest is a must as it is so beautiful.

#5 Blueberry Picking

In late August and September, blueberries are in high season. We notice this at the latest on the hike through the Wiegen Forest, where those black berries are waiting to be picked and tried around every corner. They are best made into blueberry turnovers or cakes. Mmmh…

#6 Swimming in black lakes

During the Wiegen Forest hike we suddenly branch off from the original path and follow a trail over stick and stone and on to the “schwarzen Lacke”, a dark lake. The waters could also come from any myth, as mystical as it looks. The especially brave ones take a dip in the black lake and treat themselves to a little break from the hike.

#7 Hike along the Emerald Path

Once in the valley, the trail leads us to the Habach Valley, where we take the picturesque Emerald Path. The fine gravel road runs seven kilometres through the valley, along the Habach river, past waterfalls and green mountain landscapes. “In this area, people still look for emeralds”, explains our hiking guide as we inquire about the origin of the path’s name. Today however, we leave empty handed – that means we just have to come back again.

#8 Eat at the Weyerhof. Or spend the night. Or both.

The Weyerhof has already been operating for over 900 years – for almost 200 years it has been owned by the Meilinger family, who have turned the building into a real gem over time. With great attention to detail, a lot of the furnishings here are hand forged – from the curtain rods to the toilet roll holder. In addition, there is a sensational kitchen which warmly welcomes the guests. For us, this is one of the highlights in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

#9 Visit the Herb Garden in Hollersbach

Not only herb lovers will love the Herb Garden in Hollersbach! Here, there are over 500 different varieties of plants to discover and taste – in the middle of the town centre. For those who cannot decide, ready-made teas and herbal mixes are available for sale. If you ask the staff, you can, for example, make your own herbal vinegar under the direction of the pros.

#10 Learn bread baking on the Leitenbauer Organic Farm

Andrea Rieder is the good soul of the Leitenbauer Farm in Hollersbach. This committed farmer not only oversees the Hollersbach Herb Farden, but also rents apartments and rooms at the farm together with her husband. She also likes to give tips on baking bread. We take a look over Andrea’s shoulder and learn how to knead the dough quickly and rub the finished bread with a thin layer of butter or water, then it gets a nice sheen. The perfect finale after the many hikes, discoveries and a great time in the Hohe Tauern National Park.