The majestic Eagle draws his circles, the cool wind stirs from the Pasterzen glacier, the Krimmler waterfalls rush loudly down over hundreds of meters, and it is perfectly quiet in the winter snow-covered valleys of the National Park. In the holiday region Hohe Tauern National Park with its 19 national park locations, you are close to powerful elemental forces and living traditions throughout the whole year.
On a hike from the valley up into the glacier-crowned summit region, the experience is one such as a trip to the Arctic – with all climate zones from Central Europe to the Polar region. It provides an unforgettable experience especially in summer – this high mountain range with its peaks over 3,000m, its glaciers, glacial streams, waterfalls, mountain lakes, Alpine grasslands and its century’s old maintained pastures. Whether it’s for a guided hike with the Park Rangers, a road trip via the Großglockner High Alpine road, mountain biking, a culinary tour from hut to hut in summer or a snow-shoe tour through unspoilt winter landscapes, a holiday in the Hohe Tauern National Park is a pleasure for all the senses.
Cyclists and bikers can also fly high in the Hohe Tauern National Park: the Großglockner High Alpine road, with individual timings up to the Fuscher Törl, is among the sporting highlights for mountain bikers and road bike riders. The Krimmler waterfalls are a starting point for the Tauern bike trail, which with its 270 kilometres is one of the most popular long-distance bike trails and leads into the Mozart city of Salzburg and further on to Passau.
Winter in the National Park
The experience becomes even more impressive in the company of the park’s knowledgeable National Park Rangers. During guided snowshoe and winter hikes, they share stories about the park’s wildlife, which stays active even in winter and leaves its traces in the snow – from the nimble ptarmigan to the majestic golden eagle. Weekly excursions lead into tranquil winter wonderlands such as the realm of frozen waterfalls, the primordial Sulzbach Valleys or the wintry primeval forest of the Rauris Valley. Each tour opens a new window into the wilderness.
(c) Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern – Mathäus Gartner
Ski tourers also enjoy an impressive variety within Hohe Tauern National Park: the peaceful mountains invite you to unwind in the crisp alpine air and tune into the sounds of nature. Along the way, you ascend alpine terrain and are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and beautiful descents through firn or powder snow.
Whether classic or skating style, beginner or advanced, cross-country skiing enthusiasts can look forward to an impressive variety of trails in the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region. The options range from dreamy high-altitude and panoramic routes to well-lit trails for evening training sessions, as well as extensive valley trails running along the Salzach River.
Benefits with the National Park WinterCard
The National Park WinterCard perfectly complements the region’s winter offering. Available during the winter season at participating partner accommodations in the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region, it provides attractive benefits for a wide range of activities and experiences.
(c) Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern – Mathäus Gartner
Hiking Tip:
With the National Park Rangers you can go tracking, observe wild animals, do snow-shoe tours, trips in the streambed, and excursions in the Rauriser Forest or have a guided tour on the glacier’s fore field. The National Park Rangers offer guided walks throughout the year and induct interested children and adults into the secrets of the Hohe Tauern National Park. They explain background details and botanical features of the area on hikes and excursions, on summit tours and hikes at sunset, during a “journey in the Arctic”, or while watching the autumn deer rut.
National Park Worlds – a tactile modern museum
The National Park Worlds in Mittersil open up terrific insights into the flora and fauna of the Hohe Tauern National Park using a spectacular exhibition concept. Here applies: touching and interacting allowed. For example, children can crawl through marmot tunnels or test themselves on the boulder wall with the climbing skills of an Ibex. Guided tours with National Park Rangers are available on request. The 360° Panorama Cinema in the Hohe Tauern National Park is a world novelty. With a canvas of 56 metres circumference you feel transported right into nature!
National Park SummerCard Mobil
With the new National Park SummerCard Mobil, tourists in the Hohe Tauern National Park can, during the summer season, enjoy more than 60 “all inclusive” and discounted services. When presenting a valid National Park Summer Card, guests receive daily free (from all-inclusive service partners) or reduced price offers during the duration of their stay. These are valid for numerous mountain railways, excursion destinations, outdoor activities, attractions, museums, National Park exhibitions, swimming pools and much more in the whole holiday region of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Additionally, this card enables you to use the local public transport for free along with free entry into the “Großglockner Hochalpenstraße” Adventure World and also a weekly ticket for the Gerlos Alpine Street.
