Snow-capped peaks, mountain rivers, beautiful waterfalls, green forests with rare animals and birds living in them - and all this in the very heart of Europe, in three regions of Austria at once. This is what the Hohe Tauern looks like, an Austrian national park that is unique in every way.

Mountain Pride of Austria

national park, with an area of ​​almost two hundred thousand hectares, is the largest in Central Europe. And it is named after the highest Austrian mountain range, which is known for several peaks above three thousand meters and magnificent mountain waterfalls.

Tourists seeking to get into this reserve for a couple of days prefer to visit only one part of it - the famous glacier. But the supporters active rest who come here for a couple of weeks, choose one of hundreds of scenic mountain routes and go to interesting journey by car, bike or even on foot.

All the mountains of the High Tower are divided into three groups, with the main peaks highlighted in them, and each group is assigned several dozen different routes, which you can go both with a guide and on your own, depending on the category of their complexity.

How to get there and what to see

If you want to see the Hohe Tauern on your own, and you have two or three days for an excursion, try to rent a hotel in one of the nearby towns, such as Zell am See.

On the first day, it is worth seeing the general panorama of the Hohe Tauern. This can be done only at one point of the reserve - on the observation deck of the Kaprunsky glacier. In order to get here, you will need to take bus number 660 and get to the Kitzsteinhorn Bergbahn stop, and there, following the signs, climb several lifts to a height of three thousand meters, where you will find an observation deck from which the entire majestic mountain range High Tauern.

There is a hill not far from the observation deck, which is attractive for tourists of all ages: here you can ride sledges and iceboats all year round, because the snow cover at this height remains even in summer.

The average climb time to the lookout is two and a half hours, and if you still have some energy left, you can take the same bus to the Kaprun Reservoir or take a three-hour hiking route in the Sigmund-Thun Klamm area. The road through the gorge is rich in panoramic views and not too difficult.

Well, the next day you can go to the Grossglockner - one of the three highest peaks of Tauern, whose peak reaches almost four thousand meters. This trip will take you the whole day, and you can get to the start of the ascent by bus number 651, having reached the final stop.

When going to the mountains, keep in mind that it is better to do it on a weekday, when crowds of travelers and locals will not create an unhealthy rush on every lift. Also, no matter what the weather is downstairs, take sunscreen- at the top you will need it.

The Hohe Tauern, due to its scale, serves perfect place For ski holidays, mountain tourism or a simple family trip that allows you to enjoy both European service and incredible natural beauties at the same time.

What is the Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria famous for: excursions, routes, photos and reviews. What to see in the Hohe Tauern, how to get there.

The Eastern Alps are part of mountain system which covers several European countries. East Tauern (part of the mountain range) stretches from west to east for more than 120 kilometers. The highest peak of the Eastern Alps - Grossglockner, reaches 3797 meters and is the main decoration of the Hohe Tauern National Park. If you were once lucky enough to visit the reserve, be sure that the excursion to the Hohe Tauern will remain in your memory forever.

More than 60% of modern Austria is occupied by the Eastern Alps. It is on the territory of this country that the Hohe Tauern nature reserve is located. The national park is part of the federal state.

Hohe Tauern on the map of Austria

Rise of the Eastern Alps

Eastern Alps in Austria

We won't bore you with geographic details. We only note that the history of the formation of the future reserve began at the bottom of the Tethys Ocean. As Africa moved toward Eurasia, the ocean floor rose up. According to scientists, more than 7 million years ago, another uplift occurred, accompanied by folding. Subsequently, the glaciers gave a U-shape to the valleys of the High Tower.

These places have been inhabited for over 6000 years. Initially, mining was well developed in this region. In the XVI-XVII centuries it reached its peak. After the closure of the mining enterprises, the replacement of agriculture became almost the only livelihood of the locals.

Establishment of the High Taurn Reserve

The Hohe Tauern is a national treasure of Austria!

Today, the Hohe Tauern National Park is spread over the territory of three provinces at once - this is Salzburg and partly Carinthia. And it all started in 1971, when the governors of these three Austrian lands conceived the organization of a single reserve, which was supposed to unite three significant mountain ranges (led by the highest peaks) of each of the provinces.

So, the mountain complexes of Venediger, Grantespitze and Glockner became a single territory called the Hohe Tauern.

The Venediger mountain range

The Venediger mountain range boasts a very picturesque peak - Grossvenediger, which has become the decoration of the reserve. It reaches a height of 3,674 m, and the first ascent to it took place back in 1841.

Today, the Grossvenediger glacier route in the Hohe Tauern is very popular and is not particularly difficult for a trained person. And for the average tourist, there are many viewing platforms and recreation areas.

Grantespitse mountain range

The Grantespitse mountain range, perhaps, loses a little in picturesqueness to its neighbors. Yes and highest peak its - Grosser Muntanitz - is not very remarkable, only some 3,232 m. Climbing trails are also equipped here, but Venediger and especially Grossglockner, Glockner's highest peak, invariably attract everyone.

Glockner mountain range

The shining peak of Grossglockner is the culmination of a visit to the park!

The real legend of the Hohe Tauern National Park is the Grossglockner (3,797m) - the dominant peak of the most beautiful Glockner region in all of Austria. Surprisingly, Grossglockner occupies a much smaller area than Grossvenediger. However, the outlines of the peak are so picturesque that it leaves few people indifferent. Not without reason, in order to admire this pearl in the crown of the Austrian Alps, so many tourists rush to the Hohe Tauern.

The Pasterze Glacier, which stretches for more than 10 km, runs down the slope and is one of the main attractions of the reserve, has also become an ornament of the Grossglockner.

Count von Salm was the first climber to conquer the Grossglockner. It was in 1800! And since then, this alpine beauty has never ceased to amaze even professionals in her field, throwing up riddles and insurmountable areas.

Flora of the High Tauern

Centuries-old coniferous trees of the Hohe Tauern nature reserve

Flora is richly represented in the park. It has more than 10,000 plant species, a significant part of which is found in mountain pastures and valleys. Alpine asters, orchids, delicate bathing suits, magnificent orchids, bearded bluebells - these are just a small part of the plants that can only be seen in this region.

In spring and summer, the open slopes of the mountains are covered with a carpet of colorful flowers. It is they who give the High Tauern a charming romantic look.

The mountain groups Wenediger, Grantespitze and Glockner became a single area called the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Up to a height of 900 meters, the slopes of the mountains are overgrown with thick beech and oak trees. But then the kingdom of coniferous trees begins. In the subalpine and alpine belts, plants are adapted to existence with sharp daily temperature fluctuations, long winds and high solar activity.

In the upper edge of the forest there are Swiss stone pines. They grow very slowly, live up to a thousand years and bloom no more than once every 6-10 years. The scree is brightly adorned with alpine daisies and Pennsylvania buttercup.

Fauna of the High Tauern

The fauna of the High Tauern is widely represented by ermines, weasels, wolves, foxes, roe deer, hares, squirrels, Central European deer and other animals. Huge brown bears and lynxes are often found in dense forests. Can you imagine all this magnificence in the heart of Austria, in the center of Europe?

IN last years the reserve is successfully replenishing the population of cute marmots, which were practically exterminated at the beginning of the 19th century due to uncontrolled hunting.

Excursion to the Hohe Tauern Nature Reserve 2019

Excursion to the Hohe Tauern: serpentines, alpine meadows and ... the inhabitants of the reserve

Despite the low average annual temperature (only +5 degrees), the Hohe Tauern annually attracts thousands of romantics from all over the world with its pristine views. carefully prepared for these purposes both modern infrastructure and exciting routes.

By visiting the Hohe Tauern National Park, you can:

In recent years, the reserve has successfully replenished the population of cute marmots, which were practically exterminated at the beginning of the 19th century due to uncontrolled hunting.

• drive at high speed along the dizzying serpentine Hochalpenstrasse;
• see the Felbertauern Tunnel, before entering which you can stop to admire the beautiful view of the Grossglockner;
• admire the splendor of the 370-meter Krimml waterfall;
• visit the largest Pasterze glacier in the Eastern Alps;
• climb to the Franz Josef height near the Pasterze glacier - an observation deck and the most beautiful place in the Hohe Tauern reserve;
• make a circle along the dizzyingly beautiful Grossglockner road with a length of 182 km;

And, despite the numerous roads, modern highways, tunnels laid along and across the national park, remember: the best way to see and remember these stunning views is to walk. Wander and walk along mountain paths and valleys, stopping to take a breath on observation decks and have a bite to eat in equipped restaurants and cafes.

Hohe Tauern - how to get there

Hiking up the Pasterze Glacier at the foot of the Grossglockner

Geographically, the High Tauern crosses the vast territories of the three lands of Austria - partly Carinthia, as well as Tyrol and Salzburg. Therefore, you can get to the Hohe Tauern both from the capital of Tyrol and from Salzburg.

Both cities have international airports. Regular excursions to the country's largest national park are also organized.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is currently the largest nature reserve in Central Europe. This wonderful landmark, so beloved local residents and tourists, located in Austria. Its total area is more than 181 thousand hectares and spreads over the territories of three federal states: Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol. The history of the park is quite young, but it managed to develop and become good place for active recreation.

What is interesting about the National Park

There are about ten mountain peaks, among which there is also the highest mountain of Austria - Grossglockner peak. It is the mountainous, most picturesque part of the park complex that is the most popular among tourists. This part of the park shows nature in all its glory, you can see alpine meadows, mountain rivers and ice fields in one area. The waterfalls located in the park are beautiful - the most famous are the Krimmer and Golling waterfalls.

Excursions in the Hohe Tauern National Park

The Hohe Tauern National Park offers many excursions, among which you can choose the right trip for every taste. For active tourists, walking tours along the most beautiful places. If you are not a fan of long walks, you can order a car ride along the mountain road passing in the center of the park and offering gorgeous views of the panorama of the Hohe Tauern National Park from the Grossglockner mountain.

Service in the Hohe Tauern National Park

Customer centers are located in Matreit, Niedernsill and Mallnitz. In the Hohe Tauern park there are wonderful employees, a huge staff of qualified employees. Rangers and instructors will help you plan your excursion and make preliminary preparations. When drawing up the route, you can take into account whether the trip will be group or individual, as well as draw up a preliminary travel program. It is possible to ride a bike through the park or go mountain climbing under the guidance of professionals.

There are currently seven in Austria national parks(reserves of national importance), but the Hohe Tauern National Park is undoubtedly the richest of them. All parks are important exhibits of nature protection, and scientists who work on their territory carry out scientific and research work.

: fresh, clean, with crystal air, comfortable in a European way, known throughout the world for its unique beauty. We will pass flower valleys, among the mountain peaks with snow caps, the purest mountain lakes, we will visit the homeland of Mozart - in one of the most beautiful cities Europe - Salzburg, visit the real medieval castles, as well as a ride along a panoramic road that enchants with mountain views. And, of course, we will visit the magnificent Vienna - the capital of Austria with its luxurious palaces, castles and cathedrals.

The route is suitable for everyone. We don't carry backpacks anywhere.

Insurance. We recommend that all participants of foreign trips have insurance. On the route, we do not plan to expose ourselves to increased danger, but insurance may come in handy. Abroad, the treatment of, for example, acute toothache can cost a pretty penny. Usually the price of insurance is about 500-1000 rubles, most insurance agencies do it. It is best to take out a special insurance "Mountaineering / Mountaineering" for mountain days and a regular tourist one for the rest of the days.

Vkontakte group for communication with the instructor and meeting participants https://vk.com/multi_tur

Daily program

Day 1

Group gathering in our cozy hostel in Vienna as the participants arrive. Accommodation for 4-8 people in a room. The conditions are European and at the same time minimalistic. Group acquaintance.

Free program in Vienna: you can inspect Old city and visit numerous palaces (the most famous of which is Schönbrunn, the residence of the Austrian emperors) and castles, such as Liechtenstein Castle on the edge of the Vienna Woods.

Day 2

Early in the morning we are going to hit the road and go to the mountains - to the Hohe Tauern National Park. The journey takes about 5-7 hours on a modern high-speed train. On the way from the windows, the views are like from a postcard.

Journey through the Austrian railway - pure pleasure! The trains are comfortable, clean, spacious, and the view from the window is simply amazing: throughout the trip, you can see pictures of green meadows with alpine cows, picturesque valleys and waterfalls. On the way, a snack (dry ration).

Our destination is the Hohe Tauern National Park, considered the most beautiful park in Austria and attracts tourists all year round. In winter, this is a favorite place for skiers and snowboarders; hundreds of kilometers of trails are laid in this area. In summer, hikers of any complexity come here.

We are staying at the campsite. We look at the place. Dinner. The campsite has a shower with hot water, a toilet, electricity, a drying room. We live in tents. Ready for gas.

Those who wish can independently book accommodation in camping houses on the website http://www.nationalpark-camping.at/de/ or choose any hotel in the center of Heiligenblut on booking.com

Day 3

Radial hike (without backpacks) through alpine meadows high Tauern. The national park covers an area of ​​more than 180 thousand hectares. The park has 266 magnificent mountain peaks over 3,000 meters high. Here the most hidden behind the clouds and snows high mountains Austria - Grossglockner (3798 m), Grossvenediger (3674 m), Grosser Muntanitz (3232 m). The park has more than 550 mountain lakes and 279 mountain rivers, as well as 130 square kilometers of ancient glaciers.

Today we have "Waterfalls Day". Before lunch we will see two beautiful 20-meter waterfalls, and in the afternoon another 30-meter waterfall. In addition, we will visit the old quarry and a small town hall in the traditional Gothic style on the way.

Day 4

radial exit high up in the mountains. Today we will visit an alpine lake, a small dam on the river and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes. We will rise to a height of more than 3000 meters. On the way, a snack (dry rations).

Return to the campsite late in the evening. Dinner.

Day 5

Radial access to the mountains to alpine meadows. On the way we will see the main peaks of the Grossglockner ridge, several alpine turquoise lakes and feed carrots to funny marmots (alpine marmots).

let's ride along the panoramic high mountain road to the ancient glacier Pasterze, the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps, 9 km long and 1.5 km wide. The views are impressive!

Return to the campsite late in the evening. Dinner.

Day 6

radial exit to a charming waterfall and an observation deck. We are resting.

On the way, a snack (dry ration). Return to the campsite late in the evening. Dinner.

Day 7

Moving to Salzburg. Check-in at the hostel.

Free program in Salzburg. You can take a walk through the city center, see the Mirabell Palace, Mozart's house-museum, the Kollegienkirche church - one of the most beautiful in Europe, visit the Hohensalzburg fortress.

Day 8

Today we let's go to Germany! Only 45 minutes by high-speed train and we are already in another country!

Here we are waiting for the magnificent lake Chiemsee, which is called the Bavarian Sea. We're going on a boat to the palace of Ludwig II on the island (1878). Everyone who sails to the island will admire the charming nature and the wide panoramic view of the Alps, the place for the castle was not chosen by chance. King Ludwig II of Bavaria bought an island on Lake Chiemsee, where he tried to build copy of the Palace of Versailles. The palace really impresses! Some say even more than the original Versailles.

In the evening you can walk around Salzburg.

Day 9

Airplane home.

Those who wish can stay and extend their vacation for a few more days. There are many in Austria interesting places, which cannot be visited in one trip. You can spend a whole week in Vienna alone. We highly recommend visiting the Roman Baths in the suburbs of Vienna (health center of hot mineral springs).

See also the short version of this itinerary for 7 days /route/austria/Nationalpark-Hohe-Tauern-mini

The route may be changed by the instructor due to weather conditions, physical training of the group or for other rational reasons.

Route discussions, communication of participants

Austria - the country of the classical Alps: fresh, clean, with crystal air, comfortable in a European way, known throughout the world for its unique beauty. We will pass flower valleys, among the mountain peaks with snow caps, the purest mountain lakes, we will visit the birthplace of Mozart - in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Salzburg, we will visit real medieval castles, and also ride along the panoramic road that bewitches with mountain views. And, of course, we will visit the magnificent Vienna - the capital of Austria with its magnificent palaces, castles and cathedrals.

The route is suitable for everyone. We don't carry backpacks anywhere. The route is suitable for traveling with children from 10 years old(participation with children under 10 years old is possible in agreement with the instructor).

Insurance. We recommend that all participants of foreign tours have insurance. On the route, we do not plan to expose ourselves to increased danger, but insurance may come in handy. Abroad, the treatment of, for example, acute toothache can cost a pretty penny. Usually the price of insurance is about 500-1000 rubles, most insurance agencies do it. It is best to take out a special insurance "Mountaineering / Mountaineering" for mountain days and a regular tourist one for the rest of the days.

Vkontakte group for communication with the instructor and meeting participants https://vk.com/multi_tur

Daily program

Day 1

Group gathering in our cozy hostel in Vienna as the participants arrive. Accommodation for 4-8 people in a room. The conditions are European and at the same time minimalistic. Group acquaintance.

Free program in Vienna: you can explore the old city and visit the numerous palaces(the most famous of which is Schönbrunn, the residence of the Austrian emperors) and castles, such as Lichtenstein Castle on the edge of the Vienna Woods.

Day 2

Early in the morning we are going to go and we go to the mountains in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The journey takes about 5-7 hours on a modern high-speed train. On the way from the windows, the views are like from a postcard.

Traveling on the Austrian Railway- pure pleasure! The trains are comfortable, clean, spacious, and the view from the window is simply amazing: throughout the trip, you can see pictures of green meadows with alpine cows, picturesque valleys and waterfalls. On the way, a snack (dry ration).

Our destination is Hohe Tauern National Park, considered the most beautiful park in Austria and attracting tourists all year round. In winter, this is a favorite place for skiers and snowboarders; hundreds of kilometers of trails are laid in this area. In summer, hikers of any complexity come here.

We are staying at the campsite. We look at the place. Dinner. The campsite has a shower with hot water, a toilet, electricity, a drying room. We live in tents. Ready for gas.

Those who wish can independently book accommodation in camping houses on the website http://www.nationalpark-camping.at/de/ or choose any hotel in the center of Heiligenblut on booking.com

Day 3

Radial hike (without backpacks) through the Alpine meadows of the High Tauern. The national park covers an area of ​​more than 180 thousand hectares. The park has 266 magnificent mountain peaks over 3,000 meters high. Hiding behind clouds and snow highest mountains in austria- Grossglockner (3798 m), Grossvenediger (3674 m), Grosser Muntanitz (3232 m). The park has more than 550 mountain lakes and 279 mountain rivers, as well as 130 square kilometers of ancient glaciers.

Today we have "Waterfalls Day". Before lunch we will see two beautiful 20-meter waterfalls, and in the afternoon another 30-meter waterfall. In addition, we will visit the old quarry and a small town hall in the traditional Gothic style on the way.

Day 4

Radial exit high into the mountains. Today we will visit an alpine lake, a small dam on the river and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes. let's rise to a height of more than 3000 meters. On the way, a snack (dry rations).

Return to the campsite late in the evening. Dinner.

Day 5

Radial access to the mountains to alpine meadows. On the way we will see the main peaks of the Grossglockner ridge, several alpine turquoise lakes and feed carrots to funny marmots (alpine marmots).

Let's ride on panoramic high mountain road to the ancient glacier Pasterze, the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps, 9 km long and 1.5 km wide. The views are impressive! Return to the campsite late in the evening. Dinner.

Day 6

Moving to Salzburg. Arrival around noon. Check-in at the hostel.

Free program in Salzburg. You can take a walk through the city center, see the Mirabell Palace, Mozart's house-museum, the Kollegienkirche church - one of the most beautiful in Europe, visit the Hohensalzburg fortress.

Day 7

Airplane home.

Those who wish can stay and extend their vacation for a few more days. There are a lot of interesting places in Austria that cannot be visited in one trip. You can spend a whole week in Vienna alone. We highly recommend visiting the Roman Baths in the suburbs of Vienna (health center of hot mineral springs).

You can also stay on an extended, 9 day version of the program of this tour /route/austria/Nationalpark-Hohe-Tauern

The route may be changed by the instructor due to weather conditions, physical fitness of the group or other rational reasons.

Route discussions, communication of participants