High Tauern National Park

High Tauern National Park covers 1,856 square kilometers across three Austrian states - the largest protected area in the Alps. Walk alongside mountain streams to the 380-meter Krimml Waterfalls, climb Austria's highest peak Grossglockner (3,798m), or spot golden eagles soaring between the park's 300 peaks above 3,000 meters. The park has 2,080 kilometers of hiking trails, and you'll find interactive exhibitions at the National Park centers in Mittersill, Mallnitz, and Matrei.

Getting to High Tauern National Park

Fly into Salzburg Airport or Zell am See, then take a bus or drive to the park's entrance points. The towns of Mittersill, Matrei, and Bad Hofgastein function as main access points, with hourly bus connections from Salzburg and other major Austrian cities.

Natural Features and Wildlife

The park encompasses 342 glaciers, 551 mountain lakes, and 26 major waterfalls. Golden eagles nest in the high cliffs while Alpine ibex climb the rocky slopes. More than 10,000 animal species live here, along with one-third of Austria's plant species. The landscape changes from Swiss Pine forests in the valleys to alpine meadows with medicinal herbs, and finally to high-altitude tundra near the summits.

Hiking and Mountain Trails

Walk the Alpine Herbs Nature Trail, a 2.9-kilometer loop suitable for families with interpretive signs about local plants. The challenging Grossglockner Trail climbs 1,710 meters over 17.4 kilometers, with views of Austria's highest peaks. Follow the 4.8-kilometer Krimmler Waterfall Trail to reach viewing platforms at Europe's highest waterfall.

Winter Activities in the Park

Eight ski areas operate from the Grossarl Valley to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Join park rangers for guided snowshoe tours through the Tauern valleys. The Wildkogel Arena and Zillertal Arena have ski runs for all skill levels, plus cross-country skiing trails and winter hiking paths.

National Park Centers

Learn about local ecosystems through hands-on exhibits at the National Park House in Matrei. Watch virtual flights over the mountains in Mittersill National Park Worlds' 360-degree cinema. Visit the Gipfelwelt 3000 exhibition, set in a 400-meter tunnel at 3,000 meters elevation, with two viewing platforms overlooking glaciers and peaks.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Drive this mountain pass through a tunnel at 2,505 meters elevation to reach multiple viewpoints. The road curves past glaciers and alpine meadows, with information boards explaining the geology and ecology at each stopping point.