Established in 1981, Hohe Tauern National Park spans an impressive 1,856 square kilometers across three Austrian states: Salzburg, Carinthia, and Tyrol. This makes it not only Austria's largest national park but also the largest protected area in the entire Alps.
Geography and Landscape
The park encompasses an extraordinary range of elevations, from valley floors at around 1,000 meters to the summit of the Grossglockner at 3,798 meters, Austria's highest peak. This dramatic vertical gradient creates a remarkable diversity of habitats within a relatively compact area.
Key geographical features include:
- Over 300 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation
- Approximately 550 glaciers and permanent snowfields
- More than 250 pristine high-mountain lakes
- 26 peaks above 3,500 meters, including the Grossglockner
The Pasterze Glacier, Austria's longest glacier at approximately 8 kilometers, flows down from the Grossglockner. Unfortunately, like glaciers worldwide, it has retreated significantly due to climate change, losing about half its volume since the 19th century.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Hohe Tauern provides crucial habitat for numerous species that have become rare or endangered elsewhere in Europe. The park's remote high-altitude zones offer refuge for animals that require large territories free from human disturbance.
Notable Species
Visitors with patience and good timing may observe some of the park's most iconic inhabitants:
- Golden Eagle - Around 40 breeding pairs nest within the park, making it one of the most important golden eagle habitats in the Alps
- Bearded Vulture - Successfully reintroduced after extinction, several pairs now breed in the region
- Alpine Ibex - Over 1,000 individuals roam the high crags after a successful 20th-century reintroduction
- Chamois - Thousands of these agile mountain goats inhabit the steep terrain
- Marmot - These social rodents are commonly seen and heard in alpine meadows
Wildlife Viewing Tip
Early morning hours offer the best opportunities for wildlife observation. Bring binoculars and maintain at least 50 meters distance from all animals. The alpine zones above 2,500 meters provide the best chances of spotting ibex and golden eagles.
Hiking and Trails
The park offers approximately 1,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails ranging from easy valley walks to challenging high-alpine routes requiring mountaineering skills. Trail difficulty is marked using the standard Austrian system.
Recommended Routes
Grossglockner High Alpine Road Area: Multiple shorter trails originate from the Franz-Josefs-Hohe visitor center, offering accessible glimpses of the Pasterze Glacier and surrounding peaks. These routes suit visitors of varying fitness levels.
Krimml Waterfalls: Europe's highest waterfall cascades 380 meters in three stages. A well-maintained trail with viewing platforms follows the falls, providing a spectacular but accessible hike.
Venediger High Trail: This multi-day trek circumnavigates the Grossvenediger massif, passing through pristine alpine landscapes and traditional mountain huts. Recommended for experienced hikers with good fitness.
Visitor Information
The park operates several visitor centers providing educational exhibits, guided tours, and current trail information. The main centers are located in:
- Mittersill (Salzburg region)
- Mallnitz (Carinthia region)
- Matrei in Osttirol (Tyrol region)
Planning Your Visit
Most hiking trails are accessible from late June through September, depending on snow conditions. Check current conditions before visiting, as high passes may remain snow-covered into July. Mountain huts typically operate from June to early October.
Conservation Challenges
Despite its protected status, Hohe Tauern faces ongoing conservation challenges. Climate change poses the most significant threat, with glaciers retreating at accelerating rates. Scientists estimate that most glaciers could disappear within this century, fundamentally altering the park's hydrology and ecosystems.
Other challenges include managing visitor pressure during peak summer months, maintaining connectivity with wildlife populations outside park boundaries, and balancing conservation with traditional alpine farming practices that have shaped these landscapes for centuries.
External Resources
For official park information, trail conditions, and guided programs, visit: