Hohe Tauern National Park Austria's largest national park
It is Austria's oldest national park and has been a sanctuary for unique flora, fauna and wildlife since 1984: the Hohe Tauern National Park. It covers a total area of 1,856 square kilometres and stretches across the three federal states of Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia. Around 15,000 to 20,000 animal species are indigenous here and more than 300 three-thousand-metre-high peaks have been counted: A natural wonderland that captivates visitors and shapes the Zell am See-Kaprun region.
The Hohe Tauern National Park in figures
- Founded in 1984
- Area of 1,856 km2
- Of which 805 km2 are situated in the federal state of
- 126 km2 of glacier area
- 2,080 km of hiking trails in the Salzburg part
- 551 mountain lakes
- 26 large waterfalls, including the Krimml Waterfalls
- More than 300 mountain peaks of over 3,000 metres in height
- Home to around 15,000 to 20,000 animal species
- 1/3 of all native plant species are found here
Home of the Grossglockner
The Hohe Tauern National Park is not only Austria’s oldest, but also its largest national park in terms of area. It is home to Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner, and its largest glacier, the Pasterze. Around half of all animals native to Austria are at home in the nature reserve area, and around a third of all plants found in Austria also find perfect conditions here.
Visiting the National Park in summer and winter
In the Hohe Tauern National Park area, several thousand kilometres of hiking and mountain trails cover the landscape, making it possible for nature lovers, those seeking peace and quiet and alpinists to experience the high alpine world. A tour with the qualified National Park rangers is particularly rewarding: they provide exciting and interesting facts about the animals and plants in the area. The Tauern valleys are also accessible on snowshoe hiking tours in winter: it's best to have a ranger accompany you here as well.
Mittersill National Park Worlds
Mittersill National Park Worlds is a good introduction to the fascinating world of the Hohe Tauern. Here you can learn everything about this natural area. You can fly over the majestic nature reserve like an eagle in the multimedia exhibition or experience the national park from completely new perspectives in the 360-degree cinema.
National Park Gallery
You can also learn exciting facts about the nature reserve if you venture into the interior of the Kitzsteinhorn: the mighty massif is the trademark of the Zell am See-Kaprun region, and is an eye into the Hohe Tauern National Park. At around 3,000 metres above sea level, you will find the Gipfelwelt 3000, with an exhibition in an almost 400-metre-long tunnel, and two viewing platforms: the panorama platform Top of Salzburg and the National Park Gallery.
