The Großglockner – Austria’s highest mountain
The pinnacle of the national park is undoubtedly the Großglockner. The Großglockner High Alpine Road from Bruck in SalzburgerLand to Heiligenblut in Carinthia is an absolute must as a day trip. The highest paved mountain pass road in Austria allows views that are deep and far into the countryside. The road is subject to toll charges and is open from May to October (subject to snow conditions).
But visitors can also get closer to this majestic mountain by foot. Alpine huts and bivouac shelters are located along the ascent routes. Only experienced mountaineers led by a mountain guide should dare a summit attempt. But all other mountain enthusiasts will also find worthwhile tours with overnight accommodations on the first stages of the route.
National park taxis – go right into the midst of happiness
Visitors can get direct access to the beautiful valleys in the national park with the national park taxis that operate from several villages, for example from Rauris into the Seidlwinkltal valley or from Bramberg into the Habachtal valley.
The national park in winter
In the winter it is quiet in the national park. Animals hibernate and plants rest until the next spring under the blanket of snow. Fortunately, you can seek in vain to find large skiing areas, tourist attractions and après-ski activities here.
But the park is by no means empty. National park rangers offer snowshoe hikes that could hardly be more informative. For instance, you can catch unique glimpses of winter-hardy fauna, learn a great deal about glaciers and enjoy the wonderful snow-covered landscapes. Anyone who would like to experience something sportier can make use of the services of a ski guide and set out on the legendary “Glocknerrunde” circuit. However, this tour takes several days and requires fitness and ability.
The National Park Centre in Mittersill
The most modern national park centre in the Alps is located at Mittersill in the Pinzgau region and delights its visitors with 3D landscapes, a spectacular “eagle flight” over the summits, 360-degree panoramas and a concentrated volley of knowledge and entertainment. Anyone who would like to delve deep into the national park and its history, denizens and landscape, should stop by here before they really venture into the Hohe Tauern National Park.
- Opening hours: daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
- Prices: € 12/10.50/6 (adults/reduced price/children)
Where the world still belongs to the animals
Naturally, the protection of habitats and nature was already a priority during the establishment of the national park. And it paid off: rangers report of increasing populations of threatened species and are able to spot several rare animals that have been able to resettle in this safety zone. Among the creatures sighted are typical and often seen marmots, ibex and chamois as well as eagles with a wingspan of over 2 metres.
© FNPHT, David Innerhofer
National Park Summer Card
Anyone who would like to deal with the Hohe Tauern National Park on a more intensive and long-term basis should cast a glance at the National Park Summer Card. But many of the benefits on the Salzburg side of the national park are also included in the SalzburgerLand Card, which you order in advance directly online.
© FNPHT, David Innerhofer
