Hohe Tauern National Park on its own. Austrian Alps

Asia

Austria – the country of the classic Alps: fresh, clean, with crystal air, European-style comfortable, known throughout the world for its unique beauty. We will pass through flower valleys, among mountain peaks with snow caps, clean mountain lakes, we will visit the homeland of Mozart - one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Salzburg, visit real medieval castles, and also take a ride along the panoramic road with stunning 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. The route is suitable for traveling with children over 10 years old(participation is possible with children under 10 years old in agreement with the instructor).

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

VKontakte group for communicating with the instructor and getting to know the participants https://vk.com/multi_tur

Program by day

Day 1

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

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

Day 2

Early in the morning we get ready to go and let's go to the mountains– to the Hohe Tauern National Park. The journey takes about 5-7 hours on a modern high-speed train. Along the way, the views from the windows are like something out of a postcard.

Traveling on the Austrian railway- a pleasure! The trains are comfortable, clean, spacious, and the view from the window is simply amazing: throughout the entire trip you can see pictures of green meadows with Alpine cows, picturesque valleys and waterfalls. On the way, have a snack (sugar 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 slopes are laid in the area. In summer, lovers of hiking of any difficulty come here.

We check into the campsite. Let's look around the place. Dinner. The campsite has a shower with hot water, a toilet, electricity, and a room for drying things. We live in tents. We cook on gas.

Those interested 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 trek (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 3000 meters high. Here they hide behind the clouds and snow highest mountains in Austria- Grossglockner (3798 m), Grossvenediger (3674 m), Grosser Muntanitz (3232 m). There are more than 550 mountain lakes and 279 mountain rivers in the park, as well as 130 square kilometers of ancient glaciers.

Today we have "Day of the Waterfalls". Before lunch we will see two beautiful 20-meter waterfalls, and after lunch another 30-meter one. In addition, along the way we will see an old quarry and a small town hall in the traditional Gothic style.

Day 4

Radial exit high into the mountains. Today we will visit a high-mountain lake, a small dam on the river and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes. Let's rise to an altitude of more than 3000 meters. On the way, have a snack (packed 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 lakes of turquoise color and feed carrots to the cheerful marmots (alpine marmots).

Let's take a ride around panoramic high mountain road to an 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 lunchtime. Check-in at the hostel.

Free program in Salzburg. You can take a walk around the city center, see the Mirabell Palace, the Mozart House Museum, the Kollegienkirche church - one of the most beautiful in Europe, and visit the Hohensalzburg fortress.

Day 7

Plane 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 all 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 for an extended, 9-day version of this tour program /route/austria/Nationalpark-Hohe-Tauern

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

Discussions of the route, communication between participants

The Hohe Tauern National Park is currently the largest nature reserve in Central Europe. This wonderful attraction, so beloved by locals and tourists, is located in Austria. Its total area is more than 181 thousand hectares and extends across three federal states: Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol. The history of the park is quite young, but it has managed to develop and become a good place for active and varied recreation.

Why is the National Park interesting?

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

Excursions to the Hohe Tauern National Park

The Hohe Tauern National Park offers many excursions, from which you can choose the right trip for every taste. For active tourists, walking tours to the most beautiful places have been developed. If you are not a fan of long walks, you can order a car ride along the mountain road that runs in the center of the park and offers gorgeous views of the panorama of the Hohe Tauern National Park from the side of Mount Großglockner.

Service in the Hohe Tauern National Park

Customer centers are located in Matrait, Niedernzilla and Mallnitz. Hohe Tauern Park has wonderful employees and a huge staff of qualified employees. Rangers and instructors will help you plan your excursion and make preliminary preparations. When drawing up a route, you can take into account whether the trip will be in a group or individual, as well as draw up a preliminary travel program. There is an opportunity to ride a bicycle around the park or go mountain climbing under the guidance of professionals.

Today there are seven national parks (reserves of national importance) located in Austria, but the Hohe Tauern National Park is undoubtedly the richest of them. All parks are important exhibits and objects of nature conservation, and the scientists who work on their territory conduct scientific and research work.

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

The Eastern Alps are part of a mountain system that spans several European countries. The Eastern Tauern (part of the mountain range) extends 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 are once lucky enough to visit the reserve, rest assured that an 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

Emergence of the Eastern Alps

Eastern Alps in Austria

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

These places were inhabited more than 6,000 years ago. Initially, ore mining was well developed in this region. In the 16th-17th centuries it reached its peak. After the closure of mining enterprises, agriculture became almost the only means of subsistence for local residents.

Creation of the High Taurn Nature Reserve

The Hohe Tauern is a national treasure of Austria!

Today, the Hohe Tauern National Park is spread across three provinces: Salzburg, Salzburg and partly Carinthia. It all began in 1971, when the governors of these three Austrian states conceived the idea of organizing a single reserve, which was supposed to unite three significant mountain ranges (led by the highest peaks) of each of the provinces.

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

Wenediger mountain range

The Wenediger 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 of it took place back in 1841.

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

Grantešpice mountain range

The Grantespitze mountain range is perhaps somewhat less picturesque than its neighbors. And its highest peak - Grosser Muntanitz - is not very remarkable, only some 3,232 m. There are also climbing routes here, but everyone is invariably attracted by Wenediger and especially Grossglockner - Glockner's highest peak.

Glockner mountain range

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

A real legend of the Hohe Tauern National Park can be called 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. It is not for nothing that so many tourists flock to the Hohe Tauern to admire this pearl in the crown of the Austrian Alps.

The decoration of Grossglockner was the Pasterze Glacier, which stretches for more than 10 km, running down the slope and being one of the main attractions of the reserve.

Count von Salm was the first climber to conquer the Grossglockner peak. This was in 1800! And since then, this Alpine beauty has never ceased to amaze even professionals in its field, presenting riddles and difficult areas to overcome.

Flora of the Hohe Tauern

Centuries-old coniferous trees of the Hohe Tauern nature reserve

The park is rich in flora. It has more than 10,000 plant species, a significant part of which is found in mountain pastures and valleys. Alpine asters, orchises, delicate swimmers, magnificent orchids, bearded bells are just a small part of the plants that can only be seen in this region.

In spring and summer, the exposed mountain slopes are covered with a carpet of colorful flowers. They give the Hohe Tauern its charming, romantic appearance.

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

Up to a height of 900 meters, the mountain slopes are overgrown with tall beech and oak trees. But then the kingdom of coniferous trees begins. In the subalpine and alpine zones, plants are adapted to existence with sharp daily temperature fluctuations, prolonged 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 decorated with alpine daisies and Pennsylvania buttercup.

Fauna of the Hohe 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 splendor in the heart of Austria, in the center of Europe?

In recent years, the reserve has successfully replenished the population of attractive 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 Hohe Tauern: serpentines, alpine meadows and... 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. We have carefully prepared modern infrastructure and exciting routes for these purposes.

By visiting the Hohe Tauern National Park, you can:

In recent years, the reserve has successfully replenished the population of attractive 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 Grossglockner;
admire the magnificence of the 370-meter Krimml waterfall;
visit the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps, Pasterze;
climb to the Franz Josef heights near the Pasterze glacier - an observation deck and the most beautiful place in the Hohe Tauern nature reserve;
take a loop along the breathtakingly beautiful 182 km Grossglockner Road;

And despite the numerous roads, modern highways, and tunnels running 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 at observation platforms and have a snack in equipped restaurants and cafes.

Hohe Tauern - how to get there

Hiking to the Pasterze Glacier at the foot of the Grossglockner

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

: fresh, clean, with crystal air, European-style comfortable, known throughout the world for its unique beauty. We will pass through flower valleys, among mountain peaks with snow caps, clean mountain lakes, we will visit the homeland of Mozart - one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Salzburg, visit real medieval castles, and also take a ride along the panoramic road with stunning 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 in overseas trips have insurance. We do not plan to expose ourselves to increased danger on the route, but insurance may come in handy. Abroad, treatment of, for example, acute toothache can cost a pretty penny. Usually the price of insurance is about 500-1000 rubles, it is provided by most insurance agencies. It is best to take out special “Mountaineering/Mountain Tourism” insurance for mountain days and regular tourist insurance for other days.

VKontakte group for communicating with the instructor and getting to know the participants https://vk.com/multi_tur

Program by day

Day 1

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

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

Day 2

Early in the morning we get ready 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. Along the way, the views from the windows are like something out of a postcard.

Our destination is the 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 slopes are laid in the area. In summer, lovers of hiking of any difficulty come here.

We check into the campsite. Let's look around the place. Dinner. The campsite has a shower with hot water, a toilet, electricity, and a room for drying things. We live in tents. We cook on gas.

Those interested 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 trek (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 3000 meters high. Here the highest mountains of Austria are hidden behind the clouds and snow - Grossglockner (3798 m), Grossvenediger (3674 m), Grosser Muntanitz (3232 m). There are more than 550 mountain lakes and 279 mountain rivers in the park, as well as 130 square kilometers of ancient glaciers.

Day 4

Radial exit high up in the mountains. Today we will visit a high-mountain 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, have a snack (packed rations).

Return to the campsite late in the evening. Dinner.

Day 5

Let's go for a ride along a panoramic high mountain road to an 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 observation deck. Let's rest.

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

Day 7

Moving to Salzburg. Check-in at the hostel.

Day 8

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

Here we will find 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 wide panoramic views 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 replica of the Palace of Versailles. The palace is truly impressive! Some say even larger than the original Versailles.

In the evening you can take a walk around Salzburg.

Day 9

Plane home.

Those who wish can stay and extend their vacation for a few more days. There are a lot of interesting places in Austria, 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 7-day itinerary /route/austria/Nationalpark-Hohe-Tauern-mini

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

Discussions of the route, communication between participants

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 exactly what the Hohe Tauern, an Austrian national park that is unique in every way, looks like.

Mountain pride of Austria

The 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 famous for several peaks above three thousand meters and magnificent mountain waterfalls.

Tourists trying to get to this reserve for a couple of days prefer to visit just one part of it - the famous glacier. But supporters of active recreation, who come here for a couple of weeks, choose one of hundreds of picturesque mountain routes and go on an interesting journey by car, bicycle, or even on foot.

All the High Tower mountains are divided into three groups, with the main peaks highlighted in them, and each group is assigned several dozen different routes, which can be walked either with a guide or independently, depending on their category of difficulty.

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 the excursion, try to get 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 in the reserve - at the observation deck of the Kaprun 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, take several lifts to a height of three thousand meters, where you will find an observation deck from which the entire majestic mountain range of the Hohe Tauern.

Not far from the observation deck there is a hill that is attractive for tourists of any age: here you can go sledding and ice-skating all year round, because the snow cover at this height remains even in summer.

The average ascent time to the lookout is two and a half hours, and if you still have energy left, you can take the same bus to the Kaprun Reservoir or take a three-hour walking 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 Grossglockner - one of the three highest peaks of the Tauern, whose peak reaches almost four thousand meters. This trip will take you the whole day, and you can get to the beginning of the climb by bus number 651, reaching the final stop.

When going to the mountains, keep in mind that it is better to do this on a weekday, when crowds of travelers and local residents will not create an unhealthy rush at each lift. Also, no matter what the weather is like below, take sunscreen - you'll need it at the top.

The Hohe Tauern, due to its scale, serves as an ideal place for a ski holiday, mountain tourism or a simple family trip, allowing you to enjoy both European service and incredible natural beauty at the same time.