The Hohe Tauern National Park is the oldest and largest protected area in the Alps – a realm of glaciated three-thousand-metre peaks, thundering waterfalls and untouched mountain valleys. Right at the gates of Zell am See-Kaprun begins a natural landscape where golden eagles circle overhead and rare plants blossom. Anyone hiking here experiences the Alps in a form as pristine as almost nowhere else.
A protected area of superlatives
Founded in 1984, the park today stretches across 1,856 square kilometres and spans the three federal provinces of Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia. The Salzburg portion alone covers 805 square kilometres. “A sanctuary for a unique flora and fauna” – that is the idea behind the park, home to around one third of all native plant species and up to 20,000 animal species.
Peaks, glaciers and waterfalls
More than 300 mountain summits here rise above 3,000 metres. The Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, and the Pasterze, the country’s largest glacier, are part of it, as are the famous Krimmler Wasserfälle. In total, 551 mountain lakes and 26 large waterfalls are spread across the area.
- Over 300 three-thousanders and 126 km² of glacier surface
- 551 mountain lakes and 26 large waterfalls
- 2,080 km of hiking trails in the Salzburg part alone
Adventure worlds on the mountain
At around 3,000 metres, the Gipfelwelt 3000 at the Kitzsteinhorn draws visitors into the world of high-alpine nature – with a tunnel gallery, viewing platforms and a magnificent panorama. Down in the valley, the National Park Worlds in Mittersill tell the story of this unique landscape with a multimedia show and 360-degree cinema.
Out and about with the national park rangers
The guided tours led by the national park rangers are the heart of any visit. In summer they lead to glaciers, mountain pastures and wildlife-watching spots; in winter the journey continues on snowshoes through the snow-covered stillness. The rangers know every plant and every animal – and make nature tangible for young and old alike.
An experience for the whole family
Child-friendly themed trails, wildlife observation and interactive stations make the national park an ideal destination for families. Even short walks lead to impressive views, while the rangers share exciting stories about marmots, golden eagles and bearded vultures.
How to get there
From Zell am See-Kaprun you can reach the entrances to the national park in no time – for example via the glacier cableways up to the Kitzsteinhorn or through Mittersill into the Oberpinzgau. You will find more tips for your stay in our guide to Zell am See in summer.