Hohe Tauern National Park

The Hohe Tauern National Park is located in three federal states and with an area of 1856 km² it is the largest national park in Austria. The protected area extends over large areas of the Eastern Alps in the Hohe Tauern and encloses the sources of the Isel, Möll, Mur, and Salzach rivers. Parts of the national park are located in Tyrol, Carinthia, and Salzburg. The valuable natural area has famous role models: the famous national parks Yellowstone and Yosemite in America.

An entrepreneur from Carinthia recognized the invaluable value of the area around the Hohe Tauern and decided to acquire the Großglockner and the Pasterze glacier in 1918. In the same year, he handed over his property to the care of the Austrian Alpine Club and made a condition: this natural and living space should be protected and maintained according to American standards. The Alpine Club gladly took on this task, and gradually larger areas in Carinthia, Salzburg, and Tyrol were incorporated into the national park. In its current form, the park has existed since 1981, it was officially recognized as a national park by the IUCN in 2006, and since 2003 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The two most impressive peaks in Austria are considered the core zone of the national park. The Großglockner, at 3798 meters, is the highest mountain in Austria, closely followed by the Großvenediger at 3662 meters. The Hohe Tauern are often referred to as the "roof of Austria," and not without reason. In addition to the Großglockner and the Großvenediger, there are more than 30 other peaks, with their summits reaching over 3000 meters.

One special feature of this high-altitude location is the presence of real glaciers. The Pasterze at the foot of the Großglockner is the largest individual glacier in Austria, with a length of 90km and an area of approximately 19km². Equally impressive are the extensive ice fields that cover the massif of the Großvenediger. The area of the Hohe Tauern is a paradise on earth for climbing enthusiasts and professional mountaineers. But hikers and active holidaymakers also get their money's worth here. Lush alpine meadows and sunny valleys invite you to hike and relax. The opportunities to enjoy the untouched nature here are almost unlimited.

In and around this area, nature conservation is of the utmost importance. This is because many rare species of animals and plants have settled in these high-alpine regions, some of which are threatened with extinction. Within the national park, their original habitats are to be largely preserved and protected. Endangered animal species also have the opportunity to spread and recover; the recovery of the population is supported and promoted by knowledgeable national park employees.

In the Hohe Tauern National Park, 1800 plant species have settled, and there are also 10,000 different animal species living here. They find the space they need to develop naturally. Chamois are most commonly seen, as they are often active during the day in the nature reserve. Every now and then, you may also spot a majestic ibex. High above the heads of the national park visitors, there is a completely separate habitat where the kings of the air reign. Bearded vultures, golden eagles, and bearded vultures are among the most magnificent and well-known inhabitants of the Hohe Tauern.