Hohe Tauern National Park

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 priceless value of the area around the High 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 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.

The two most impressive peaks in Austria are considered the core zone of the national park. The Großglockner, with its 3798 meters, is the highest mountain in Austria, closely followed by the Großvenediger with a height of 3662 meters. The High 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 summits over 3000 meters.

This high-altitude location brings a special feature: there are still real glaciers here. 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 covering the massif of the Großvenediger. The area of the High Tauern is a paradise on earth for climbing enthusiasts and professional mountaineers. But also hikers and active holidaymakers will 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 resettle 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. They find the space they need to develop naturally. Chamois are most commonly seen, as they are often active in the nature reserve during the day. Here and there, you may also spot a majestic ibex. High above the heads of the national park visitors, there is a unique 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 High Tauern.