Bordering the Austrian provinces of Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol, Hohe Tauern is the largest of Austria's National Parks.
The Park has made a name for itself as being home to the highest peak in Austria, the Großglockner, which is almost 4,000 metres above sea level and has become quite a tourist attraction thanks to visiting skiers and the construction of the scenic High Alpine Road. The National Park is named after the mountain range that runs through it, Hohe Tauern, part of the Central Eastern Alps. The Park's incredible Alpine landscape includes glaciers, waterfalls, high rock faces and sweeping pasture land that is stunning at all times of the year.
The National Park consists of a combination of untouched natural areas and sustainably cultivated landscapes, providing a wide range of hiking trails through beautiful scenery which can be explored alone or on a guided walking tour. There are more than 80 mountain huts and rest areas to break up your walk and there are a number of visitor centres dotted around too with lots going on.
You are sure to see a variety of wildlife while you explore; keep your eyes open for the great birdlife soaring the skies, particularly vultures and golden eagles. The ibex, which is a slightly stockier member of the goat family, can also be seen roaming the rocks. They are incredibly sure-footed, which is necessary for their environment, and their adapted hooves allow them to be great climbers and jumpers!
The Park is located a little south of Zell am See and is easy enough to reach by train; you can find a map and directions here.
Many of the visitor centres can be found here. Or take a look at some of the tours that are on offer here.
For an Austrian get-away in a chalet located amid this magnificent scenery find out how to stay at Viehhofen by following the link.
