Attractions and Places To See in the High Tauern - Top 20

The High Tauern is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. You can experience Europe's highest waterfalls at the Krimml Waterfalls Trail, where the cascades drop 380 meters. Another must-see is the Middle Tier of the Krimml Waterfalls, offering an impressive natural spectacle. Beyond waterfalls, explore the majestic Pasterze Glacier, the longest in the Eastern Alps, or enjoy the panoramic views from the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier's Summit World 3000.

For spectacular views, consider the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of the most famous panoramic roads in the Alps, offering vistas of the Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier. The Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint along this road provides an iconic perspective. Additionally, the Stubnerkogel near Bad Gastein features a suspension bridge leading to the Glocknerblick observation platform, with stunning views of Grossglockner.

Yes, the High Tauern offers a rich cultural heritage. The National Park Worlds in Mittersill provides an in-depth look into the park's history and nature. You can also visit the Jagdhausalmen, some of Austria's oldest alpine huts resembling a Tibetan village, or explore the Prehistoric Celtic Village at Stoanabichl in Uttendorf for insights into millennia of history. The Bramberg Museum also showcases minerals from the region, including emeralds.

The High Tauern offers a wide range of outdoor activities. For running enthusiasts, there are trails like the 'Kalser Tauernhaus loop from Großdorf' or 'Glorerhütte loop from Kals am Großglockner'. Mountain biking is popular with routes such as 'Matrei in East Tyrol – Kühnzer Alm loop'. Road cyclists can tackle challenging routes like the 'Grossglockner High Alpine Road loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the respective komoot guides for Running, MTB, and Road Cycling in the High Tauern.

Absolutely. The Krimml Waterfalls Trail is a well-developed hiking path suitable for families. Many mountain huts, such as Kalser Tauernhaus and Gentian Hut, are also marked as family-friendly and offer facilities. The Hintersee is a natural monument perfect for leisurely walks and picnics, and the Rauris Valley even offers gold panning activities with guides, which can be a fun experience for children.

The High Tauern is a year-round destination. The warmer months (late spring to early autumn) are ideal for hiking, climbing, and exploring natural features like waterfalls and glaciers. Winter offers opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking, especially in areas like the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. Each season presents a unique experience of the region's diverse landscapes.

Yes, the High Tauern is dotted with numerous mountain huts. The Kalser Tauernhaus is beautifully situated at 1,754 meters, offering excellent cuisine and views of the Glockner group. Other notable huts include the Luckner Hut, known for its friendly staff and regional specialties, and the Glorer Hut, which serves delicious food at 2,642 meters above sea level. Many huts provide both refreshments and overnight accommodation.

Beyond the Krimml Waterfalls Trail, you can explore the Innergschlöss Glacier Trail, which takes visitors into the 'eternal ice' of the core zone. The Gschlösstal Valley offers scenic hikes with views of the Schlatenkees Glacier. For a popular route, consider the Gamsgrubenweg, or the trail leading through the beautiful Leitenkammerklamm gorge to the Zittauer Hut and Wildgerlos Lake.

While many attractions are well-known, the High Tauern also holds hidden gems. The Jagdhausalmen in the rear Defereggen Valley are unique, resembling a Tibetan village and offering a popular photo opportunity. The inner Stubach Valley is particularly noted for its untouched mountain lakes, providing serene and less crowded natural experiences. Exploring the Rauris Valley for gold panning also offers a distinctive regional activity.

Visitors frequently praise the High Tauern for its impressive natural beauty, especially the waterfalls and mountain views. The well-maintained trails, like the Krimml Waterfalls Trail, are highly appreciated for allowing close-up experiences with nature. Many also enjoy the hospitality and delicious regional cuisine offered at the mountain huts, such as the Luckner Hut, which is known for its blueberry pie and Kaiserschmarrn.

The High Tauern region boasts numerous pristine mountain lakes, many of which are accessible by cable car or are starting points for hikes. While specific designated wild swimming spots are not widely advertised for safety and environmental reasons, many of the alpine lakes like Grünsee, Weißsee, Tauernmoossee, Kreuzsee, and Wangenitzsee offer refreshing dips in their clear, cold waters for those seeking a natural swimming experience amidst stunning scenery.

To delve deeper into the Hohe Tauern National Park, you can visit the National Park Worlds in Mittersill, which offers comprehensive exhibitions. Additionally, guided tours with national park rangers are available, providing insights into the region's nature, geology, and history. For general information, you can also refer to the official website of the National Park at nationalpark.at.