Attractions and Places To See in High Tauern - Top 20

The High Tauern region is renowned for its natural beauty. You can experience Europe's highest waterfalls at the Krimml Waterfalls Trail, where the water drops an impressive 380 meters. Another must-see is the area around the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain, and the Pasterze Glacier, the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps. Other notable natural sites include the scenic Sigmund Thun Klamm gorge, the beautiful Hintersee, and the diverse ecosystems of the Rauristal Valley.

Yes, High Tauern offers several family-friendly options. The Krimml Waterfalls Trail is suitable for families, offering a well-developed path to experience the cascades. Huts like the Kalser Tauernhaus and Gentian Hut are also family-friendly, often featuring playgrounds or petting zoos. The Mittersill National Park Centre provides interactive exhibitions suitable for all ages to learn about the park's flora and fauna.

The High Tauern region has a rich cultural heritage. You can visit the Mittersill National Park Centre (National Park Worlds) for an immersive experience into the park's history and ecology. Explore the Prehistoric Celtic Village at Stoanabichl in Uttendorf/Weissee for insights into ancient life. The Bramberg Museum showcases the region's unique minerals, including emeralds. Additionally, traditional alpine farming practices have shaped the landscape for centuries, and sites like the Jagdhausalmen offer a glimpse into this history with their ancient huts.

The High Tauern region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including trails around the Pasterze Glacier and the Glacier Gletscherlehrweg Innergschlöss in Gschlösstal Valley. For more structured routes, explore the many Mountain Hikes in High Tauern. If you prefer cycling, there are extensive Road Cycling Routes and MTB Trails in High Tauern, including routes along the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

High Tauern offers breathtaking panoramic views. The Middle Tier of the Krimml Waterfalls provides a spectacular vantage point of the cascading water. Along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe is a well-known spot for stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The Stubnerkogel, accessible by cable car from Bad Gastein, features the "Glocknerblick" observation platform, offering expansive Alpine views.

The High Tauern National Park is accessible year-round, but the best time for hiking and exploring most natural attractions is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, trails are generally clear of snow, and the weather is more favorable. Winter offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, particularly at areas like the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.

The Rauristal Valley is known for its diverse landscapes, from three-thousand-meter peaks to primeval forests. A unique activity offered here is gold panning, allowing visitors to try their hand at finding gold. The valley also hosts the National Park Exhibition "Im Facettenreich," which focuses on its unique features and diverse nature.

Beyond its natural wonders, High Tauern features impressive landmarks. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a famous panoramic road offering stunning views. The Kaprun high mountain reservoirs are significant and impressive attractions. The Jagdhausalmen, ancient alpine huts resembling a Tibetan village, are another unique man-made landmark amidst a picturesque alpine setting.

Visitors frequently praise the huts in High Tauern for their hospitality, food, and stunning locations. For example, the Kalser Tauernhaus is appreciated for its beautiful setting amidst flowery mountain meadows and clear views of the Glockner group, offering excellent cuisine. The Gentian Hut is noted for its great views, friendly service, and delicious local dishes like the gentian burger and Kaiserschmarren, often with amenities like playgrounds for children.

Yes, the High Tauern National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife. Its diverse ecosystems, ranging from mountain forests to alpine grasslands, support species such as golden eagles, marmots, ibexes, and bearded vultures. Keep an eye out for these animals, especially in quieter areas and during dawn or dusk.

The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is a popular destination known for year-round skiing opportunities. It also features the Summit World 3000 viewpoint, which provides expansive Alpine vistas, making it a significant attraction for both winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking panoramic mountain views.

Absolutely. The High Tauern region is dotted with dramatic gorges and picturesque lakes. The Sigmund Thun Klamm in Kaprun offers a captivating natural experience through its gorge. Other notable examples include the Dabakklamm and the Umbalfälle Nature Trail, which features impressive waterfalls within a gorge setting. For lakes, you can visit the beautiful Hintersee, or the clear blue lakes Grünsee, Weißsee, and Tauernmoossee in the Weissee Glacier World region.