Where the Alps Breathe: Exploring National Park Hohe Tauern
A high-alpine primer for hikers, photographers and anyone who wants to feel the pulse of the Eastern Alps.
You arrive with wind in your face and the high, bright smell of stone and snow. The road climbs out of the Salzach valley, firs tightening at the shoulders, until the world flattens into a series of ridgelines and glaciers. In National Park Hohe Tauern the landscape does the talking: glaciers that creak and thin, ridgelines that cut the sky, and alpine meadows that still hold the late-summer riot of gentians and edelweiss. The park doesn’t demand admiration so much as presence—your breath, your steps, your smallness against a hard, ancient geology.
Trail Wisdom
Acclimatize before big days
Spend your first day at lower elevations—village walks or lake loops—before attempting high ridge trails or glacier approaches.
Respect glacier routes
If you plan to cross or approach Pasterze or other icefields, hire a certified guide and bring crampons, rope and crevasse-rescue knowledge.
Layer for sudden weather
Alpine weather turns quickly; pack a windproof shell, insulating midlayer and waterproof layer even on sunny mornings.
Reserve huts in high season
Popular alpine huts fill in July-August—book ahead for overnight stays on classic long trails and ridge traverses.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Krimml Waterfalls and the quieter upper-side trails away from the main viewpoints
- •Franz-Josefs-Höhe early-morning viewpoint for low crowds and raw glacier light
Wildlife
Alpine ibex, Marmot (groundhog)
Conservation Note
Park authorities monitor glacier retreat and biodiversity; visitors are urged to follow leave-no-trace principles and use marked paths to protect fragile alpine flora.
Hohe Tauern was established in 1981 to protect the Eastern Alps' high-mountain ecosystems and traditional alpine land use; the park preserves both natural and cultural alpine heritage.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: early wildflowers, lower-valley hikes, waterfalls at peak flow
Challenges: late snow on high passes, limited hut openings
Snow lingers above ~1,800–2,000 m; lower trails bloom and rivers run high—great for meadows and waterfall viewing but expect patchy snow on higher routes.
summer
Best for: full trail access, alpine hut stays, peak visibility of ridgelines
Challenges: crowds on popular roads and viewpoints, afternoon thunderstorms
June through September is prime hiking season—trails and huts are mostly open, but start early to avoid storms and crowds.
fall
Best for: autumn colors, quieter trails, clear air for photography
Challenges: shorter days, early snow at elevation
September and October offer crisp light and fewer people; higher passes may begin to see snow—check conditions before heading up.
winter
Best for: ski touring, snowshoeing, glacial photography from safe viewpoints
Challenges: avalanche risk, many trails inaccessible
Winter changes the park into a backcountry playground—only for skilled winter travelers and guided groups; many facilities close.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof breathable shellEssential
Protects against sudden storms and alpine gusts on exposed ridgelines.
Sturdy hiking boots (approach-ready)Essential
Support and grip for rocky trails and scree slopes common in the park.
Crampons and ice axe
Necessary for glacier travel or late-snow routes—only used with proper skills or guide.
Map/GPS and altimeterEssential
Trails can be complex; reliable navigation keeps you safe when weather reduces visibility.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to enter Hohe Tauern National Park?
No general entry permit is required for visitors, but certain restricted zones and guided activities (glacier crossings, research) have permits or require guides—check park regulations before specialized trips.
What is the best base town for exploring the park?
Salzburg is a convenient cultural base; Zell am See, Kaprun and Heiligenblut offer closer access to major trailheads and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
Can I drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road year-round?
No—it's a seasonal high-mountain road, typically open from late May or June through October depending on weather and snow clearing.
Are dogs allowed on trails in the park?
Dogs are generally allowed on most trails but must be kept on a leash in certain areas and during grazing seasons—check local hut rules and pasture restrictions.
Is it possible to hike to the Pasterze Glacier without technical gear?
You can reach viewpoints of the Pasterze and walk lower moraine areas on marked paths; however, venturing onto the glacier itself requires technical gear and a guide.
Where are the best visitor centers for information?
Key visitor centers include the park information points near Mittersill, Mallnitz and Matrei; they provide maps, trail conditions and guidance on guided activities.
What to Pack
waterproof shell (sudden storms), sturdy boots (rock and scree), water and snacks (alpine exertion), map/GPS (navigation in changing visibility)
Did You Know
National Park Hohe Tauern is Austria's largest national park, established in 1981, and includes Grossglockner and the Pasterze Glacier, the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps.
Quick Travel Tips
Base yourself in Zell am See or Salzburg for varied access; start hikes early to avoid afternoon storms; book alpine hut stays in advance during July-August; check local avalanche forecasts in shoulder seasons.
Local Flavor
The Salzburger alpine culture shows in mountain huts, hearty cheese and dumpling dishes, and seasonal festivals—sample local alpine cheese, try Salzburger Nockerl in town, and listen for yodeling at village events.
Logistics Snapshot
Nearest major airport: Salzburg (SZG). Best base towns: Zell am See, Kaprun, Heiligenblut. Road access: Grossglockner High Alpine Road (seasonal). Park entry: no general fee; visitor centers provide maps. Emergency: Alpine rescue numbers posted at trailheads.
Sustainability Note
Stick to marked trails, use public transport where possible, book local guides to support the regional economy, and be mindful that glaciers here are rapidly retreating due to climate change.