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Nationalpark Hohe Tauern wilderness guide
National Park · Austria
Camping Guide

Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Imagine a place where the mountains loom larger than life, their rugged peaks fracturing the sky in a dramatic display of power and grace. Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, Austria, is not just a destinati...

National Park454,0004+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

454,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Nationalpark Hohe Tauern is Austria's largest nature reserve, offering breathtaking Alpine vistas and a diverse range of outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, established in 1981, spans the central alpine region of Austria, covering parts of the provinces of Carinthia, Salzburg, and Tyrol. This national park is famous for its stunning mountainous landscapes, encompassing the Hohe Tauern mountain range, which includes the highest peak in Austria, the Großglockner. The park offers a refuge for a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the golden eagle, bearded vulture, and marmots. The area offers numerous recreational opportunities like hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors are drawn to its iconic landmarks like the Pasterze Glacier and the Krimml Waterfalls. Apart from its natural beauty, Hohe Tauern is a cultural treasure, with traditional alpine farming practices still evident in the surrounding villages, making it a destination for both nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Grossglockner: Austria's Majestic Peak★ 8.6⌖ 0 miHiking
Grossglockner

Grossglockner: Austria's Majestic Peak

Explore Grossglockner, Austria's tallest peak, offering challenging hikes and incredible alpine views. Ideal for climbers and photographers, located in Hohe Tauern National Park. Best visited in summer.

National Park Wonder: Hohe Tauern★ 8.8⌖ 1 miHiking
Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

National Park Wonder: Hohe Tauern

Explore the stunning Nationalpark Hohe Tauern in Matrei in Osttirol. With breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, this park offers great hiking and wildlife watching opportunities. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, it's accessible by car, best visited in spring and summer.

Pasterze Glacier: Austria’s Majestic Icy Wonder★ 8.5⌖ 2 miGlacier Hiking
Pasterze Glacier

Pasterze Glacier: Austria’s Majestic Icy Wonder

Explore the Pasterze Glacier in Austria, the country's longest glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views and photography opportunities. Access via Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Ideal for wildlife observation in summer, but watch for glacial crevasses.

Glacier HikingView Details→
Kitzsteinhorn Gletscher: A Snowy Paradise★ 8.9⌖ 8 miSkiing and Snowboarding
Kitzsteinhorn Gletscher

Kitzsteinhorn Gletscher: A Snowy Paradise

Visit Kitzsteinhorn Gletscher near Kaprun, Austria for top-notch skiing and hiking in a stunning alpine setting. Accessible via cable car, this year-round destination is ideal for adventure seekers. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hohe Tauern range.

Skiing and SnowboardingView Details→
Scenic Wonders of Zell am See★ 8.2⌖ 18 miPaddleboarding
Zell am See

Scenic Wonders of Zell am See

Explore the scenic wonders of Zell am See, Austria, including Lake Zell's crystal waters and nearby Schmittenhöhe Mountain. Perfect for paddleboarding and skiing. Accessible year-round, this popular adventure spot offers breathtaking alpine and lakeside views.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Raggaschlucht: Austria's Enchanting Natural Corridor★ 8.8⌖ 23 miHiking
Raggaschlucht

Raggaschlucht: Austria's Enchanting Natural Corridor

Explore the breathtaking Raggaschlucht gorge in Flattach, Austria. Enjoy a scenic hike on suspended pathways above rushing waters surrounded by vibrant flora. Perfect for adventure seekers and photographers. Accessible most from spring to fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Krimml Waterfalls - Europe's tallest waterfalls offering spectacular views.✦ Pasterze Glacier - Austria’s longest glacier accessible by hiking trails.✦ Großglockner - The highest peak in Austria at 3,798 meters, providing challenging climbs.✦ Habachtal - Known for its emerald mines and beautiful hikes.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Field GuideNationalpark Hohe Tauern

Camping in Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Camp Among Giants: Exploring Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, Austria

Imagine a place where the mountains loom larger than life, their rugged peaks fracturing the sky in a dramatic display of power and grace. Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, Austria, is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in an extraordinary wilderness where every trail leads to stunning vistas and adventure. This park, a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, boasts the highest mountains in Austria, including the majestic Grossglockner, standing as an awe-inspiring sentinel over the sprawling alpine landscapes.

As you set up your camp amid this breathtaking backdrop, prepare for an experience that marries the thrill of outdoor exploration with the comforts of nature's embrace. Pitch your tent beside clear mountain streams that gurgle like playful children, while the sweet scent of pine fills the air, reminding you that you are truly alive in the heart of nature. Campsites here cater to both seasoned backpackers and families seeking a taste of adventure, with locations easily accessible for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

The starry night sky here unfolds like a brilliant canvas, inviting you to curl up by the fire after a day of exploration. Imagine s’mores and stories shared under a blanket of stars, where the Milky Way weaves through constellations that have guided travelers for centuries. As dawn breaks, the sun kisses the peaks awake, illuminating trails that wind through lush valleys and challenging ascents, giving you no choice but to rise and set out on your next adventure.

The park is crisscrossed with a network of trails varying in difficulty. From leisurely strolls along the gentle slopes of the valleys to more demanding hikes that take you high into the alpine, every path offers a unique glimpse into the park's diverse ecosystems. Expect to traverse rocky trails that ascend through meadows bursting with wildflowers and dense forests that hum with the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Keep an eye out for the park's native wildlife, which may include chamois darting up the slopes or golden eagles soaring above the ridges.

Throughout your journey, practical considerations are paramount. The park's trails are well-marked, but a good pair of sturdy hiking boots will make all the difference on rocky stretches. Hydration is crucial, so carry enough water or bring a purification system to ensure you can fill up at the refreshing streams. Timing is also key; early mornings can provide a peaceful solitude on the trails, granting you an unbroken connection with nature before day-trippers arrive.

For those seeking the thrill of climbing, the park presents countless options. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned climber, you’ll find routes that challenge your skills without compromising safety. Local climbing areas, dotted with varied terrains, promise exhilarating ascents that reward you with panoramic views, turning your moments of effort into memorable triumphs against a majestic backdrop.

After a day of hiking or climbing, consider taking a moment to relax and reflect in one of the park's numerous scenic spots. Find a comfortable rock and watch the light dance off the glacier-fed lakes, or simply sit in silence and absorb the peaceful rustle of leaves whispering secrets from the wind. This connection to nature fosters a sense of calm, grounding you in the present amidst the grand scale of the mountains surrounding you.

Camping in Nationalpark Hohe Tauern is more than just setting up tents and cooking meals; it’s about forging a profound bond with the great outdoors. Soak up the sights, sounds, and sensations that this remarkable location has to offer. Each experience—a cool breeze on your face, the distant sound of a waterfall, or the freedom of exploration—creates lasting memories, urging you to return time and again. This adventure promises not only a break from everyday life but an inspiring journey through one of Austria’s most stunning natural treasures. Gear up, hit the trails, and let the majesty of Hohe Tauern awaken your adventurous spirit.

Other Available Activity Guides in Nationalpark Hohe Tauern:
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Nationalpark Hohe Tauern.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits required for entry; some areas may require guided tours.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Campingplatz Döllach

Located near Heiligenblut, ideal for those seeking proximity to major attractions.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Heiligenblut
⌖ 7.31 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Heiligenblut, Austria

A picturesque alpine town that serves as a gateway to exhilarating outdoor adventures in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Matrei in Osttirol
⌖ 8.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Matrei in Osttirol, Austria

A charming alpine town offering diverse mountain adventures within the picturesque Hohe Tauern National Park.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Kaprun
⌖ 14.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kaprun, Austria

A dynamic hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round activities in the stunning alpine landscape of the Austrian Alps.

Winter and SummerExplore Town
Zell am See
⌖ 18.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Zell am See, Salzburg

A vibrant destination with breathtaking lake and alpine experiences in the heart of the Austrian Alps.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Flattach
⌖ 22.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Flattach, Austria

A serene alpine town offering robust year-round outdoor pursuits amidst Austria's majestic mountain landscapes.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Krimml
⌖ 26.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Krimml

A scenic and tranquil Alpine village offering adventure-filled trails, cascading waterfalls, and serene natural beauty in the heart of the Austrian Alps.

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Bergfahrt One-Way: Drive the Großglockner High Alpine Road and Explore the Alpine NaturschauBruck an der Großglocknerstraße, Salzburg · 16.11 mi away
All Adventures· PRI Tours GmbH

Bergfahrt One-Way: Drive the Großglockner High Alpine Road and Explore the Alpine Naturschau

Take a four-hour guided ride along the Großglockner High Alpine Road with a Nationalpark Ranger, museum access, and short walking stops at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe and Fuscher Lacke. Ideal for travelers who want high alpine views and curated interpretation without technical climbing.

4 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.