Hohe Tauern National Park
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Welcome to the largest protected area in Central Europe
With an impressive area of 1,856 km², the Hohe Tauern National Park is a truly remarkable jewel that stretches across the three federal states of Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol.
A special place full of natural treasures waiting to be explored!
Experience the fascinating nature of the Hohe Tauern National Park and be enchanted by the impressive variety of wildlife, including the majestic ibex and the imposing golden eagle.
Become part of our guest family and book your next vacation in Mölltal.
The Hohe Tauern National Park
You too can discover...
the untouched beauty of the Hohe Tauern National Park in Carinthia!
This is where Carinthia's majestic nature reveals itself in its most pristine and wildest form. From the highest peaks to the breathtaking glaciers, from the vast forests to the picturesque mountain lake landscapes - the Hohe Tauern National Park offers a unique variety of landscapes and habitats.
Immerse yourself in a world full of natural treasures, where you have the chance to observe rare wild animals such as the majestic golden eagle or the graceful chamois in their natural habitat. Experience the incomparable beauty of Alpine nature and be enchanted by its diversity and richness. The heights of the Hohe Tauern, the largest protected area in Central Europe, stretch from the rushing glacial streams to the lush alpine meadows. Here, in the midst of a fascinating mountain world, you can experience nature in its purest form and enjoy unforgettable moments of peace and relaxation. Discover the diversity of the Hohe Tauern National Park on a guided hike and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of alpine wilderness.
Austria's oldest national park
Austria's oldest national park, located in the Hohe Tauern, is not only the largest protected area in the Alps, but also impresses with numerous other superlatives. Inspired by the impressive national parks in the United States, the provincial governors of Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol made the decision to establish this important protected area in the early 1970s - a milestone in Austrian nature conservation history.
Interesting facts about the Hohe Tauern
- The formation of the Hohe Tauern began around 12,000 years ago with the retreat of the glacier ice.
- With an area of 1,856 km², it is the largest protected area in Central Europe.
- The region extends across the provinces of Carinthia, Salzburg and East Tyrol.
- There are 878 km of hiking trails in the province of Carinthia alone.
- There are a total of 266 mountain peaks, 551 mountain lakes and around 250 glaciers in the Hohe Tauern.
- Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner, rises an impressive 3,798 meters into the air.
Animals and plants
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The flora and fauna of the Hohe Tauern National Park
The rich diversity of animals and plants, fauna and flora, is what really brings the Hohe Tauern National Park to life. Their unique interaction creates a lively atmosphere in the high mountains and their harmonious coexistence in the sensitive ecosystem of the Hohe Tauern is a special experience that visitors can discover with us.
over 10,000
Animal species
over 3,500
Plant species
365 days/year
to observe
Discover the nature of the Hohe Tauern
It is a world full of wonders waiting to be explored. The Hohe Tauern not only offer an impressive variety of landscapes, but also a wealth of habitats that are characterized by their climatic differences. From the majestic peaks to the deep valleys, there is a mosaic of natural habitats that is impressive in its uniqueness.
The harmonious interplay of these forces forms the basis for the diverse flora and fauna that populate the Hohe Tauern National Park. With a watchful eye, you can discover this fascinating world and experience the beauty and diversity of nature in its purest form.
The wildlife of the Hohe Tauern National Park
The Hohe Tauern National Park is home to over 10,000 different animal species, an impressive diversity that is the result of a complex development. Evolutionary processes, migratory movements and human influences have led to today's animal populations in this area.
Coping with the harsh winter conditions in the Hohe Tauern is a challenge for the animal world, which is mastered in different ways.
The "Big Five" of the Hohe Tauern National Park
No, this is not about a safari in distant lands - but about the fascinating inhabitants of the Hohe Tauern National Park. This unique habitat in the Alps also offers its own "Big Five" to marvel at. The majestic bearded vulture, the imposing golden eagle, the impressive ibex, the cute marmot and chamois are all at home here.
If you want to experience these fascinating animals in the wild, you should definitely take a closer look at the ranger programs. There you have the opportunity to go on a journey of discovery together with experienced rangers and experience the "Big Five" of the Hohe Tauern National Park up close.
the flora of the Hohe Tauern
The flora of the Hohe Tauern National Park is characterized by an astonishing diversity. Up to a third of all plant species found in Austria can be found here. The national park stretches across different altitudes and climatic conditions, creating a wide range of habitats for a variety of plant species.
In addition to the majestic peaks and vast alpine meadows, the national park also provides a habitat for a variety of rare and unique plants. Among the best known are the edelweiss, the wolf lichen, the Scheuchzer cotton grass and the Swiss stone pine. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of plants and discover the diversity and beauty of the flora of the Hohe Tauern National Park on a walk through the alpine landscape.
The altitude levels of the Hohe Tauern
In order to explain the different plant habitats in the Hohe Tauern, the National Park is divided into four altitude levels:
The montane stage (700 - 1,700 m) is mainly characterized by deciduous, mixed and spruce forests.
The subalpine stage (1,600 - 2,300 m) is mainly home to larch and stone pine forests.
In the alpine stage (2,300 - 3.100 m), alpine grasses and shrubs dominate.
In the Nival stage (from 3,000 m), only specialized plant species that have adapted perfectly to the extreme conditions at high altitudes have a chance of surviving.
These differentiated altitude levels offer a variety of habitats for plants and contribute to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Exhibitions & information points in the Hohe Tauern National Park
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Visitor centers in the Hohe Tauern National Park
In the visitor centers, exhibitions and information points of the Hohe Tauern National Park, visitors can obtain information, be inspired and learn valuable details about the nature, fauna and flora of the region. There are a total of five visitor centers located in the national park region in Carinthia, offering a wide range of information and experiences. Two of them are located here in Mölltal - the National Park INFO Center Obervellach & BIOS National Park Center in Mallnitz.
BIOS National Park Center Mallnitz
n the BIOS National Park Center Mallnitz, state-of-the-art technology and breathtaking nature merge to create a unique experience. The interactive exhibition "univerzoom nationalpark" presents all the highlights of the Hohe Tauern in a fascinating way. Immerse yourself in your personal journey of discovery through the untouched wilderness, experience animated rockfalls, explore mysterious landscapes or encounter the diverse wildlife of the Hohe Tauern.
The BIOS National Park Center Mallnitz is open all year round - exact opening hours can be found on the website
Tip: Admission is free with the Kärnten Card.
National Park information point in Obervellach
There is a small but fascinating exhibition on the premises of the historic Oberstbergmeisteramt on the municipality's main square. Interactive stations await you here, taking you on a journey of discovery to the most interesting places in the national park. With a presence that is hard to miss, this information point is a gateway to the secrets and beauty of nature.
But that's not all - the Obervellach information point also delves into the captivating stories of the former center of gold mining. Learn more about the rich history and significant events that have shaped the face of this place. A visit here promises exciting insights and entertainment for the whole family. Come along and be inspired!
Other visitor centers in the Hohe Tauern National Park region
"House of the ibexes" in Heiligenblut
As the first visitor facility to focus on the fascinating Alpine ibex, we invite you to enjoy a comprehensive range of information and experiences as you follow in the footsteps of this majestic animal. The centerpiece of the offer is the exhibition "The King and his Throne", which takes you deep into the world of the high mountains and offers you an insight into the life and way of life of the Alpine ibex.
The "Haus der Steinböcke" is open from December to April and from May to October. Here you can discover and experience unforgettable moments! You can find more information here.
Tip: Admission is free with the Kärnten Card.
Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe Visitor Center
The true nature experience in the Hohe Tauern begins at the terminus of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The start of the Gamsgrubenweg offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Großglockner and the Pasterze, the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps. But that's not all - the highest automobile museum in the Alps, the "Alpenliebe" art exhibition and the exciting "Rock and Ice" trail also await you here.
Wilhelm Swarovski Observatory
The Wilhelm Swarovski Observatory is the perfect place for nature lovers and explorers. This unique viewing platform offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Grossglockner. Thanks to the use of high-quality optical equipment from Swarovski, there are even opportunities to spot fascinating animals such as ibex, marmots and golden eagles in their natural habitat. Here, everything revolves around experiencing nature and discovering its beauty.
National Park information point in Winklern
The National Park information point in Winklern offers more than just information - it is a place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. With a modern and clear ambience, it invites visitors to find out about the region's natural treasures.
