Picturesque places

The poster child of the idyllic national park community are the natural spectacle that are the Krimml Waterfalls - the largest waterfalls in Europe! There is plenty to experience and discover in the waterfall community, which is also the starting point of the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail and the over 330-kilometres long Tauern Cycle Path. There is something very special about going on a voyage of discovery that is shaped by the element of water - through the Krimml Water Worlds, the Krimml Festival Park with its mighty water organ, the Leitenkammer Gorge and the wild and romantic Krimml Achen Valley with its beautiful alpine pastures and refuges. An extensive network of paths at all altitudes guarantees wonderful hiking and biking tours at all levels of difficulty. Young and old will find fun and action when visiting the village market or the FallKino cinema, at the many traditional and musical events or at the sports leisure park.

Don't miss: The Water Festival in the Festival Park takes place several times a day.

The small national park municipality of Wald is situated at the foot of the Gerlos Pass, and the alpine village of Königsleiten directly on the Gerlos Pass on the border to Tyrol. In the summer, active holidaymakers can enjoy more than 200 kilometres of marked hiking trails and countless mountain bike trails. Wald/Königsleiten is a mobility municipality which provides its guests with e-bikes to explore the countryside.

Guided mountain and bike tours through the delightful countryside are always a special experience, such as the Yodelling Hike in Königsleiten, which also includes a short yodelling course. The Quellenweg into the Salzach valley to the source of the Salzach is another highlight. Here, different stations inform the hiker about the topic of WATER!

The open air concert with farmer's market is great for music lovers and foodies, and kids will love the children's programme.

Situated at 856 metres above sea level in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the pretty market town of Neukirchen am Großvenediger is the perfect holiday destination for nature lovers. Enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Austria's highest mountains, such as its namesake, the Großvenediger, the highest in Salzburg with its impressive 3,657 metres above sea level. There is a reason why the Wildkogel with its varied high-altitude hiking area at over 2100 metres above sea level is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains. You can take the Wildkogelbahn railway from Neukirchen up to 2100 metres altitude (included with the National Park Summer Card). The panorama path and slide path (10 stainless steel slides 27 - 53 metres long) is popular with with both children and adults. Here you disappear into tubes, dive into troughs and dash over waves. The slide with free-fall effect easily elicits cries of surprise, or a "Juchizer" as the people in Pinzgau call it. You will not miss out on delicious regional delicacies during your long-distance hiking holiday either, with rustic alpine pastures and alpine inns inviting you to take a break and recharge your batteries. You will find comfortable accommodation in all categories, from family-run bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, many of which are partner companies of the National Park Summer Card. 

Tip: Tauriska-Kammerlanderstall offers a colourful programme of exhibitions, festivals and readings.

The emerald village of Bramberg located at 819 metres above sea level captivates with its attractive villagescape, pretty farms and beautiful districts. The picturesque Habach valley has a famous emerald discovery site, which is unique in Europe and attracts many hobby mineralogists every year. In the summer the Habachtal valley hosts weekly mineral excursions, and who knows, perhaps you'll come back loaded. After Easter and on 15 August each year, you can join events for mineral lovers, giving you the chance to admire the finds from the previous season. The minerals of the Hohe Tauern treasure trove can be admired in the Bramberg Museum in the National Park exhibition "Emeralds & Crystals" all the year round. In Bramberg am Wildkogel you can look forward to the stunning views of the many 3000-metre summits of the Hohe Tauern National Park which surround the idyllic holiday resort, and of course the hospitality of the people of Pinzgau. The Smaragdbahn cable car, which starts in Bramberg, takes you up to the high-altitude hiking area of Wildkogel at an altitude of over 2100 metres. Enjoy warm hospitality in accommodations of all categories, many of which are partner businesses of the National Park Summer Card.

Tips: A rapid descent awaits you at the mountain cart track from the mountain station to the middle station of the Smaragdbahn. In the Bramberg Museum you can immerse yourself in a world full of tradition and history. Regional products can be found in the Salzburg Wollstadl right next to the museum.

The small village of Hollersbach in the Salzach valley owes its name to the elderberry bushes at the edge of the valley. Now affectionately described as a village of herbs, art and culture, Hollersbach im Pinzgau was first mentioned in documents in the 12th century.

Many of the buildings in the village centre can look back on this long history - especially the Klausnerhaus building. Originally a farmhouse, the listed building now hosts events such as weddings, seminars and cooking classes. The Hollersbach herb garden is located directly behind the Klausnerhaus building. There are regular guided tours, and plenty of souvenirs to choose from in the small shop, which sells teas, soaps and herbal salts. The bee trail at the Hollersbach's Sonnberg offers even more educational input.

Tips: The Hollersbach bathing lake invites you to relax. In the herb garden in the centre, behind the Klausnerhaus, around 500 different plants are waiting to be explored in a beautiful area. Guided tours are also offered during the summer months.

Mittersill has always been popular because of its central location directly on the Salzach, between Pass Thurn and Felbertauern. This made the former municipality an economic and educational centre of the Upper Pinzgau. Today, visitors to the National Park Center often have the opportunity to get to know the Hohe Tauern National Park from a completely new perspective and to understand the connections between people, animals and nature. Culture lovers will find three churches worth seeing as well as the local history museum in the Felberturm tower, which tells you all about the history of the mule trade, among other things. The town, which is still just as cosy as a small village, also boasts shops as well as many restaurants and cafés. 

Tips for an all-round successful stay: Not only the National Park Center directly at the ornamental pond, but also the Felberturm Museum is worth a visit. The outdoor swimming pool beside the sports field offers cooling on hot days. Fish specialties from own waters and freshly tapped beer from own brewery are available at Hotel Bräurup.

Stuhlfelden lies at the foot of the Gaisstein (2,363 m), the highest peak of the Pinzgau Grasberge mountains. The fact that the summit cross is actually in Tyrol is what we call a not-very-well-kept secret.
As the first archery village in Europe, Stuhlfelden has attracted archers from all over the world since 2003. In addition to the ranges in the woods around the village, there is also an indoor hall. Perfect for those who don't want to put down their bow and arrow in the winter either. In the summer, you can visit the Hohe Tauern National Park golf course. Here, aiming accuracy is at least as important as it is in archery. But instead of forest and trees, you enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Tips: Visit the Maria Himmelfart (Maria am Stein) pilgrimage church in the centre. Alpine natural cuisine awaits you at the Rauchkuchl, by Tobias Bacher.

Relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside! Surrounded by a magnificent world of mountains, Uttendorf/Weissee impresses with a wide range of hiking and biking trails. Other highlights include the adventure swimming lake (50,000 square metres) with water slide, iceberg, children's area, boulder park, tennis court, football pitch, inline skating and volleyball courts and much more, the prehistoric Celtic village at Stoanabichl (gain a new perspective on millennia of history), climbing routes, a 3D archery course, a varied weekly programme and many other attractions. The inner Stubach valley is part of the Hohe Tauern National Park with its pristine and beautiful mountain lakes. The Weissee Gletscherwelt glacier region opens up a high alpine world of experience with unforgettable tours of all levels of difficulty. Its the mixture of  mountains and lakes which make Uttendorf/Weissee unique!

Tip: Experience millennia of history in the prehistoric Celtic village. Guided tours are offered during the summer months.

Niedernsill - the holiday village certified with the "Österreichs Wanderdörfer" label offers many possibilities for active leisure. Enjoy hours of energetic exercise, such as hiking in 3 dimensions or pedalling along the diverse cycling and mountain bike routes. The natural bathing lake Luziapark with its spacious sunbathing lawns is THE attraction for water rats of all ages. The adjacent recreational area with its Kneipp facilities, children's playground and much more is perfect for relaxing, fun and games.

You are now certain to enjoy a varied holiday in Niedernsill. The Noriker Museum, designed according to the latest findings and museum educational guidelines, teaches you all about the natural and cultural history of horses and humans in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

The dialect archive collects everything it can on our regional dialect in the Hohe Tauern National Park region - including the Mitterpinzgau and Pongau regions and all the way to Pass Lueg.

Nestled on the sunny side between Zell am See and Kaprun, Piesendorf has been awarded the hiking seal of approval and is thus s certified "Österreichisches Wanderdorf". It is ideally suited as a starting point for excursions and long bike and hiking tours from the Kitzbühel Alps to the Hohe Tauern.

The Hinkelsteinbad is an attractive leisure paradise on hot summer days. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a great place to relax and feel truly free.

And don't forget to take a long walk to the sacred Naglköpfl, because here the motto is: Head for the natural powerhouse, become a nature lover and enjoy a touch of what we have in abundance here - invigorating fresh mountain air.

Glaciers, mountains and lake - the Austrian year-round holiday region Zell am See-Kaprun boasts everything the Alps have to offer. This unique natural paradise on the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park is perfect in summer and in winter for sports enthusiasts, active holidaymakers, families and those looking to relax. These includes the 3,000-metre summits on the Kitzsteinhorn, the only glacier ski area in Salzburger Land, the Maiskogel family area, the Schmittenhöhe panorama and family mountain, as well as Lake Zell and the multiple award-winning 36-hole golf course.

Zell am See-Kaprun is one of the most attractive winter sports regions in Austria. Thanks to the Ski ALPIN CARD ticket network, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy 408 kilometres of pistes including the glacier with a single ski pass. Tradition and authenticity are also reflected in the events and culinary delicacies of the region. 

Tips: The Kaprun high mountain reservoirs with their two reservoirs, Wasserfall- and Mooserboden, at around 2,040 metres above sea level are considered one of the most imposing structures of the post-war period. Experience a digital guided tour of Zell am See. Marvel at a total of 10 stations with interesting places and stories told to you by local and well-known personalities via your smartphone.

Nestled between the Großglockner, Austria's highest mountain, and the Zellersee lake, you will find the two picturesque villages of Bruck and Fusch, which score with a central location, family-run accommodation and a unique variety. Enjoy a day on the world-famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road, hike the Hohe Tauern National Park, explore our themed trails and really push yourself on the way to summit happiness. Get cosy in the Ferleiten Game and Adventure Park, while shooting an arrow or playing adventure mini-golf.

In both places you will find Kneipp facilities that give tired calves new energy. The best thing to do after a health-promoting Kneipp session is to stop off in the former high altitude health resort of Bad Fusch and fortify yourself with a regional Brettljause (snack). One thing is for sure: you will recharge your batteries in a dreamlike natural setting, marvel at the unique panoramas and hold on to your unforgettable holiday memories for a long time.

The Kitzlochklamm in Taxenbach is one of the most beautiful and impressive gorges in the region. The unique natural spectacle with numerous idyllic bays, towering craggy rock faces, a hermitage, a spectacular bridge and the Klammauge, the new viewing platform, offers unforgettable moments. Experienced climbers get their adrenaline kick on one of the three spectacular and selective via ferratas.

Also worth a visit is the herb world on the Schlossberg with herb snail, barefoot path and Kneipp fountain.

The mountain village of Embach is located on one of the most beautiful sunny plateaus of the Hohe Tauern NP. In addition to bread baking, herb garden, pottery and adventure farm, Embach also offers a unique mountain golf hiking trail for the whole family.
The mountain village is centrally located and therefore the perfect starting point for numerous hikes and excursions. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet, active holidaymakers, families or sports enthusiasts, there is something for everyone.

Tip: If you are out and about in Embach, don't miss the herb garden including the recreation terrace and aroma pavilion of the Hoadabauer. Colourful flowers, all kinds of garden herbs and various vegetables can be admired.

The Rauris Valley contains the entire diversity of the Hohe Tauern National Park: the legendary three-thousand-metre peaks, glaciers and gentle alpine pastures, primeval forests and "at every turn" wild waters that accompany hikers on 295 kilometres of hiking trails.
As by far the largest municipality in the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Rauris Valley opens up an incredible amount of space and freedom for discovering nature. The 30-kilometre-long valley branches out into five picturesque side valleys, each with its own unique character. Among the 295 kilometres of trails are many themed trails that appeal especially to families with children. Some of them can be explored with a National Park Ranger, including the "Rauriser Urwald" in Kolm Saigurn, which with its mystical moor ponds, centuries-old pointed spruces and romantic clearings is one of the most worth seeing trails in the Alps. It was awarded as one of the best nature trails in Austria.

Tips: Relaxation after the hike is offered by the Sonnblickbad Rauris. At the "Zimmererhütte" National Park Information Centre in Kolm Saigurn, not far from the Friends-of-Nature House, visitors learn about the special features of the habitat of the animals and plants in the National Park as well as details from the time of gold mining.

Bad Gastein, the southernmost of the three towns in the Gastein Valley, is characterised by contrasts in a very small space. Natural healing resources meet an urban lifestyle, untouched nature meets magnificent Belle Époque buildings that immerse you in the history of the "Monte Carlo of the Alps".
The hiking offer is also multifaceted - from sunny promenades to hiking trails to cosy alpine pastures and over grassy mountains to the 3000-metre peaks of the Hohe Tauern with glaciers and rocky peaks, everyone will find their personal paradise.

Tip: The liquid gold of the Hohe Tauern - the famous thermal water of the Felsentherme in Bad Gastein, helps to relieve various ailments and simply brings well-being.

Hüttschlag has been part of the Hohe Tauern National Park since 1991 and since 2008 it is part of the select circle of Austrian Mountaineering Villages®. Built diagonally against the slope, the idyllic mountain village lies as if bowing in front of the imposing rock face on the opposite side of the valley. This 150-metre-high wall of black and green slate seems impassable, and yet three spectacular via ferrata routes have been crossing it for several years. Hüttschlag is one of the two communities in the roughly thirty-kilometre-long Grossarl Valley, which is also affectionately called the "Valley of the Alms" thanks to its many managed alpine huts. Eight kilometres out of the valley lies the main town of Großarl with its mountain railways and numerous leisure facilities. Hüttschlag is also known for its picturesque valley head. Here, where the world seems to end, the adventure really begins: Wonderful nature, thundering waterfalls, tranquil mountain lakes, alpine meadows covered in flowers and peaks as far as the eye can see.

Tip: Valley museum with adventure exhibition "On the alp - between heaven and earth".