National Park"Hohe Tauern" (Salzburg, Austria) - exact location, interesting places, inhabitants, routes.

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The largest national park in the Alps and the oldest in Austria, the Hohe Tauern National Park is located on the territory of three states and is famous for its glaciers, mountain rivers, lakes and 266 peaks, some of which exceed 3000 meters. It includes the main natural “celebrity” - the second largest European peak Großglockner with a glacier. Besides mountain peaks, they are attracted here by the Lichtensteinklamm gorge and the Krimmler and Golling waterfalls. The park can be visited not only in winter, but also in summer. If you have a special Zell am See-Kaprun Card, which can be obtained at a number of hotels, entry is free.

The historic Großglockner High Alpine Road runs through the reserve, attracting around 900,000 people annually. The road is open from May to October.

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  • Where to stay: First of all - in the capital of the state Salzburg, charming, cozy and so beautiful city Salzburg. In winter, there is a direct road to the high-mountain valley of Gasteinertal: there are all conditions for skiers and it is incredibly picturesque. In the European sports region, hotels sit right next to the pistes, and Saalbach-Hinterglemm is famous as one of the most fashionable holiday destinations for European youth. The advantages of Flachau are a lot of hotels for every taste and one of the best “snow” infrastructures.
  • What to see: Numerous natural attractions of the land of Salzburg, as well as the city of Salzburg - the patrimony of Wolfgang our Amadeus Mozart, students and salt. For great views and breathtaking landscapes, head to Gasteinertal; In the European Sports Region, the Hohe Tauern nature reserve with its 266 peaks is worth a visit. In Saalbach - Hinterglemm you should definitely join in the nightlife fun, and

Snowy mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, extraordinary beautiful waterfalls, deep gorges, dense forests, picturesque valleys and high alpine meadows, mirror lakes and colorful villages attract travelers to one of the largest national parks in Central Europe - Nature Reserve Hohe Tauern (Nationalpark Hohe Tauern). It is located on the territory of three Austrian states: Salzburg, Carinthia and Tyrol.

The national park covers an area of ​​more than 180 thousand hectares. The highest mountain range in Austria - Hohe Tauern, in the center of which the reserve is located, gave it its name. In the center of the park there are 266 magnificent mountain peaks over 3000 meters high. Here the highest mountains of Austria are hidden behind clouds and snow - Grossglockner (3798 m), Grossvenediger (3674 m), Grosser Muntanitz (3232 m). On the outskirts of the reserve, the alpine mountain meadows and forests spread on the mountain slopes impress with their unique flora and fauna. Wealth of the Hohe Tauern - over 550 mountain lakes and 279 mountain rivers, as well as 130 square km of ancient glaciers.

Get there before National Park just by car on the A 10 highway, or by bus or train from Salzburg or Klagenfurt. For tourists in the High Taern National Park, many interesting excursions have been developed, skiing, mountaineering, hiking and cycling routes. The panoramic alpine view is especially beautiful high mountain road Grossglockner, which many romantics who arrive in Austria dream of driving along.

Großglockner connects two Austrian states: Carinthia and Salzburg. The road is located 100 km from Salzburg and 160 km from Klagenfurt, in the heart of the Austrian Alps and the Hohe Tauern National Park and runs between the villages of Heiligenblut and Fusch an der Grossglocknerstrasse. Maximum height roads - the Hochtor Pass at an altitude of 2500 m, and the length is 47 km 800 m. At an altitude of 2369 m - in the center of Kaiser Franz Joseph there is a magnificent view of the Großglockner mountain and the ancient Pasterze glacier, the largest glacier of the Eastern Alps with a length of 9 km and a width of 1.5 km.

The Großglockner road is a breathtaking mountain serpentine

Get to Großglockner roads (Großglockner) You can take the picturesque Tauern Autobahn A 10. From the north you turn towards Pongau and the village of Fusch, and from the south you leave the highway towards the town of Lienz, and then the village of Heiligenblut. The Alpine Highway is open from May to October and only during the day. Weather conditions also affect the operation of the road; the highway is closed in snow or fog. Driving along this breathtaking serpentine road with 36 sharp turns, paid.

This is not an ordinary road, but a popular attraction in Austria. Every year it is visited by more than a million tourists from all over the world. Building this road was a real feat. It all started with a bold project in 1924, which seemed unrealistic to the Austrian government at that time. But terrible unemployment and the crisis forced the authorities to resume the project to build a tourist transalpine road to give work to 3,200 people. The road was planned to be tolled, because it was necessary to recoup all costs.

A young energetic engineer and also an experienced mountaineer, Franz Wallack, led the construction of the road. Work began in 1930. Mountainous terrain created great difficulties, builders died. In memory of their heroic work, a monument was erected on the Großglockner highway - the Fuscher Törl Gate. Already in 1934, the head of the government of the State of Salzburg drove through Großglockner for the first time. The stunning high mountain road opened on August 3, 1935 and quickly became popular among tourists. So exciting to enjoy the magnificent mountain landscapes, alpine meadows. There is also excellent service on the highway. The ticket price includes all exhibitions, parking areas, garages, admission information centers, wonderful playgrounds where you can play, experiment and get closer to the wonderful world of plants and animals Hohe Tauern National Park.

Driving along the Grossglockner Alpine Road is a delightful and surreal experience. The mountains amaze with their power and grandeur; the snowy peaks are hidden behind the clouds from time to time. I remember the words from V. Vysotsky’s song: “ Better than the mountains There can only be mountains that you haven’t been to before.” A breathtaking panorama awaits you around every turn of the road. At numerous observation platforms along the highway you can enjoy the splendor of nature, clean mountain air and alpine herbs. Curious marmots, one of the symbols of Großglockner, peek out from behind the stones every now and then.

There are two exits along the entire road. One is to the Kaiser Franz Joseph Center, a huge building that houses interesting exhibitions. With a big observation deck near the center you will see the huge Pasterze Glacier. Sparkling in the sun, it creates the atmosphere of a fairy tale. The most curious tourists can take a walk on the surface of the glacier by going down to it by cable car or along a steep staircase.

The second exit is not so often visited by tourists, perhaps due to the very steep climb, but the effort is worth it. The observation deck of the Edelweisspitze (2573 m), or the Top of the Edelweiss, is located on a stone tower built on the very high point Grossglockner, accessible to drivers. What you see from here is breathtaking: 37 mountain peaks over 3000 m high and 19 ancient glaciers. Leaving the Grossglockner Alpine road, being impressed by what you saw, you involuntarily again remember the romantic words from V. Vysotsky’s song:

“The whole world is in the palm of your hand - you are happy and silent
And you’re just a little jealous of those
Others whose peak is still ahead.”

Krimml Falls (Krimmer) - a natural attraction of the Hohe Tauern Park

A majestic landmark of the Hohe Tauern National Park is one of the highest Krimml waterfalls in Europe. It is located in the vicinity of a village with the same name, in the very west of the state of Salzburg, on the mountain river Krimmler-Ache. Open to visitors from April to October. You can get to the waterfall from Lake Zeller See by bus or train, or by car along regional roads 168 and 165 through the village of Mittersill. There are parking lots near the waterfall, entrance fee is charged.

Water is a powerful element, as you can see with your own eyes when you look at this seething miracle of nature, shaking everything around with the roar and crash of falling water and filling the air with myriads of splashes. The height of the Krimml waterfall is 380 m, it cascades on three huge ledges. All three cascades can be seen simultaneously only from a long distance.

The lowest tier of the waterfall is accessible to all travelers. The ability to climb to the observation deck of the second tier requires some effort, but the third, highest one can only be conquered by dedicated tourists in a few hours, passing picturesque panoramic platforms along the way. Krimml looks magnificent in sunny weather; thousands of rainbows give delight and a magical atmosphere. Interestingly, in winter the waterfall freezes; it is a truly fantastic and fabulous sight. The air near the waterfall is very humid, the spray is so strong that it is impossible to get close to the seething stream. It’s better to stock up on comfortable shoes and a waterproof raincoat in advance; an umbrella is not a protector in this case.

On the way back to the mountain lake Zeller See, stop in the village of Mittersill. Visit here regional center of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Several large halls of the center present educational materials about the history, flora and fauna of the park in an interactive format. You will discover the secrets of glaciers, mountain forests and meadows, animals and birds, crystal lakes and treasures of the Tauern.

The highlight of the center is the unique exciting film “National Park” with a 360-degree panorama, which has no analogues in the world yet. You are in the heart of the stunning sights and sounds of nature in the Hohe Tauern, climbing to peaks, descending into deep gorges, and floating along fast mountain rivers. An unreal and vivid film viewing experience for adults and children.

Picturesque lake Zell am See and villageKaprun

Zell am See (Zell am Zee)- small picturesque lake in the Hohe Tauern National Park. In transparent clean water floating clouds and high mountains covered with dense forest are reflected. Lake surrounds alpine mountain range Schmittenhöhe. small town Zell am See is comfortably located on the western shore of the lake (100 km from Salzburg). People first settled here in 749. The town has an ancient Romanesque parish church of St. Hippolytus from the 13th century, the Renaissance-style Rosenberg Palace from the 16th century, and the Vogtturm tower from the 12th century, which now houses an exhibition local history museum. Interestingly, since the beginning of the 19th century, thanks to Lake Zeller, local residents organized a very original fishery. In winter, when the entire lake froze, they cut out pieces of ice from it and sent it to brewers in neighboring southern Germany.

Village of Kaprun(a few km from Zell am See) is located in the eponymous beautiful valley. It is known not only for its historical ancient castle of the 12th century, but also as a winter ski resort Austrian resort. Do you want to play in the snow and skate on ice in the middle of summer? The Kitzsteinhorn glacier, near the village of Kaprun on a mountain almost 3000 m high, will put you in the winter mood. The lift takes you to the top while you admire the magical panorama of the valley, surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and forests covering the slopes. From here, from Mount Kitzsteinhorn, you can enjoy fabulous views of the entire mountain landscape of the Hohe Tauern National Park, which includes about 30 Alpine peaks.

Resort Bad Gastein

50 km from the village of Kaprun and 100 km south of Salzburg on the banks of the mountain river Gasteiner Ache is the famous Austrian resort Bad Gastein. It is located in the middle of an Alpine mountain gorge. The river divides Bad Gastein in half and plunges down from a height of 63 m noisy waterfall, which seethes right next to the houses. The town is unique with 18 thermal radon springs, which annually produce millions of liters of mineral medicinal water. How the resort was opened back in the 13th century, and in the 19th century it was considered one of the most popular elite resorts Europe. Otto von Bismarck and the Austrian Kaisers Franz Joseph I and Wilhelm I recovered their health here. Franz Schubert and Johann Strauss created their musical masterpieces in Bad Gastein.

There is not a single horizontally level street in the city. Stock up on strength and comfortable shoes to overcome the steps and paths that lead either up or steeply down. On the terraces of the picturesque slopes of the city, elegantly and proudly located buildings in the style of classicism, painted in imperial yellow. The luxury of architecture and the splendor of nature are harmoniously combined in this incredibly beautiful and elegant resort. Bad Gastein is a great place for a relaxing holiday and recovery!

6 km from the town of St. Johann, 65 km from Salzburg, is the cradle of the rainbow - one of the deepest and longest gorges in Europe, Liechtenstein Gorge, which we have already written about

Golling town and waterfall

Just 40 km south of Salzburg on the Salzach River, in a valley between the high mountain systems of Tennengebirge and Hagengebirge, there is a small picturesque town of Golling an der Salzach. It is famous not only for its ancient water mill from the early 17th century, the ancient church of St. Nicholas, hospitality local residents and the authentic atmosphere of Austria. Tourists have been coming to this town since the beginning of the 18th century to see the stunning natural attraction of the High Tower National Park - Golling Falls.

He is born in deep karst cave and falls into a narrow crevice in two cascades from a height of 75 m. Along the entire seething stream, pouring cold water hiking trail with stairs and bridges. Walking along it is both scary and joyful at the same time. Beauty and delight!

Hohe Tauern National Park is extraordinary natural miracle and luxurious natural wealth Austria, a must see. Driving along the roads from one attraction of the park to another, you never cease to be amazed at the beauty around you. It is better to drive along these roads slowly, stopping from time to time at numerous observation platforms to enjoy fabulous views of mountains, lakes and valleys, breathe in the light and clean air and touch the clouds.

P.S. Austria has surprisingly changeable weather. The joyful sunshine can unexpectedly give way to rain and piercing cold. If according to weather conditions The Grossglockner Alpine road is closed, and you want to see the main attractions of the Hohe Tauern park, then an excellent alternative to the high-altitude highway along the route from Klagenfurt - Tauern Autobahn A 10. It is built in a picturesque valley between high mountain ranges. Passes through numerous tunnels built through the mountains. The 5 and 6 km long tunnels are especially impressive in their length.

Official site Nationalpark Hohe Tauern www.hohetauern.at

When you hear the word Austria, what associations come to mind first? Alpine flowering meadows, crystal clear blue Lakes. And you can see all this in one of the largest National parks Europe - Hohe Tauern.

Hohe Tauern in Austrian states of Salzburg, East Tyrol And Carinthia- the highest Austrian mountain range. The central part of this region is occupied by. It was founded in 1971, at which time the heads of the provinces of Carinthia, Tyrol and Salzburg decided to unite the lands to create a protected area.

The park is located in a very beautiful undeveloped area of ​​the eastern Alps, covering an area of ​​1800 square kilometers. Hohe Tauern is the largest of Austria's six national parks. In its central part there are huge mountains, glacial currents and glaciers. One of the glacial currents is a source for Krimml waterfall. The periphery of the park is represented by mountain meadows, forests enclosing the area, and alpine pastures.


Grossglockner

Observation deck

Observation deck on the Edelweissspitz

Cable car Heiligenblut

Gate Hochtor

Park attractions: mountain Lichtensteinklamm gorge, very narrow and picturesque, located between the dams and the valley Karpun , Kitzsteinhorn peak And Golling Falls. The height of the Kitzsteinhorn peak is almost 3000 m. But this is not the most high mountain in this area, the highest peak is Mt. Grossglockner related to mountain range Glockner, its height is about 4000 meters.

The Tauern Highway is an important transport route through the Alps. On its way there are two tunnels, 5 and 6 kilometers long. In the central part of the park, unique high-mountain alpine vegetation has been preserved and representatives of the local fauna live.

Visitors to the park have the opportunity to go on interesting excursions, getting acquainted with the untouched nature of the reserve, or go on a hike in the mountains with an experienced guide, go mountaineering, take part in special programs and listen to lectures. A walking excursion route passes through the park.

The territory of the Hohe Tauern is divided into zones, this is done in order to preserve the geological formations, flora, and fauna of the reserve. Particularly carefully protected areas are allocated. On the Tyrol side, they are going to expand the park by 700 sq. km, but different interests clash in this area, so this decision is not final.

Snowy peaks, mountain rivers, beautiful waterfalls, green forests with rare animals and birds living in them - and all this in the very heart Europe, in three areas at once Austria. This is exactly what the Hohe Tauern, an Austrian national park that is unique in every way, looks like.

Mountain pride of Austria

The national park, with an area of ​​almost two hundred thousand hectares, is the largest in Central Europe. And it is named after the highest Austrian mountain range, which is famous for several peaks above three thousand meters and magnificent mountain waterfalls.

Tourists trying to get to this reserve for a couple of days prefer to visit just one part of it - the famous glacier. But the supporters active rest who come here for a couple of weeks choose one of hundreds of picturesque mountain routes and go to most interesting journey by car, bicycle, or even on foot.

All the High Tower mountains are divided into three groups, with the main peaks highlighted in them, and each group is assigned several dozen different routes, which can be walked either with a guide or independently, depending on their category of difficulty.

How to get there and what to see

If you want to see the Hohe Tauern on your own, and you have two or three days for the excursion, try to get a hotel in one of the nearby towns, such as Zell am See.

On the first day it is worth seeing the general panorama of the Hohe Tauern. This can be done only at one point in the reserve - at the observation deck of the Kaprun Glacier. In order to get here, you will need to take bus number 660 and get to the Kitzsteinhorn Bergbahn stop, and there, following the signs, take several lifts to a height of three thousand meters, where you will find an observation deck from which the entire majestic mountain range of the Hohe Tauern.

Not far from the observation deck there is a slide that is attractive for tourists of all ages: here you can all year round ride on sleds and ice skates, because the snow cover at this altitude remains even in summer.

The average ascent time to the lookout is two and a half hours, and if you still have energy left, you can take the same bus to the Kaprun Reservoir or walk three hours walking route in the area of ​​Sigmund-Thun Klamm. The road through the gorge is rich panoramic views and not too complicated.

Well, the next day you can go to Grossglockner - one of the three highest peaks Tauern, whose peak reaches almost four thousand meters. This trip will take you the whole day, and you can get to the beginning of the climb by bus number 651, reaching the final stop.

When going to the mountains, keep in mind that it is better to do it on a weekday, when crowds of travelers and locals will not create an unhealthy rush at each lift. Also, no matter what the weather is like below, take sunscreen- you will need it at the top.

The Hohe Tauern, due to its scale, serves ideal place For ski holiday, mountain tourism or a simple family trip to enjoy and European service, and incredible natural beauties at the same time.