1. Things to do - in summer
Hohe Tauern National Park is one of the largest national parks in Europe (1.800 km²), considered to be a true miracle of mother-nature, where high peaks (over 3000 m), magnificent glaciers, whirling water-falls, colorful flowers and playful marmots offer us a wonderful scenery.
Few interesting facts about it:
- More than 300 mountain peaks at over 3,000 m above sea level
- 332 glaciers with a total area of 126 sq. km
- 279 streams/rivers, including 57 glacial streams
- 26 significant waterfalls (numerous small waterfalls)
- 551 mountain lakes between 35 sq. m and 27 ha
- 35% of the national park's area is pasture land or cultivated landscape
- Approx. 15,000 to 20,000 animal species
- 3,500 plant species incl. lichens and algae
- 4,000 types of fungi
- the highest mountain in Austria – the Großglockner 3798m
PANORAMIC ROAD
- GROßGLOCKNER HIGH ALPINE ROAD - ,,Queen of the mountain passes” - that is exactly how the Großglockner High Alpine Road is described. After all, it is the most beautiful and also the best known panoramic road in Europe. Every kilometre and every single one of the 36 turns of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a treat! Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe is the declared goal of each visitor. It opens up a grand view of Austria’s largest mountain, which even tops the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps, the nine km long Pasterze, with its 3,798 m. The road is one of the TOP 3 excursion destinations in Austria and attracts every year up to 900,000 visitors from all over the world.
- Malta Hochalmstrasse
- Nockalmstrasse
- Villach Alpine Road
- Goldeck Panoramic Road
Toboggan Runs
For the daring who like a little thrill, the spectacular “Osttirodler” Alpine Coaster is ready to oblige: Hop on a sled and cruise down an exhilarating, twisting, turning track down to Lienz. The elevated track winds you through more than 2.7 kilometers of loops, bends and hair-pin curves at speeds up to 40 kph. Just like your favourite roller coaster – but with the refreshing mountain scenery of East Tirol’s capital Lienz.
It’s a ride you won’t soon forget!
lakes
Carinthia is the land of lakes and they all have one thing in common: their pure water and warm temperatures that climb above 25 degrees.
cycling
You can opt for either road riding or mountain biking in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Either enjoy a leisurely paced ride along a bike path, or put a bit more power into your pedals and head out on a mountain bike tour. One element is almost always the same – you will be riding through fantastic natural surroundings and enjoying sensational views.
2. Things to do - in winter
ski
The area has some of the largest ski resorts in Austria, but also few hidden gems – those family-friendly ski areas which offer great snow and plenty of space to perfect your skills.
MOLLTALER GLACIER- IN FLATTACH
The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,108 and 3,122 m.
Due to its high elevation, the winter sports resort in the southern part of Hohe Tauern boasts absolute snow reliability from autumn through to spring.
The Moelltal Glacier is used as a training area by several national ski teams.
The glacier ski resort is also the official training resort for the Austrian ski team and the German national alpine ski team.
Not forgetting statistically proven above-average high hours of sunshine.
The only glacier ski resort in Carinthia extends over the Moelltal Glacier.
On the glacier ski resorts, the pistes are open up to 12 months a year.
Facts about the ski area Mölltaler Gletscher:
- 16 slopes between 2,100 and 3,122 meters above sea level
- 9 lifts and 17,4 km of slopes in all levels of difficulty
- hardly any waiting times at the lifts
- perfect snow conditions and perfectly groomed slopes
- perfect snow conditions and perfectly groomed slopes
- 100% snow guarantee
- top training conditions on compact snow slopes
- season from mid-June to early May
- Schareck – Highest point with 3.122m sea level
- view of up to 30 peaks – including the 3,798 m high Großglockner
ZETTERSFELD AND HOCHSTEIN IN LIENZ
The ski resort of Zettersfeld is situated above the traditional and sunny East Tyrolean town of Lienz. Its south-facing location and altitude have earned it a reputation as a real “sun terrace”, even when there is fog in the valley. Up here, you can also enjoy impressive views of the Lienz Dolomites, the Lienz basin and the Drau Valley (Drautal)
On Hochstein, meet ski stars!
Every other year, the Audi FIS Ladies’ World Cup race takes place on the Hochstein. Experience the unique World Cup atmosphere or challenge yourself as professional skier and venture the descent on the spectacular racecourse.
SLEIGH SLOPE
- Heiligenblut-Ponwald: ca. 1,1 km, illuminated, toboggan rental Intersport Großglockner
- Winklern-Old Iselsbergstraße: ca. 3 km
- Rangersdorf-Lainach: ca. 3,5 km in Lamnitz
- Flattach-Haselstein: ca. 1,3 km, illuminated, toboggan rental
- Obervellach-Launsberghütte: ca. 3 km
ICE SKATING RING
in Lainach
swimming bath
3. Local sight spots
4. Events
5. Food
local restaurants to try
- Hatzhof - it’s an old charming farm, but also a very cozy restaurant , where you can taste the entire homemade products. If you spend one nice evening here, the unforgettable atmosphere and the taste of the delicious food will stay in your mind.
- Margarethenbad restaurant
- Moelltalerhof Restaurant
- Winklern pizza
best rooftop
6. Travel tips
What to pack for your summer trip:
- hiking boots / sports shoes
- rain coat
- a jacket to keep you warm in the evening
- sunscreen
- hat / cap
- slippers, swimsuit / thermal suit and swimming goggles
- long pants
What to pack for your winter trip:
- sunscreen
- ski costume
- slippers, swimsuit and swimming goggles
- comfortable shoes for inside
Useful Mobile Apps to download before visiting:
We have good news : the multimedia guide to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Nockalm Road and the Worlds of Water in Krimml can be downloaded for free of charge via the “Locandy App”; in the Play- and Appstore. Download guide on your smartphone – and set off on a virtual tour. With the guide you can listen to exciting stories, solve funny puzzles and learn a lot of new things. A little foretaste of a great trip.