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Hohe Tauern
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Explore Hohe Tauern’s glaciers, peaks, waterfalls, alpine villages and national-park valleys across Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia.

Hohe Tauern is Austria’s great high-mountain region, stretching across parts of Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia. Its centrepiece is the Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria’s largest protected area, framed by some of the Eastern Alps’ most imposing summits. The range includes Grossglockner, at 3,798 metres Austria’s highest mountain, as well as glaciers, broad valleys, waterfalls, alpine pastures and remote cirques shaped by ice and weather. This is a region for travellers who want mountain scenery on a grand scale, but it is also a lived-in landscape of farming villages, historic valleys and long-established routes across the Alps.
Read more about Hohe Tauern
The region’s character changes noticeably from valley to valley. In Salzburg, the Pinzgau valleys provide access to Krimml, Mittersill and the northern approaches to the national park, while the Grossarltal and Gastein areas combine traditional settlements with established spa and walking tourism. East Tyrol offers a quieter, more rugged atmosphere around Matrei and the Virgental, with dramatic views towards the Venediger and Glockner groups. In Carinthia, Heiligenblut, Mallnitz and the Möll valley provide access to high passes, glacial landscapes and some of the most recognisable alpine viewpoints.
Walking is the region’s defining activity. Marked paths range from valley-floor routes and themed trails to demanding high-alpine crossings requiring sound navigation, proper equipment and favourable weather. Mountain huts provide seasonal accommodation and meals, although routes can remain exposed and remote. In warmer months, visitors also come for climbing, cycling, wildlife observation and scenic drives, particularly along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Winter brings skiing and snow sports in several valley resorts, while protected areas and quiet side valleys offer a more contemplative experience away from the pistes.
Human history is inseparable from the mountains. Prehistoric and later mining, transalpine trade, pastoral farming and religious pilgrimage all left traces in the valleys. Gold mining was especially important in parts of the range, while mountain passes connected communities on either side of the Alps. Historic churches, farmhouses, mule tracks and village centres remain part of the landscape rather than isolated museum pieces. The national park adds another dimension, protecting habitats for ibex, marmots, golden eagles and other alpine species while supporting carefully managed visitor access.
Hohe Tauern rewards a slower itinerary than a single resort break. A practical journey might combine a valley base with a hut walk, a national-park exhibition, a waterfall or glacier viewpoint, and a scenic drive over one of the region’s high roads. Weather can change rapidly, and distances between valleys are greater than a map may suggest, so choosing a base according to the activities planned is important. The result is a destination defined not by one town but by the relationship between high peaks, working valleys and protected alpine nature.

When is the best time to visit Hohe Tauern?

Best: June–August · 18–20°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January060
February150
March560
April970
May1590
June (best)18100
July (best)20110
August (best)19100
September1690
October1270
November670
December260

Getting to and around Hohe Tauern

How to get there

Hohe Tauern is a large mountain region rather than a single town or transport hub. Salzburg is the principal international gateway for the northern valleys, with onward rail and bus connections towards places such as Zell am See, Mittersill and the Pinzgau. Innsbruck is useful for western and East Tyrolean approaches, while Klagenfurt and Villach serve parts of the Carinthian side. Rail services reach several valley towns, but the final journey to smaller villages may require a regional bus, taxi or hired car. Major road approaches include the valleys of the Salzach, Isel and Möll; high mountain roads are seasonal and may close in poor weather.

Transportation

Public transport is most practical along the principal valley corridors, where trains and buses connect larger settlements and some national-park access points. A car offers greater flexibility for scattered trailheads, farm villages and scenic roads, but drivers should expect tunnels, steep gradients, narrow sections and changing mountain conditions. Some high passes and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road are seasonal. Walking and cycling work well within individual valleys, while cable cars and local mountain lifts, where operating, can reduce the ascent to higher routes. Check connections carefully for Sundays, evenings and the quieter shoulder seasons.

Top city travel guides in Hohe Tauern

The cities of Hohe Tauern, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Hohe Tauern

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Hohe Tauern

Hohe Tauern’s attractions are inseparable from its mountain geography. The Hohe Tauern National Park offers marked walking routes, wildlife interpretation, guided nature outings and visitor centres that explain glaciers, geology, farming and alpine habitats. Krimml Waterfalls provide one of the region’s most accessible major natural sights, while the Grossglockner High Alpine Road leads through high landscapes towards viewpoints of the Glockner group. Around the valleys, museums and exhibitions explore mining, mountaineering and local rural life, including the regional heritage presented in and around Mittersill. Heiligenblut, Matrei in Osttirol and Mallnitz make useful bases for different sections of the range, each with access to contrasting mountain scenery. Summer activities include hiking, climbing, cycling and supervised glacier or wildlife excursions; winter centres offer skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country routes. The attraction landscape is less about a dense sequence of ticketed sights than about moving between valleys, protected habitats, historic settlements and high viewpoints. Visitors should distinguish demanding alpine routes from family-friendly valley trails and check seasonal access before travelling.

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Best landmarks in Hohe Tauern

Grossglockner is Hohe Tauern’s defining natural landmark and Austria’s highest summit, rising above glaciers and ridges on the boundary between Tyrol and Carinthia. The nearby Pasterze glacier, viewed from the Grossglockner area, illustrates the scale and continuing change of the high-alpine environment. Krimml Waterfalls form another emblematic feature, descending in successive stages beside the village of Krimml. In Heiligenblut, the parish church of St Vincent stands beneath the Glockner group and has become one of the region’s most recognisable village images, while the medieval settlement of Rauris retains links with the area’s mining past. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is itself a landmark of twentieth-century engineering, crossing dramatic terrain with engineered bends and viewpoints. Across the valleys, timber farm buildings, wayside chapels and historic churches provide a quieter architectural record of pastoral life, trade and pilgrimage than the monumental peaks but are equally important to the region’s identity.

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Explore Hohe Tauern on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Hohe Tauern

Food in Hohe Tauern reflects the practical traditions of Austrian mountain valleys, with dairy farming, woodland produce, preserved meats, bread and seasonal vegetables appearing in village inns, cafés and mountain huts. Pinzgauer specialities are particularly associated with the Salzburg side, while menus across the region commonly include Kasnocken or Käsespätzle, dumplings, soups, alpine cheese, cured ham and hearty stews. Kaiserschmarrn and other pastries are popular after a walk, and huts often serve simple food designed for hungry hikers rather than elaborate dining. Regional cheeses and fresh farmhouse products can be found through local shops, farm sales and selected markets. Larger resorts and spa towns provide a broader choice, including contemporary Austrian cooking, international restaurants and bakeries, while smaller valleys tend to rely on traditional inns and seasonal establishments. Menus and opening patterns can be limited outside peak periods, so advance planning is useful when staying in a remote village or walking between huts.

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Best bars in Hohe Tauern

Evening life in Hohe Tauern is generally social and relaxed rather than focused on a large nightclub scene. Traditional inns, hotel lounges, wine bars and cafés form the mainstay, with après-ski venues becoming busier in winter resorts. Larger settlements such as Zell am See, Mittersill, Bad Gastein and selected valley resorts offer more choice, including live music, late-opening bars and occasional club nights, while smaller villages usually become quiet after dinner. Historic spa traditions give Bad Gastein a more developed evening culture than many rural national-park communities, although it lies at the eastern edge of the wider Hohe Tauern travel area. In summer, evenings often centre on outdoor terraces, local cultural events or conversations after a day in the mountains. Check seasonal opening arrangements, particularly outside the main ski and summer walking periods.

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Best nightclubs in Hohe Tauern

Evening life in Hohe Tauern is generally social and relaxed rather than focused on a large nightclub scene. Traditional inns, hotel lounges, wine bars and cafés form the mainstay, with après-ski venues becoming busier in winter resorts. Larger settlements such as Zell am See, Mittersill, Bad Gastein and selected valley resorts offer more choice, including live music, late-opening bars and occasional club nights, while smaller villages usually become quiet after dinner. Historic spa traditions give Bad Gastein a more developed evening culture than many rural national-park communities, although it lies at the eastern edge of the wider Hohe Tauern travel area. In summer, evenings often centre on outdoor terraces, local cultural events or conversations after a day in the mountains. Check seasonal opening arrangements, particularly outside the main ski and summer walking periods.

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Best shops in Hohe Tauern

Shopping in Hohe Tauern is concentrated in valley towns and resort centres rather than large retail districts. Mittersill, Zell am See, Matrei in Osttirol, Heiligenblut and other established settlements combine practical outdoor shops with bakeries, delicatessens, independent retailers and stores selling regional food. Farmers’ products may include mountain cheese, cured meats, honey, herbal goods, spirits and seasonal preserves, although availability varies by village and time of year. Craft shops and galleries offer woodwork, woollen goods, ceramics, religious items and locally themed artwork, while mountain resorts provide equipment and clothing for hiking and winter sports. Weekly markets and farm shops are useful for buying provisions, but visitors should confirm trading days locally rather than assume a market operates every day. Souvenirs are often strongest when connected to the landscape—regional food, handmade objects or quality outdoor equipment—rather than generic alpine merchandise.

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Hohe Tauern essentials

Currency and Payment
Hohe Tauern uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Austria. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, transport offices and larger restaurants, but smaller alpine huts, rural cafés, parking machines or village businesses may prefer cash or have limited connectivity. Carry some euros for mountain excursions and keep a little change for lockers, local buses or unattended facilities. Austria’s national payment customs and banking arrangements apply throughout the region.
Safety
The principal risks are environmental rather than urban: rapidly changing weather, loose rock, snowfields, river crossings, exposure and route-finding errors. Choose walks suited to your fitness and equipment, allow more time than valley distances suggest and take particular care on wet or icy paths. Mountain bikes and cars should be used cautiously on steep roads, and livestock should not be approached. In winter, follow local avalanche information and use marked routes or professional guidance where appropriate. Ordinary precautions for belongings remain sensible in busy resorts and car parks.
Emergency Situations
Austria’s emergency numbers apply across Hohe Tauern: call 112 for the European emergency service, 133 for police, 122 for fire and 144 for ambulance. Mountain rescue can be reached on 140. Give rescuers your exact location, route, visible landmarks, number of people involved and the nature of the problem; a mobile signal is not guaranteed in remote valleys. In a serious alpine emergency, avoid moving an injured person unnecessarily unless there is immediate danger, and use an official emergency app or local rescue guidance where available.
Do's and Don'ts
Stay on marked paths where requested, respect grazing animals, close field gates and take litter away from the mountains. Keep dogs under control and observe national-park restrictions on wildlife, drones, fires and camping. Do not assume that a short-looking route is easy: gradients, altitude and weather can dramatically alter conditions. In villages and churches, dress and behave respectfully, and follow ordinary Austrian queueing and public-transport etiquette. Tipping in restaurants and cafés is customary when service has been provided, but it is not a substitute for checking the bill.
Local Tips
Plan around valleys rather than trying to cover the whole Hohe Tauern area from one base. National-park visitor centres and local mountain guides can clarify current trail conditions and suggest routes suited to the season. Early morning is often best for long walks, both for weather and for quieter paths. Village bakeries and inns are useful for provisions, while mountain huts may have limited menus and payment facilities. If visiting in late spring or autumn, confirm whether lifts, high roads, museums and huts are operating before committing to an itinerary.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGrüß Gott[Groos Got]
GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen[Owf Veederzehn]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNein[Nyn]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[Bitt-eh]
Thank youDanke[Dahn-kah]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[Ent-shool-dee-goong]
How are you?Wie geht's?[Vee gates?]
Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?[Gooot. Oond deer?]
Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?[Shprecken Zee English?]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[Ish fer-shtay-eh nikht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte[Ish het-teh gair-neh dee Shpy-ze-kahr-te, bitt-eh]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[Ish ess-eh kine Fly-sh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst!]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte[Ish merkh-teh beh-tsah-len, bitt-eh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![Hil-feh!]
Go away!Geh weg![Gay veg!]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![Roo-fen Zee dee Pohl-itzei!]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![Roo-fen Zee eye-nen Artst!]
I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen[Ish hab-eh mikh fer-lau-fen]
I'm illIch bin krank[Ish bin krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen[Ish merkh-teh ... kow-fen]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[Ish shau-eh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[Vee feel kost-et es?]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[Das ist tsoo toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?[Kern-en Zee den Pry-s senken?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[Vee shpayt ist es?]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[Es ist ine Oor]
Half past (10)Halb (10)[Halb (10)]
MorningMorgen[Mor-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[Nahkh-mit-tahg]
EveningAbend[Ah-bent]
YesterdayGestern[Ges-tern]
TodayHeute[Hoy-teh]
TomorrowMorgen[Mor-gen]
1Eins[Eyns]
2Zwei[Tsvy]
3Drei[Dry]
4Vier[Feer]
5Fünf[Fünf]
6Sechs[Zex]
7Sieben[Zee-ben]
8Acht[Acht]
9Neun[Noyn]
10Zehn[Tsen]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/eine...?[Vo ist ine/ineh...?]
What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?[Vas ist dee Ah-dres-seh?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?[Kern-en Zee meer (owf der Kar-teh) tsai-gen?]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[Vahn komt der nay-sht-eh (Boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ...)[Ine Ti-ket (nahkh ...)]

History of Hohe Tauern

Prehistoric settlement and alpine resources

People used the Hohe Tauern valleys and passes long before the modern tourist era. Archaeological evidence from the wider Alpine region shows prehistoric movement across mountain routes, together with the exploitation of timber, pasture, stone and mineral resources. Seasonal grazing gradually shaped the open alpine meadows that visitors now associate with the landscape. Although high summits were not settled permanently, valley communities developed practical knowledge of routes, weather and seasonal resources that supported life in a demanding environment.

Roman routes and mountain trade

The Roman presence in the eastern Alps strengthened connections between northern Italy, Noricum and the Danube provinces. Roads and passes around the Hohe Tauern supported the movement of people, goods and metals, building on earlier routes. The mountains were not an isolated frontier: valleys such as those in present-day Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia formed part of a wider network linking settlements and trading centres. Later routes often followed similar geographical corridors, even when the original Roman infrastructure disappeared.

Medieval churches, passes and mining

During the Middle Ages, ecclesiastical estates, local lordships and trading communities shaped the valleys. Churches and pilgrimage traditions became important cultural markers, while mountain passes connected settlements across the central Alps. Mining expanded at different times for minerals including gold, silver and copper. The gold-bearing areas of the Hohe Tauern became particularly significant, bringing specialist workers and wealth to communities that otherwise depended heavily on farming, forestry and livestock.

Gold mining and the alpine economy

Gold mining reached a notable peak in parts of the Hohe Tauern during the late medieval and early modern periods, especially around valleys in Salzburg and Carinthia. Workings were difficult to access and vulnerable to water, snow and unstable terrain, but the industry influenced local administration, trade and settlement. Mining declined as easily accessible deposits were exhausted and economic conditions changed. Its legacy survives in place names, tunnels, interpretive exhibitions and the broader cultural memory of the mountains as a source of both opportunity and danger.

Pastoral traditions and early mountaineering

For centuries, households combined valley farming with seasonal movement to alpine pastures. Hay meadows, wooden barns, cattle routes and dairy production remain visible expressions of this economy, although modern agriculture is more mechanised and diversified. From the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, scientific exploration and mountaineering brought new attention to the high peaks and glaciers. The first ascents and mapping expeditions gradually transformed the mountains from working terrain and feared wilderness into a destination for organised travel.

Roads, tourism and the national park

Improved roads, rail connections in surrounding valleys and the growth of alpine hotels accelerated tourism during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, opened in 1935, made spectacular high-mountain scenery accessible to visitors travelling by car. Conservation developed alongside tourism: the Hohe Tauern National Park was established in stages, beginning in Carinthia in 1981, followed by Salzburg and Tyrol. The resulting protected area aims to conserve glaciers, wildlife, forests and traditional cultural landscapes while accommodating carefully managed recreation.

Hohe Tauern in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Hohe Tauern, Austria

Discover the best of Hohe Tauern with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide that covers attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Planning a trip to Hohe Tauern, Austria? Evendo is your ultimate app-based travel guide that helps you explore and enjoy every corner of this magnificent region with ease. Download now!

  • Comprehensive history and travel essentials for Hohe Tauern
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Hohe Tauern, Austria, with Evendo, your comprehensive travel companion. From the majestic peaks of Großglockner to the serene beauty of Krimml Waterfalls, our app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, and activities.

Discover the rich history of Hohe Tauern with curated local tips and essential travel advice. Navigate effortlessly through the region with our easy-to-use maps and 'Near Me' feature. Whether you're looking for a cozy alpine hotel, a charming restaurant like Landgasthof Steiner, or thrilling tours and experiences, Evendo has you covered.

Our app also includes vibrant images, insightful descriptions, and contact details for each location, making it easy to plan and organize your trip. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for tickets and booking tours—Evendo lets you do it all in one place. And the best part? It's entirely free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Don't miss out on exploring iconic spots like the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, the picturesque village of Heiligenblut, and the exhilarating Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Download Evendo today and unlock the wonders of Hohe Tauern!

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