Hohe Tauern National Park: Austria's Alpine Treasure

• HelloServus
  [sair-voos]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [ouf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bi-te]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee geht es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und du?
  [goot oont doo]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch würde gerne die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [ikh vur-deh gehr-neh dee shpy-zuh-kahr-teh zay-en, bi-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-se kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [ikh mehrk-teh bi-teh beh-tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-buh mikh feh-rirt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh mehrk-teh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh show-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kohs-tet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kur-nen zee den prees zehn-ken]

• 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 zehn
  [halb tsehn]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-stern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [ines]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [fuenf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [akht]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsehn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist ine/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kur-nen zee meer tsey-gen (ouf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr neh-khs-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

The Hohe Tauern region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological findings indicate the presence of early human settlements dating back to the Neolithic period. Evidence of early mining activities suggests that the area's rich mineral resources were exploited by ancient peoples, laying the groundwork for the region's cultural and economic development.

During the Roman Empire, the Hohe Tauern area was an important transit region. The Romans established trade routes that traversed the Alps, facilitating the exchange of goods between northern and southern Europe. The region's strategic significance is evidenced by the remnants of Roman roads and fortifications, which highlight its role in connecting diverse cultures and economies.

The medieval period saw a significant boom in mining activities within the Hohe Tauern region. The discovery of rich deposits of gold, silver, and other valuable minerals attracted miners and settlers. Towns such as Rauris and Gastein flourished as mining centers, contributing to the economic prosperity of the region. The legacy of this mining heritage is still visible in the form of old mines, historic buildings, and local traditions.

Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria's first national park, was officially established in 1981. The creation of the park was a result of concerted efforts by conservationists, local communities, and government authorities to protect the unique alpine ecosystem and cultural heritage of the region. Encompassing over 1,800 square kilometers, the park is a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna, as well as a living museum of the area's historical and cultural evolution.

The Hohe Tauern region is rich in cultural traditions and festivals that reflect its historical heritage. Events such as the Almabtrieb, where cattle are herded down from the mountain pastures in autumn, and local folk festivals celebrate the agricultural and pastoral lifestyle that has shaped the community for centuries. These cultural practices are an integral part of the region's identity, offering visitors a glimpse into the enduring customs of the alpine inhabitants.

Hohe Tauern National Park is located in the Austrian Alps, spanning the federal states of Carinthia, Salzburg, and Tyrol. The nearest major international airport is Salzburg Airport (SZG), approximately 100 kilometers away. From Salzburg, you can rent a car, take a bus, or use a train to reach various entry points of the park. Public transportation options include trains operated by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) to towns such as Zell am See or Lienz, which are close to the park.

Within Hohe Tauern National Park, the most convenient way to get around is by car, which allows you to explore remote areas at your own pace. However, public transportation is also available and efficient. Regional buses connect various parts of the park, and there are special hiking buses during peak seasons. Biking is another popular way to explore the park, with numerous well-maintained trails available.

Austria uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller villages and remote areas within the park. ATMs are available in towns surrounding the park, but it’s wise to withdraw sufficient cash before setting off on longer hikes or excursions.

Hohe Tauern National Park is generally very safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, but it's always good to take standard precautions. Store valuables securely and be cautious of your surroundings in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas within the park targeting tourists. Always follow park guidelines and safety instructions, especially regarding wildlife and natural hazards.

In case of an emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for immediate assistance. The park has several ranger stations equipped to handle emergencies, and local hospitals are available in nearby towns such as Zell am See and Lienz. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and outdoor activities. For minor health issues, pharmacies are located in nearby towns.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Avoid wearing overly flashy or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect the local customs and traditions, especially if visiting churches or religious sites. Dress modestly and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be punctual. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüß Gott' (God bless) or a simple 'Hallo'. A firm handshake is also customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Kaiserschmarrn and Apfelstrudel. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Hohe Tauern National Park like a local, visit local farmers' markets to buy fresh produce and regional products. Engage with park rangers and local guides who can provide valuable insights and hidden gems. Don't miss the chance to visit Krimml Waterfalls, the highest in Austria, and Grossglockner High Alpine Road for spectacular views. For a unique experience, join a guided wildlife tour to see marmots, ibexes, and golden eagles in their natural habitat.