Picturesque places

Eight kilometres further into the valley from Großarl lies the idyllic mountaineering village of Hüttschlag. Here, you can still find the peace and tranquillity that make this place truly special. Locals and guests live in harmony with nature.
The view from the village centre of the opposite Hüttschlag Wall is particularly impressive. Rising 160 metres high, it attracts sporty climbers with its three via ferratas. All around, as in Großarl, numerous serviced alpine huts invite visitors to go hiking and mountain biking.
Seven kilometres further into the valley, the road comes to an end. This is also where the valley museum with the interactive exhibition “On the Alm” is located. From here, you can only continue under your own power – on foot or by mountain bike. Here, where the world seems to end, the adventure of nature truly begins. In Hohe Tauern National Park. With roaring waterfalls, quiet mountain lakes, alpine primeval forests, flower-covered alpine meadows and peaks as far as the eye can see.

The Großarltal valley, located about an hour’s drive south of the city of Mozart, Salzburg, stretches for thirty kilometres and is also known as the “Valley of Alpine Pastures” thanks to its many serviced mountain huts. The journey into the valley itself is already spectacular. High above the world-famous Liechtenstein Gorge, the road winds along the rock face into the Hohe Tauern mountains.
Around the middle of the valley lies the main village of Großarl, offering numerous first-class hotels, apartments and guesthouses, as well as cosy farm stays. It is surrounded by around 40 serviced alpine huts, countless hiking trails and mountain bike routes.
The cable cars in Großarl also operate during summer and offer a wide range of attractions for the whole family, such as adventure playgrounds around the reservoir lakes, mountain carts, bike trails and more. Down in the valley, a spacious leisure centre awaits with an adventure pool, tennis courts, mini golf, a skate park, beach volleyball and “Rucki Zucki’s Gaudialm”, Salzburg’s largest alpine playground.

Bad Gastein, the southernmost village in the Gastein Valley, combines alpine nature, historic architecture and a modern lifestyle in a compact setting. Belle Époque buildings shape the townscape and recall its past as the “Monte Carlo of the Alps.” As a stage destination near Hohe Tauern National Park, Bad Gastein enhances the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail experience with cultural and wellness offerings.

Tip: The thermal waters of the Felsentherme Bad Gastein provide soothing relaxation after an active day in the mountains.

Image (c) Gasteinertal Tourismus GmbH, Marktl Photography

Located on a sunny plateau in Hohe Tauern National Park, the mountain village of Embach is a peaceful and restful stage stop along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail. Thanks to its central location, Embach is an ideal starting point for hikes and excursions into the surrounding mountains. But Embach is more than just a holiday destination – this is where the Embach feeling begins. Surrounded by alpine meadows and quiet forests, you’ll rediscover what has become rare today: peace, nature and genuine hospitality.
Special experiences make your stay truly unique: a mountain golf hiking trail for the whole family, a herb garden and biodiversity garden, bread baking and pottery workshops, as well as family yoga, forest bathing and much more.
Whether you are seeking relaxation, travelling with family or looking for outdoor activities – in this mountain village, you can simply be.

In the Rauris Valley, the full diversity of Hohe Tauern National Park comes to life: striking three-thousand-metre peaks of the Goldberg Group, glaciers, alpine pastures, pristine forests and numerous waterways shape the landscape. As the largest municipality in the national park, the 30-kilometre-long valley with its five side valleys forms a vast natural area and an impressive section along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail.
With 295 kilometres of hiking trails, including numerous themed routes, families and active travellers can explore the region in a variety of ways. Guided tours with National Park rangers lead, among other places, through the “Rauris Primeval Forest” in Kolm Saigurn – an award-winning educational trail featuring moor landscapes, ancient spruce stands and unique insights into the protected area.
Tip: The Sonnblickbad Rauris offers relaxation after an active stage.

Taxenbach is known for the Kitzloch Gorge – one of the most impressive gorges in the region. Roaring waters, rugged rock faces, idyllic coves, a historic hermitage and the “Klammauge” viewing platform make a visit a truly special nature experience. A spectacular bridge offers additional perspectives. For experienced climbers, three challenging via ferratas provide sporty adventures.
Another excursion highlight is the balancing and low ropes course, as well as the herb world on Schlossberg with its herb spiral, barefoot trail and Kneipp basin.

Situated between the Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, and Lake Zell, the villages of Bruck and Fusch offer an ideal setting. Thanks to their central location and family-run accommodations, they are perfect stage stops along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail. Their proximity to the Großglockner High Alpine Road, Hohe Tauern National Park and numerous themed trails provides a wide range of opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers. Variety is ensured by attractions such as the Ferleiten Wildlife and Adventure Park, archery and adventure mini golf.
Kneipp facilities in both villages offer relaxation after active hours. In the former climatic health resort of Bad Fusch, the day can be rounded off with a traditional regional snack platter – surrounded by alpine scenery and impressive panoramas.

Glacier, mountain and lake come together in Zell am See-Kaprun to form a diverse year-round destination on the edge of Hohe Tauern National Park. As a stage stop along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail, the region offers ideal infrastructure for athletes, active travellers and families.
In summer, key highlights include Salzburg’s highest excursion destination, TOP OF SALZBURG at the Kitzsteinhorn, the family areas of Schmittenhöhe and Maiskogel, Lake Zell and the 36-hole golf course. In winter, guests benefit from the Ski ALPIN CARD ski network with a total of 408 kilometres of slopes, including glacier skiing and connections to the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. Events and regional specialities invite visitors to experience and enjoy the region.
Tip: Both scenically impressive and technically fascinating – the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs at around 2,040 metres above sea level are a remarkable excursion destination.

Piesendorf is located on the sunny side between Zell am See and Kaprun and is certified as an “Austrian Hiking Village”. Situated directly along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail, the village offers a wide range of opportunities for bike and hiking tours, from the Kitzbühel Alps to Hohe Tauern National Park.
Along the route, several rest areas invite you to take a relaxing break while enjoying wide views of the surrounding mountains. On warm summer days, the Hinkelsteinbad, set in a natural environment, provides a refreshing way to cool off.
A detour to the Naglköpfl leads to a scenic viewpoint with sweeping views over the region and offers fresh mountain air for an active break. The area was once a settlement of the Celts and is still considered a special place of energy today.

Niedernsill, certified by “Austria’s Hiking Villages,” is located along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail and enhances the route with a wide range of nature and leisure experiences. Adventure hiking in three dimensions, along with varied cycling and mountain biking routes, offers ideal opportunities for active holiday days.
Lake Luziapark invites you to take a refreshing break. Spacious sunbathing lawns, a Kneipp area and additional facilities provide relaxation and new energy for the next kilometres. Right next door lies the Luzialacke European protected area, home to a rich variety of protected flora and fauna and offering peaceful moments in nature.
Cultural insights are provided by the modern Noriker Museum, which explores the natural and cultural history of horses and people in Hohe Tauern National Park.

Uttendorf/Weißsee is nestled in an alpine mountain landscape and is a diverse stage destination along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail. Hikers and mountain bikers benefit from a wide range of tours at different altitudes – from leisurely valley routes to challenging alpine tours. A special highlight is the adventure bathing lake with 50,000 m² of water surface, a water slide, a children’s area with playground, as well as sports facilities for tennis, padel tennis, football and volleyball. The prehistoric Celtic village at Stoanabichl offers fascinating insights into thousands of years of history and can also be reached via the butterfly educational trail.
The inner Stubach Valley, part of Hohe Tauern National Park, impresses with pristine mountain lakes and alpine landscapes. The Weißsee Glacier World also opens up a high-alpine adventure area with via ferratas and tour options of varying difficulty levels.
Tip: From May to October, guided tours with an audio guide are regularly offered in the Celtic village – the experience is included with the Nationalpark SommerCard.

Stuhlfelden is located at the foot of the Gaisstein (2,363 m), the highest peak of the Pinzgau Grass Mountains. The fact that the summit cross actually already stands in Tyrol is simply treated as a not-so-well-kept secret. As Europe’s first archery village, Stuhlfelden has been attracting archers from all over the world since 2003.
The National Park Hohe Tauern golf course provides variety in summer. Precision is just as important here as in archery – but instead of aiming through forests and trees, you play with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Stuhlfelden is known not only for archery but also for its pilgrimage church Maria am Stein in the village centre. On hot days, the local outdoor swimming pool offers a refreshing break.
Tips: Visit the pilgrimage church Maria Himmelfahrt (Maria am Stein) in the centre. Alpine natural cuisine awaits you at the Rauchkuchl, hosted by Tobias Bacher.

Mittersill stands out for its central location along the Salzach River between Pass Thurn and the Felbertauern and is now the economic and educational centre of the Upper Pinzgau. As a stage stop along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail, the town combines alpine nature with urban infrastructure.
At the Hohe Tauern National Park Centre, visitors gain fascinating insights into the relationships between people, animals and nature (free admission with the Nationalpark SommerCard). Culture enthusiasts can explore three notable churches as well as the Felberturm Museum, which offers insights into the history of mule trading. At the same time, the charming old town with its shops, restaurants and cafés invites visitors to linger.
Tips: The National Park Centre and the Felberturm Museum are key highlights. On warm days, the outdoor swimming pool near the sports grounds offers a refreshing break. Regional fish specialities and house-brewed beer are served at Hotel Bräurup.

Hollersbach in the Salzach Valley owes its name to the elderberry bushes at the entrance to the valley. Today, the village is known as a herb, art and cultural village and is a charming stop along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail. Its history dates back to the 12th century, which is reflected in the historic village centre – especially in the listed Klausnerhaus, now used for events, seminars and cooking courses.
Right behind it lies the Hollersbach Herb Garden with around 500 plants. Guided tours as well as a shop offering teas, soaps and herbal salts make a visit particularly worthwhile. In addition, the bee educational trail on the Hollersbach Sonnberg provides interesting insights into beekeeping.
Tips: Lake Hollersbach offers relaxation after a bike stage. At the Scharlern farm shop, with its own dairy and two cheese cellars, you can discover regional specialities.

At 819 metres above sea level, Bramberg am Wildkogel is an attractive destination along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail. The well-kept village centre, with its traditional farmhouses and idyllic hamlets, characterises this “emerald village.” Nearby, the Habach Valley is home to Europe’s unique emerald mining site, attracting numerous mineral enthusiasts every year. In summer, weekly mineral excursions into the Habach Valley take place. Additional events for collectors are organised after Easter and on 15 August. Throughout the year, the Bramberg Museum presents the region’s treasures in the National Park exhibition “Emeralds & Crystals” (free admission with the Nationalpark SommerCard). The Wildkogel high-altitude hiking area at over 2,100 metres can be easily reached with the Smaragdbahn from Bramberg (included with theNationalpark SommerCard). Hikers enjoy views of numerous 3,000-metre peaks in Hohe Tauern National Park, along with regional hospitality in accommodations of all categories – most of which are partners of the Nationalpark SommerCard.
Tip: The mountain cart track from the top station to the middle station of the Smaragdbahn offers a fast-paced experience.

At 856 metres above sea level, right in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, lies the market town of Neukirchen am Großvenediger – an ideal stage stop along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail for nature and mountain lovers. The view extends to Austria’s highest peaks, above all the Großvenediger (3,657 m), the highest mountain in the province of Salzburg.
The Wildkogel, with its varied high-altitude hiking area at over 2,100 metres, is considered one of the most scenic panoramic mountains in the region. From Neukirchen, guests can easily reach 2,100 metres with the Wildkogelbahn (included with the Nationalpark SommerCard).
The slide trail with ten stainless steel slides (27–53 m in length) and the new Adler Toni Trail with its interactive stations offer plenty of variety while hiking. The range of accommodations extends from family-run guesthouses to comfortable hotels – most of them are partners of the Nationalpark SommerCard.
Tip: The Tauriska Kammerlanderstall and the Cinétheatro offer a diverse programme of exhibitions, theatre and readings.

The National Park municipality of Wald im Pinzgau is located at the foot of the Gerlos Pass, while the alpine village of Königsleiten lies right on the Tyrolean border – both in an ideal position along the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail.
More than 200 kilometres of marked hiking trails and numerous mountain bike routes make the region an attractive destination for active travellers. As a mobility-focused community, Wald/Königsleiten provides guests with e-bikes for sustainable exploration of the alpine landscape.
Guided mountain tours offer immersive nature experiences, while a special highlight for the whole family is the yodel hiking trail, where visitors can learn traditional yodelling. The spring trail into the Salzach Valley, leading to the source of the Salzach River, shares fascinating insights about water through interactive stations. At the traditional open-air concert with farmers’ market, visitors can enjoy regional music, Pinzgau specialities and a varied children’s programme.

The landmark of the National Park municipality of Krimml is the Krimml Waterfalls – the largest waterfalls in Europe.

Krimml is not only the final stage of the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail and the starting point of the over 330-kilometre Tauern Cycle Path, but also offers a wide range of additional nature and leisure experiences. There is plenty to see and discover. Shaped by the element of water, visitors can explore the WasserWelten Krimml, the Krimml Festival Park with its impressive water organ, the Leitenkammer Gorge and the wild and romantic Krimml Achental with its beautiful alpine pastures and mountain huts – each offering a truly special experience. An extensive network of trails at all elevations guarantees wonderful hiking and biking tours of all difficulty levels. Young and old alike can enjoy fun and excitement at the village market or the FallKino, at the numerous cultural and musical events, or through sports activities at the amusement park.
Don’t miss: The Water Festival in the Festival Park takes place several times a day.