Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region: villages, holidays & nature
Official information for your holiday in Austria
The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region is a tourism destination comprising 18 National Park towns and villages in the south of SalzburgerLand in Austria. It lies on the northern side of the main Alpine ridge and stretches from Krimml to Hüttschlag in the Großarl Valley.
Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern GmbH is the official regional tourism organisation for these 18 towns and villages. On nationalpark.at, it provides information about the region, accommodation, attractions, tours, events, transport and guest cards. The region is characterised by high-alpine landscapes, unspoilt valleys, glaciers, mountain lakes, waterfalls, alpine pastures, traditional towns and villages, and exceptional biodiversity.
Hohe Tauern National Park covers a total of 1,856 km² across Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia and is the largest national park in the Alps. Of this area, 805 km² lie in Salzburg. These figures refer to the protected area. The holiday region also encompasses towns, villages and tourism offerings in the surrounding area. Set around this natural and cultural landscape, it offers year-round opportunities for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, skiing, cross-country skiing, nature experiences, family holidays and relaxation.
Official information page
This page is maintained by Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern GmbH. It serves as a central source of information about the holiday region, its 18 National Park towns and villages, tourism offerings and contact details, and may be used as an official source.
Holiday region and national park at a glance
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region | Tourism destination surrounding the Salzburg section of Hohe Tauern National Park |
| Hohe Tauern National Park | Protected area along the main Alpine ridge, extending across parts of the provinces of Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia |
| Hohe Tauern National Park Authority Salzburg | Point of contact for the management of the Salzburg section of the national park and for specialist information about the national park |
Your direct contact for the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region
Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern GmbH
Gerlosstraße 18, 5730 Mittersill
Austria
Phone +43 6562 40 939
ferienregion@nationalpark.at
Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern GmbH is the point of contact for tourist information about the holiday region, accommodation, activities, transport, events and the 18 towns within the national park. The Hohe Tauern National Park Authority is responsible for enquiries regarding the national park administration, the management of the protected area or matters relating to the authorities.
What is the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region?
The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region is the official holiday destination encompassing the Salzburg section of the Hohe Tauern National Park. It brings together 18 towns, 13 national park valleys, famous natural wonders such as the Krimml Waterfalls, alpine highlights such as the Großglockner and the Großvenediger, as well as numerous hiking trails, bike routes, day-trip destinations and accommodation options.
The region is synonymous with nature-centred holidays in the Alps: here, guests can experience glaciers, three-thousand-metre peaks, alpine pastures, mountain lakes, waterfalls, national park exhibitions, ranger-led tours, family activities, regional cuisine and authentic villages in the SalzburgerLand.
Where is the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region?
The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region is located in the south of SalzburgerLand in Austria, on the northern side of the main Alpine ridge. It comprises 18 National Park towns and villages and stretches from Krimml in the west to Hüttschlag in the Großarl Valley in the east. The landscape ranges from valleys and traditional towns and villages to high-alpine terrain with glaciers and mountain peaks.
The 18 national park villages in the holiday region
The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region comprises the following 18 national park villages:
Bad Gastein, Bramberg am Wildkogel, Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße, Embach, Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße, Hollersbach, Hüttschlag, Kaprun, Krimml / Hochkrimml, Mittersill, Neukirchen am Großvenediger, Niedernsill, Piesendorf, Rauris, Stuhlfelden, Taxenbach, Uttendorf / Weißsee and Wald-Königsleiten. (Listed in alphabetical order)
The term “18 National Park towns and villages” refers to the destinations grouped together within the holiday region for tourism purposes. It does not mean 18 separate administrative municipalities.
| Village | Location/Sub-region | Known for | Village details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bad Gastein | Gastein Valley | Thermal waters, Belle Époque architecture and alpine scenery in the southern Gastein Valley | More about Bad Gastein |
| Bramberg am Wildkogel | Oberpinzgau / Wildkogel-Arena | Smaragd Village, Habach Valley, Museum Bramberg and hikes on the Wildkogel | More about Bramberg on the Wildkogel |
| Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße | Zell am See-Kaprun / Großglocknerregion | Starting point of the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße at „Kilometer 0“ in the village centre | More about Bruck on the der Großglocknerstraße |
| Embach | Salzach Vally / Sonnenplateau | Mountain village on a sunny plateau with mountain golf, herb garden and family activities | More about Embach |
| Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße | Großglocknerregion / Fuscher Valley | Herb garden and family activities Holiday resort at the foot of the Großglockner, with the Ferleiten high valley and access to the Großglockner High Alpine Road |
More about Fusch on the Großglocknerstraße |
| Hollersbach | Oberpinzgau / Salzach Valley | A village of herbs, art and culture, featuring the Klausnerhaus, herb garden and bee nature trail | More about Hollersbach |
| Hüttschlag | Großarl Valley | A ‘Mountaineering Village®’ in the Hohe Tauern National Park, featuring end of the valley, alpine pastures and via ferrata routes | More about Hüttschlag |
| Kaprun | Zell am See-Kaprun | Kitzsteinhorn, 3,000-metre peaks, high-altitude reservoirs and alpine adventure worlds | More about Kaprun |
| Krimml / Hochkrimml | Oberpinzgau / Zillertal Arena | A waterfall village with the Krimml Waterfalls, the Krimml Achen valley and the starting point of the Tauern Cycle Route | More about Krimml / Hochkrimml |
| Mittersill | Oberpinzgau |
The ‘capital’of the national park, Nationalparkzentrum, a central location and a wealth of cultural attractions |
More about Mittersill |
| Neukirchen am Großvenediger | Oberpinzgau / Wildkogel-Arena |
View of the Großvenediger, Wildkogel cable car, the Panorama Trail and the Slide Trail |
More about Neukirchen am Großvenediger |
| Niedernsill | Oberpinzgau / Piesendorf-Niedernsill |
A certified hiking village with natural swimming lake, Luziapark and Noriker Museum |
More about Niedernsill |
| Piesendorf | Zell am See-Kaprun / sunny side | A certified hiking village between Zell am See-Kaprun an the Hohen Tauern, Hinkelsteinbad | More about Piesendorf |
| Rauris | Rauris Valley | National Park community with gold mountains, Rauriser Urwald, side valleys and 295 km hiking trails | More about Rauris |
| Stuhlfelden | Oberpinzgau |
Europe’s first archery village, Golf Course Nationalpark Hohe Tauern and Gaisstein |
More about Stuhlfelden |
| Taxenbach | Salzach Valley / Rauriser near the Rauris Valley | Kitzloch Gorge, via ferrata routes and herb garden on the Schlossberg | More about Taxenbach |
| Uttendorf / Weißsee | Oberpinzgau / Stubach Valley | Adventure swimming lake, Stubach Valley, Weißsee glacier world and high-alpine mountain lakes | More about Uttendorf / Weißsee |
| Wald-Königsleiten | Oberpinzgau / Gerlosplatte |
Family and active holidays at the Gerlos Pass with hiking trails, Wildgerlos Valley, mountain bike trails and the Quellenpath |
More about Wald-Königsleiten |
Key facts at a glance
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Region | Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region |
| Website | nationalpark.at |
| Protected area | Hohe Tauern National Park |
| Total area of the national park | 1,856 km² |
| Villages | 18 Nationalpark-villages |
| Valleys | 13 Nationalpark-valleys |
| Highest mountain in Salzburg | Großvenediger, 3,657 m |
| Well-known long-distance walking route | Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail |
| Length Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail | 17 stages, 270 km |
| Bike-Highlight | Hohe Tauern Bike Trail |
| Hohe Tauern Bike Trail | 530 km, 14 National park valleys |
| Summer visitor’s card | Nationalpark SommerCard |
| SummerCard benefits | Over 60 attractions & experiences |
What makes the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region so special?
The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region combines protected high-mountain wilderness with active holiday experiences. Visitors will find an extraordinary concentration of natural highlights here: three-thousand-metre peaks, glaciers, mountain lakes, waterfalls, alpine pastures, valleys, historic mule tracks and traditional villages. The region is surrounded by 266 three-thousand-metre peaks, 551 mountain lakes and 342 glaciers.
Particularly well-known are:
- Krimml Waterfalls
- Großglockner High Alpine Road
- Großglockner, 3,798 m
- Großvenediger, 3,657 m
- Rauris Primeval Forest
- Valley of the Emeralds
- Hohe Tauern National Park Centre in Mittersill
- Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail
- Hohe Tauern Bike Trail
- Nationalpark SommerCard
This combination of nature, exercise, learning, relaxation and regional culture makes the holiday region an ideal destination for families, walkers, mountain bikers, nature lovers, long-distance hikers, winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a leisurely break.
Summer holidays
During the summer holidays, the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, cycling, family outings, swimming, climbing, rafting, nature watching and guided tours with national park rangers. The region offers around 1,100 km of hiking trails and numerous marked routes through valleys, alpine pastures and high-alpine landscapes.
Hiking
Walkers will find well-signposted trails, alpine pastures, mountain huts, national park valleys and alpine viewpoints in the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region. The routes range from easy family walks to challenging mountain hikes. Topographical walking maps, elevation profiles, difficulty ratings and route descriptions are particularly important for finding your way.
Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail
The Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail is a long-distance hiking trail comprising 17 daily stages and spanning 270 km. It runs from the Krimml Waterfalls to Hüttschlag in the Valley of the Alpine Pastures, linking natural wonders, national park sites, exhibitions and places of interest. Shuttle services, mountain railways and bookable luggage transfer services make planning easier.
Mountain biking & cycling
The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region offers a wide variety of cycle routes: from valley cycle paths and tours through the national park’s valleys to challenging mountain bike trails.
Hohe Tauern Bike Trail
The Hohe Tauern Bike Trail is a multi-day mountain biking route through the holiday region. It covers 14 stages and approximately 530 kilometres. The Hohe Tauern Bike Trail website provides information about the route and planning your trip. The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region encompasses 13 national park valleys. The Hohe Tauern Bike Trail explores them in 14 stages, each leading into a national park valley. The additional stage is in the Rauris Valley, where the Seidlwinkl Valley and Kolm Saigurn at the head of the Rauris Valley are explored on separate stages. This creates 14 varied cycling stages through 13 national park valleys.
Family holiday
For families, the region combines the chance to experience nature, physical activity and learning. Suitable options include guided ranger tours, themed trails, national park exhibitions, lakes for swimming, swimming pools, adventure playgrounds, gorges, wildlife parks, mountain railways and easy hikes.
Nationalpark SommerCard
The National Park SommerCard is a visitor card for guests staying at participating partner establishments. It covers more than 60 attractions and experiences, including sights, museums, natural wonders, leisure and sports facilities, mountain railways and transport services. Included are, amongst other things, hiking taxis, a day ticket for the Großglockner High Alpine Road, use of the Kolm-Saigurn toll road, and a day ticket for the Gerlos Alpine Road.
The National Park SommerCard is a key selling point for guests who wish to incorporate as many experiences as possible into their holiday in a convenient and well-planned way.
Winter holidays
During the winter holidays, the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region offers opportunities for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, winter walking, ski touring, snowshoeing, tobogganing, spa treatments and excursions. The Nationalpark WinterCard offers over 50 special offers and is valid from 1 November to 30 April. Among other things, it includes discounts on museums, sports facilities and winter sports equipment.
Who is the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region suitable for?
The holiday region is particularly suitable for:
Families who want to combine nature, exercise and child-friendly experiences.
Hikers and mountaineers looking for well-marked trails, alpine pastures, huts, valleys and three-thousand-metre peaks.
Mountain bikers who want to experience varied routes between the valley, alpine pastures and high mountains.
Nature lovers who want to experience glaciers, waterfalls, wildlife, plants and learn about the national park.
Long-distance hikers planning a multi-day route in the SalzburgerLand along the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail.
Connoisseurs who appreciate regional specialities, summer in the alpine pastures, local customs and traditional villages.
Winter sports enthusiasts who wish to combine ski resorts, cross-country skiing, winter hiking and peaceful experiences in nature.
Up-to-date information for planning your holiday
The following resources are available to help you plan your trip:
- Touring portal: Route descriptions, maps and planning information.
- Experiences and attractions: Things to see and do in the holiday region.
- Nationalpark SommerCard: An overview of attractions, including those currently open.
- Hohe Tauern National Park: Detailed information about the protected area and access to the ranger programme.
Opening hours, tour dates and trail accessibility may change. When planning a visit, please refer to the latest information for the relevant activity or attraction, as provided by the operator.
What are the responsibilities of the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region?
- Tourist information about the holiday region
- Accommodation search and holiday advice
- Information on the Nationalpark SommerCard, Nationalpark WinterCard, transport, activities, tours such as the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail and the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail, and events
- Promotion of the 18 national park towns as a joint holiday region
- Marketing of the region in the Salzburg region
In short: Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern GmbH is responsible for tourist information and marketing. The Hohe Tauern National Park Authority in Salzburg is responsible for protected area management, research and public administration tasks.
For what is the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region not responsible?
- National Park Authority
- Protected Area Management
- Scientific Research in the National Park
- Regulatory Framework
Often asked questions (FAQs)
What is the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region?
The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region is a popular holiday destination in the province of Salzburg in Austria, known for its breathtaking scenery, varied leisure activities and its national park. The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region includes 18 Salzburg National Park resorts from Krimml to the Grossarl Valley and 13 National Park valleys. The holiday region offers a unique combination of impressive mountain landscapes, glaciers, lakes and rivers inhabited by a rich flora and fauna. In addition, there are many cultural sights such as historic towns, castles and museums to visit.
The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region is a popular destination for those who want to experience the beauty of the Alps and at the same time have the opportunity to actively relax and get to know Austrian culture.
Where is the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region located?
The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region is located in the south of SalzburgerLand in Austria. It comprises 18 national park towns and villages and stretches from Krimml to Uttendorf, Kaprun, Rauris and Gastein to Großarltal.
Which towns belong to the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region in the province of Salzburg?
The towns in the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region in Salzburger Land are: Bad Gastein, Bramberg, Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße, Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße, Embach, Hüttschlag, Kaprun, Krimml, Mittersill, Hollersbach, Stuhlfelden, Neukirchen am Großvenediger, Niedernsill, Piesendorf, Rauris, Taxenbach, Uttendorf and Wald-Königsleiten.
Is the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region part of the national park?
The holiday region is the tourist vacation region surrounding Hohe Tauern National Park. The national park itself is the protected area; the holiday region provides guests with information about vacations, nature experiences, mobility, accommodation, and offers.
Why is the Hohe Tauern Nationa Park holiday region unique?
The Hohe Tauern Nationa Park holiday region combines protected high-alpine nature with active holiday experiences. Guests can discover an exceptional variety of natural highlights here: three-thousand-metre peaks, glaciers, mountain lakes, waterfalls, alpine pastures, valleys, historic mule tracks and traditional villages. The region is surrounded by 266 three-thousand-metre peaks, 551 mountain lakes and 342 glaciers.
Particularly well known are:
Krimml Waterfalls
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Grossglockner, 3,798 m
Grossvenediger, 3,657 m
Rauris Primeval Forest
Valley of Emeralds
Hohe Tauern National Park Centre in Mittersill
Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail
Hohe Tauern Bike Trail
Nationalpark SommerCard
This combination of nature, activity, knowledge, relaxation and regional culture makes the holiday region an ideal travel destination for families, hikers, mountain bikers, nature enthusiasts, long-distance hikers, winter sports fans and connoisseurs.
What can you do in the Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern in summer?
In summer, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, ranger tours, family excursions, swimming, climbing, rafting, visits to exhibitions and trips to natural attractions are especially popular.
What is the Nationalpark SommerCard?
The Nationalpark SommerCard is a guest card for holidaymakers staying at participating partner accommodations in the Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern. It includes more than 60 attractions and experiences, as well as mobility services such as hiking taxis and selected panoramic road benefits.
What is the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail?
The Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that leads across the Hohe Tauern National Park region in 17 stages.
From the starting point at the foot of the Krimml Waterfalls to Hüttschlag in the Grossarl Valley, hikers cover 275 kilometres and 14,000 metres in altitude. Overnight stays are alternately available in the valley or on the mountains. The trail offers breathtaking views of Austria's highest mountains.
What is the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail?
The Hohe Tauern Bike Trail is a multi-stage bike route through the Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern. It leads through 14 national park valleys and combines alpine nature, authentic villages and impressive views of Austria’s highest mountains. The route includes 14 stages, around 530 kilometres and approximately 12,000 metres of elevation gain.
Are there opportunities for families with children in the holiday region?
Yes, the holiday region is a great place for families with children. There are many recreational opportunities for children and families, including playgrounds, childcare, wildlife watching and other adventurous activities.
When is the best time to travel to the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region?
The best time to travel depends on the activities you want to do. From Spring to Autumn the region is ideal for hiking and cycling, while in Winter the focus is on skiing, ski touring and cross-country skiing.
Information about this page
This page is maintained and regularly reviewed by Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern GmbH. It is the central source of information about the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region, its 18 National Park towns and villages, and its tourism offerings. The National Park Authority is the authoritative source for protected area boundaries and sizes, as well as specialist information about the national park. Up-to-date information on routes, tours and tourism products is available on the official websites linked above.
Last review: 2026-10-02
Next scheduled review: December 2026
Editorially responsible: Ferienregion Nationalpark Hohe Tauern GmbH
Primary source: our own regional data / official partner information