National and Nature Parks in Austria
Protected area for hikes and animal encounters
Introduction
Austria is one of Europe's greenest countries. Almost half of its land area is covered by forests, shaped by species-rich deciduous and mixed woodlands. These landscapes are home to a remarkably diverse range of wildlife and plant life. Around one third of Austria consists of protected natural landscapes and near-natural cultural landscapes that help safeguard biodiversity. In addition, around a quarter of the country's territory is protected by law, with some overlap between these areas.
The effort behind this is considerable, but the aim is clear: to preserve unique landscapes, protect sensitive habitats and biodiversity, and at the same time create space for recreation. Protected areas not only safeguard ecological diversity, but also preserve the places where nature holidays, hiking and quiet wildlife watching are possible.
In the national parks, protecting natural ecosystems is the highest priority. Here, nature can develop largely undisturbed, in line with strict international criteria. Nature parks, by contrast, combine conservation with sustainable use: cultural landscapes shaped over centuries remain alive and accessible. Biosphere parks are model regions within UNESCO's programme. They show how conservation, regional development and human life can work in harmony. And in Austria's few wilderness areas, nature is left entirely to itself - a rare refuge for endangered animal and plant species.
Discover protected nature in Austria
There are 47 nature parks across eight provinces in Austria. Together they cover more than 6,000 km² and include over 200 nature park municipalities with around 760,000 residents. Each nature park has its own distinctive landscape and cultural character.
Austria's national parks
Austria's national parks protect valuable natural landscapes across 2,395 km² – around 3% of the country's total land area.
Hohe Tauern National Park
The Hohe Tauern National Park spans regions in Tirol, Carinthia, and the SalzburgerLand. This unique natural world is crisscrossed with numerous hiking trails - offering around 4,300 kilometres / 2,672 miles of alpine paths. Mountain huts and snack stations provide convenient stops for extended tours.
The region is perfect for experiences that open your eyes and heart to the beauty of nature:
How do you become a national park ranger?
They say people excel at what they love doing. Hermann Jansesberger, one of over 200 rangers in the Kalkalpen national park, is a prime example of this. Hermann is a true “nature enthusiast.” He knows every moss by name and can vividly recount the ancient history of any rock. Every beetle he encounters is worth a pause. So, how does one become a national park ranger?
A love for nature and enjoyment of working with people are essential for anyone looking to become a ranger. The roles vary from park to park but generally include guiding visitors and school groups, maintaining and monitoring educational trails and observation huts, giving talks, overseeing the area, and carrying out monitoring tasks.
“When I’m birdwatching at Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park, I feel like I have arrived. Everything’s so quiet, and all I hear and see is nature’s fantastic spectacle.”
Elena Turac, Ranger at Burgenland's Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park
Austria's biosphere reserves
Austria's four UNESCO biosphere parks cover around 2,872 km² in total – model regions where people and nature coexist in balance.
Austria's nature parks
Why does nature feel so restorative?
Nature’s feel-good package is simple yet powerful, benefiting both body and mind with fresh air, warm sunshine, vibrant forests, meadows, and natural light.
Our senses come alive in meadows full of diverse flowers and rich biodiversity. The more variety, the better we feel. Nature also grounds us - sitting at a desk doesn’t fully engage our senses or soul. Humans are made for nature, not computers. The best place to recharge is in the mountains or ancient forests, as we are naturally attuned to thrive in these surroundings.
Why is biodiversity so important for climate protection?
An intact ecosystem is home to countless species of microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals. All these creatures and the environment they live in need each other and are intricately balanced. As ecosystems in their own right, they make a significant contribution to a functioning climate and provide fresh air and clean water. A healthy forest, for example, filters the greenhouse gas CO₂ from the air. Biodiversity is therefore vital for humans, animals and plants.
If the balance and interaction of organisms is disturbed by external influences, the intact biosphere begins to falter. However, a stable climate requires a healthy flora and fauna. Austria and its regions are aware of their responsibility and are taking numerous measures to preserve and protect precious natural habitats and strengthen biodiversity.