Austria's strictly protected national parks and biosphere reserves offer visitors the chance to discover nature in its original, untouched state and experience its scenic beauty first hand. Those who know and appreciate the ecological value of the landscapes will also take care of them after all - and preserving nature means protecting our climate!
Austria is a stunning green country: Almost half of it is surface is covered in trees, more and more of them characteristic hardwood and mixed forests, providing perfect conditions for a thriving flora and fauna. To preserve the natural regions, Austria has put about 48% of its area under special protection. A great deal of effort is required to preserve Austria's unique landscape, its biodiversity and ultimately its recreational habitats for us humans. After all, committing to nature conservation means successfully protecting our climate!
The ecological diversity of Austria's six national parks is impressive: vast steppes, wildly growing primeval and riparian forests, gentle valley landscapes, rugged limestone mountains and glaciers covered in ice. Each national park has its very own characteristics and role in the world of plans and animals.
Austria’s oldest and biggest National Park is known for its biodiversity: 50% of all animal species in the country (15,000 in total) can be found here, including golden eagles, chamois, and marmots. It is split into a core zone (1,213 km2 / 299.738,8 ac) and a larger outer zone (643 km2 / 158.889 ac) and stretches over three provinces.
The area’s rich, beautiful landscapes include Weißsee Glacier World, Pasterze glacier (Austria’s biggest glacier, where you’ll catch an icy breeze even at the height of the summer), and Europe’s highest waterfalls, the Krimml falls.
Learn more about the Hohe Tauern National Park
Feel the cool spray on your face: Crashing down over 385 metres (1,263 ft) in cascades, these are Europe’s highest waterfalls.
Usually shy, some of these large rodents have gotten used to people and can be spotted at the Hohe Tauern National Park. Listen for their distinctive whistle which is used to warn others of impending danger.
The area's snowy 3,000-metre (9,843 ft) peaks and deep blue Alpine lakes make for a great day trip.
One of Austria’s most iconic animals, the chamois is found on sheer mountain peaks 1,000 – 3,500 m (3,281 – 11,483 ft) above sea level.
Wildlife watching, discovering ferns and moss, learning about local insects: A ranger-led hike gives insight into the unique flora and fauna of the Alps’ biggest nature reserve. From exploring Vulture Valley to snowshoe hiking, the expert tours allow visitors to take a deep dive into the region.
Located at the northern edge of the Alps, Kalkalpen (literally: Limestone Alps) National Park is known for its wild forests and crystal-clear mountain streams which are home to rare animal and plant species.
Exploring the area on bike is a treat – and hikers will find hundreds of kilometres of trails.
Park rangers can take you on guided hikes to explore the wilderness a little further.
“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.”
In UNESCO biosphere parks, environmental protection is the top priority. At the same time, us humans use them for agriculture as well as for sport and recreation. And yet the ecosystems are doing just fine.
Nature is used in a variety of ways in nature parks as cultural landscapes - mainly for agriculture and as recreational areas. Careful attention is paid to protecting and maintaining the biological balance and biodiversity. Here are some examples:
Three years ago, Andrea Fürstaller lost her leg in an accident. How she learnt to live with it – and how we can boost our resilience in difficult situations.
The mountains fascinate us – not least because of their unpredictability. Join us on a hike that led from Innsbruck through part of the Karwendel mountain range and ended quite differently than planned.
Get ready for variety: from birdwatching experiences by small salt lakes to water walks through the city or tours for the toughest with adrenaline guaranteed.
Hiking is a great and memorable family holiday activity. Need suggestions? Check out our favourite kid-friendly trails.
