Krimml Waterfalls
Feel the cool spray on your face: Crashing down over 385 metres (1,263 ft) in cascades, these are Europe’s highest waterfalls.
Nationalpark Hohe Tauern - Krimmler Wasserfälle
Krimmler Wasserfälle, 5743, Austria
Nationalpark Hohe Tauern - Weisssee
Stubach 90, 5723 Uttendorf
National Parks in Austria
Austria's six national parks offer visitors the chance to discover nature in its original, untouched state and to come face to face with scenic beauty.
What is a National Park?
National Parks are designated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) based on strict criteria. In these spaces, preserving ecosystems is the number one priority. They also offer uniquely pristine surroundings to be enjoyed by visitors.
Austria’s Six National Parks
Facts & Figures
Nationalpark Gesäuse
8913 Weng im Gesäuse 2
- Area 1,800 km2 / 444,790 ac
- Provinces Carinthia, Tirol, Salzburger Land
- Highest mountain Großglockner
- Altitude 1,000 – 3,798 m / 3,281 – 12,461 ft
- Hiking trails 4,300 km / 2,672 mi
- Animal species 10,000
- Geology 1% bodies of water, 32% agriculture, 54% glaciers, scree corridors, cliffs, and heaths
1. Hohe Tauern National Park in Carinthia, Tirol, and SalzburgerLand
Austria’s oldest and biggest National Park is known for its biodiversity: 50% of all Austrian animal species (10,000 in total) can be found here, including golden eagles, chamois, and marmots. 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 summer), and Europe’s highest waterfalls, the Krimml falls.
5 Must-Sees at Hohe Tauern National Park
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Adorable Marmots
Learn moreUsually 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.
Murmeltiere an der Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße
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Weißsee Glacier World
Learn moreThe area's snowy 3,000-metre (9,843 ft) peaks and deep blue Alpine lakes make for a great day trip.
Nationalpark Hohe Tauern - Weisssee
Stubach 90, 5723 Uttendorf -
Rock-Climbing Chamois
Learn moreOne of Austria’s most iconic animals, the chamois is found on sheer mountain peaks at altitudes of 1,000 – 3,500 m (3,281 – 11,483 ft).
Gämse_Nationalpark Hohetauern
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Hiking with Park Rangers
Learn moreWildlife watching, discovering ferns and moss, learning about local insects: A ranger-led hike gives you insight into the unique flora and fauna of the Alps’ biggest nature reserve. From exploring Vulture Valley to snowshoe hiking, the park’s specialized tours let you do a deep-dive into the region.
Spannende Nature-Watch-Wanderung mit Ranger Emanuel
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Hohe Tauern National Park: 226 Peaks over 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
natur watch im Nationalpark Hohe Tauern
Glor-Berg 16, 9981 Kals am Großglockner
2. Kalkalpen National Park in Upper Austria
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 species of animals and plants.
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.
Türkenbund Lilie Nationalpark Kalkalpen
3. Donau-Auen National Park in Lower Austria
Located between Vienna and Slovakia’s capital Bratislava, these wetlands are home to over 800 species of plants and animals.
Nationalpark Donauauen
2304 Orth/Donau, Schloss Orth
4. Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park in Burgenland
This steppe National Park in eastern Austria features sweeping reef-studded bodies of water, large meadows, and saltwater lakes.
Neusiedler See, Apetlon
Kirchengasse 1a, 7143 Apetlon
5. Gesäuse National Park in Styria
Established in 2002, Austria’s newest National Park features impressive cliffs and crystal-clear mountain lakes.
Nationalpark Gesäuse
8913 Weng im Gesäuse 2
6. Thayatal National Park in Lower Austria
Unspoiled wilderness featuring thick forests, steep cliffs, blooming meadows: Explore along the Thaya river and spot a wildcat in its enclosure.
abend-im-nationalpark-thayatal