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.

Hohe Tauern National Park
Kalkalpen National Park
More National Parks
Your National Park Soundtrack

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.

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 (15,000 in total) can be found here, including golden eagles, chamois, and marmots. It is split into 1.213 km2 (299.738,8 ac) core zone and a 643 km2 (158.889 ac) outer zone 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 summer), and Europe’s highest waterfalls, the Krimml falls.

Learn more about the Hohe Tauern National Park

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

15,000
Geology

1% bodies of water, 32% agriculture, 54% glaciers, scree corridors, cliffs, and heaths

5 Must-Sees at Hohe Tauern National Park

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.

Adorable Marmots

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.

Weißsee Glacier World

The area's snowy 3,000-metre (9,843 ft) peaks and deep blue Alpine lakes make for a great day trip.

Rock-Climbing Chamois

One 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).

Hiking with Park Rangers

Wildlife 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.

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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.

Learn more

“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

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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.
Learn more
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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.
Learn more

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5. Gesäuse National Park in Styria

Established in 2002, Austria’s newest National Park features impressive cliffs and crystal-clear mountain lakes.
Learn more
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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.
Learn more

Your Austria Soundtrack: Listen to Indie Rock

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