The Hohe Tauern is Austria’s highest mountain region, a chain of glaciated peaks crowned by the Grossglockner at 3,798 metres, the country’s highest summit. Much of the range is protected within the Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest national park in the Alps, stretching across Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol. It is a region of superlatives: the Pasterze, Austria’s longest glacier; the Krimml waterfalls, among the tallest in Europe; and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of the great scenic drives of the continent.
Why go
The High Alpine Road alone justifies the trip, winding over 2,500 metres with viewpoints facing the Grossglockner and the Pasterze glacier below. Walkers find everything from gentle valley trails to serious glacier tours, and the national park’s wildlife, marmots, chamois, ibex and golden eagles, is among the most visible in the Alps. The Krimml Falls thunder down in three stages through forest, and villages like Heiligenblut offer classic Alpine charm beneath the great north face of the Glockner.
Best time to visit
The High Alpine Road is generally open from May to October, with exact dates depending on snow conditions, so check locally before planning a drive. Hiking season runs from June to September, with the highest trails clearest in July and August. Winter transforms the region into ski-touring and cross-country country, though many high facilities close. Autumn brings clear air and golden larches to the valleys, a quiet and beautiful time to visit.
Getting around
Most visitors arrive by car via the High Alpine Road, which is a toll road linking the Salzburg and Carinthia sides of the range. Public transport reaches the valley towns, with buses serving Heiligenblut, the Krimml Falls and the main trailheads in summer. Within the national park you travel on foot: waymarked trails range from accessible glacier-view paths to multi-day hut routes, and guided ranger walks run in the summer months.
Good to know
- The High Alpine Road is seasonal and weather-dependent; confirm it is open before you travel, especially in May and October.
- The Pasterze glacier has retreated dramatically; the viewpoint trails are well made, but stay on marked paths near the ice.
- Altitudes above 2,500 metres demand respect: carry warm layers and rain gear, and start high walks early to avoid afternoon weather.
- National park rules protect wildlife; stay on trails, keep dogs leashed where required, and never feed the animals.
- At the Krimml Falls the spray soaks everything nearby; wear rain gear and protect cameras on the waterfall trail.
The Hohe Tauern packs Austria’s highest peaks, longest glacier and greatest road into one region: drive the pass, walk the glacier trails, and watch for eagles.
Arjun Mehta is the pen name behind Mountains Bliss — practical mountain-travel guides with routes, costs, seasons and safety notes, researched from real trekker discussions and cross-checked before publishing. No sponsored posts, ever.
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