Grossglockner & Hohe Tauern: het dak van Oostenrijk

The city on the Salzach is dominated by the imposing medieval fortress that towers high above the baroque towers. In the narrow Getreidegasse, artistic wrought-iron signs adorn the facades of historic merchant houses. A stroll through the Mirabell Garden offers a classic view of the city, surrounded by neatly laid-out flowerbeds and marble statues. Just outside the city center, Hellbrunn Palace surprises with fountains and expansive parks. The squares around Salzburg Cathedral exude an Italian atmosphere due to the many fountains and monumental architecture. Music lovers will find numerous locations in Mozart's birthplace that commemorate his legacy. From the Mönchsberg, various walking paths lead to panoramic viewpoints over the rooftops of the Old Town. The combination of alpine vistas and refined culture makes a stay here a multifaceted experience.

In the heart of Salzburgerland, the impressive Hohenwerfen Castle towers above the Salzach valley. This medieval castle is known for its historic falconry and strategic location on a steep rock face. Higher up in the Tennengebirge mountains is the entrance to the Eisriesenwelt, the world's largest ice cave system. Visitors reach the cave via a steep path and a cable car, after which a guide lights the way with magnesium flares through the frozen halls. Inside, gigantic ice sculptures and frozen waterfalls form a surreal backdrop that remains cold even in summer. The view from the cave entrance over the surrounding Alpine peaks is spectacular. In the nearby village of Werfen, you can experience the atmosphere of an authentic Austrian mountain village. This location effortlessly combines Alpine natural phenomena with well-preserved military architecture from bygone eras.

In the heart of the Pinzgau lies the deep blue Zeller See, surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Hohe Tauern. The lakeside promenade around the lake offers a relaxing stroll with views of the crystal-clear water. By cable car, you reach the summit of the Schmittenhöhe, where a panoramic view of thirty three-thousand-meter peaks awaits. For a high-altitude alpine experience, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier offers year-round access to snowfields and impressive viewpoints. In the summer months, the lake invites visitors for a refreshing swim or a boat trip along its picturesque shores. The nearby Sigmund-Thun Gorge reveals the power of meltwater in a deeply carved rock ravine. The area naturally combines active mountain tours with the tranquility of an expansive alpine waterscape.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest protected natural area in the Alps and spans three different federal states. Imposing mountain peaks over three thousand metres high dominate the landscape here, with the Grossvenediger being one of its most striking features. In the deep valleys, such as the Mallnitz Tauerntal, dense forests and extensive alpine meadows constantly alternate. Hikers will find an extensive network of trails here that lead past cascading waterfalls and ancient glacier fields. The Umbal Falls demonstrate the immense power of the surging glacier water up close, set against a completely pristine backdrop. During a stay in these high mountains, there is a significant chance to observe ibex, chamois, or the rare bearded vulture. The untouched nature offers an impressive silence that has become rare in many parts of Europe. This area is ideally suited for travellers who prefer active days in a rugged and authentic alpine environment.

The Maltatal is known as the valley of falling waters due to the countless waterfalls that plunge down the steep rock faces. The impressive Malta Hochalmstraße winds its way through tunnels and sharp bends, climbing to an altitude of nearly two thousand meters. At the end of this road awaits the Kölnbreinsperre, Austria's highest dam, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can walk across the Airwalk here, a glass platform that hovers high above the abyss. Lower in the valley, the Fallbach Waterfall draws attention as one of the highest waterfalls in the Carinthia region. The area offers countless opportunities for hikes along mountain streams and challenging climbing routes on granite walls. It is a tranquil place where the power of water and the majesty of the Alps are palpable everywhere. For travelers who appreciate impressive engineering and pristine mountain landscapes, this valley makes for a logical stop.

This deep mountain lake is nestled between the forested slopes of the Millstätter Alpe and the Nockberge. Its crystal-clear water invites you to swim, sail, or take a relaxing boat trip across its vast surface. Along its shores, you'll find charming towns like Millstatt, known for the historic Millstatt Abbey with its striking Romanesque cloister. Hikers can ascend via the Weg der Sinne for panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The south shore is largely undeveloped, offering a forested contrast to the lake's livelier north side. In the evenings, the reflection of the mountains on the water creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Its central location in the Carinthian lake district makes it an ideal spot for a multi-day stay.

The Nockalmstrasse winds its way for thirty-four kilometers through the heart of the Nockberge Biosphere Park. This panoramic route is characterized by its rolling, green mountain peaks, known as the Nocken. Featuring fifty-two hairpin bends, the road ascends to an elevation of over two thousand meters at the Eisentalhöhe. Along the way, you pass extensive larch and Swiss pine forests, typical of this Carinthian landscape. A stop at the historic Karlbad offers insight into centuries-old bathing traditions in a rustic setting. Numerous marked hiking trails invite exploration of the alpine meadows directly along the route. The road offers a quieter alternative to the busier alpine passes in the region. At the various information points, you can learn more about the unique flora and fauna of this protected natural area.

The Weissensee is nestled in the Gailtal Alps and is known as one of Austria's most pristine lakes. Its crystal-clear water reaches pleasant temperatures in summer, while large parts of the shoreline have remained undeveloped. Visitors can explore the Weissensee Nature Park via tranquil hiking trails or by boat across its turquoise waters. In winter, the lake transforms into Europe's largest natural ice rink, lending a unique atmosphere to the surroundings. The surrounding mountains offer panoramic views and challenging routes for mountain bikers. Due to restricted access for motorized traffic, a serene silence prevails, which is rare for large Alpine lakes. The combination of alpine meadows and deep blue water makes this an ideal place for an extended outdoor stay.

The Krimml Waterfalls are an impressive natural phenomenon in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park. Boasting an enormous total drop, the glacier water plunges powerfully downwards in three stages. Hikers follow the winding Krimml Waterfall Path along various viewpoints, offering direct views of the spraying water. The fine mist in the air provides a refreshing experience and is known for its beneficial effects on the respiratory system. At the interactive WasserWelten Krimml center, you can learn all about the power and importance of water in this mountain landscape. The surrounding mountain peaks and dense forests create a spectacular backdrop for a full-day visit. After a vigorous hike, the valley offers a tranquil spot to enjoy the alpine nature. This is one of the most powerful places in the Austrian Alps where the elements truly reign supreme.

The Gerlos Pass forms an impressive connection between the Tyrolean Zillertal and the Salzburg Pinzgau. The winding Gerlos Alpine Road winds past steep slopes and offers expansive views over the surrounding peaks of the Hohe Tauern. At the highest point, the azure waters of the Durlaßboden reservoir invite for a refreshing break or a stroll along its shores. The route is known for its hairpin bends that climb through dense forests and alpine meadows. Here, travelers experience the transition from rolling valleys to rugged high mountains in an accessible way. Near the pass lie the famous Krimml Waterfalls, making the road a strategic link in any route through the Alps. The combination of panoramic vistas and recreational opportunities at the reservoir makes the crossing a full-fledged activity. In clear weather, even the glaciers of the surrounding three-thousanders are visible from the parking areas along the road.

The Ziller Valley unfolds as a wide, sunny valley in the heart of Tyrol, offering an impressive variety of mountain landscapes. To the south, the steep peaks of the Zillertal Alps form a spectacular backdrop for active days outdoors. A drive along the winding Zillertaler Höhenstraße offers sweeping panoramas of the surrounding three-thousand-metre peaks. At the end of the valley lies the Hintertux Glacier, where there is snow all year round. For water lovers, the azure Schlegeis Reservoir makes an impressive destination for a drive through narrow tunnels and past waterfalls. The many mountain pastures and alpine huts invite you to long hikes through fragrant alpine landscape. Here you experience classic Austrian hospitality amidst a mighty mountain massif.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is nestled deep in the Glemmtal, surrounded by the rolling grassy mountains of the Kitzbühel Alps. In summer, this expansive area transforms into a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, featuring an impressive network of lifts. The Schattberg X-press swiftly takes visitors to great heights for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. At the end of the valley, the Talschluss Hinterglemm offers adventurous activities such as a treetop path and a spectacular suspension bridge. The atmosphere in the village is sporty and lively, with numerous mountain huts serving local specialties. Thanks to the valley's spacious layout, there is plenty of room to enjoy the fresh mountain air. It is an excellent location for those who want to combine action with the tranquility of the Alps.