Breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountain peaks, glittering glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes – welcome to the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol. During our last trip to Austria, we were able to explore this unique region and experience unforgettable moments. Here in the untouched nature of the Austrian Alps, exciting adventures awaited us, such as a guided ranger tour at the foot of the Großglockner, a hike through the Daberklamm Gorge, and along the impressive Umbal Falls in the Virgen Valley. In the following article, we’ll show you some of the region’s highlights and share ideas for a successful short break.

• General information about the Hohe Tauern National Park
• Base camp: Winklers Dolomitenhof in Tristach
• Excursion tip: View from the Dolomitenhütte
• Ranger tour in the Hohe Tauern National Park
• Hike through the Daberklamm Gorge
• Umbal Falls water viewing trail in the Umbal Valley
• Sunny City of Lienz – East Tyrol’s capital
• The guest card for East Tyrol
• Hohe Tauern National Park – Our conclusion

General information about the Hohe Tauern National Park

The Hohe Tauern National Park is an impressive protected area in East Tyrol, covering an area of more than 1,800 square kilometers. As one of the largest national parks in Europe, it is home to a fascinating variety of landscapes, animal and plant species, and cultural heritage. The park was founded in 1981 and has since become an important center for the protection of alpine nature and the promotion of sustainable tourism. A 1,200 km long network of hiking trails, 17 themed trails, 848 lakes, 342 glaciers, and 120 huts and alpine pastures await you.

The region is characterized by imposing peaks, majestic glaciers, lush alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and roaring waterfalls. Particularly famous are the three-thousand-meter peaks such as the Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, the Großvenediger, and the Großes Wiesbachhorn. Hikers, mountaineers, and nature lovers will find countless opportunities to experience the untouched beauty of the Austrian Alps.

In the Hohe Tauern National Park, you’ll find a rich wildlife, ranging from marmots to golden eagles. The diverse flora includes many endemic plants specially adapted to the extreme conditions of the Alpine climate. The park is also a refuge for endangered species such as the bearded vulture and the alpine salamander, which find a home here in protected habitats. But more on that later…

Base camp: Winklers Dolomitenhof in Tristach

The starting point for our trip was the fantastic Hiking Hotel Dolomitenhof in Tristach, which is located amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Lienz Dolomites in East Tyrol. The hotel is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of majestic mountains, green forests, and clear waters. The town of Lienz is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, and we were able to reach the various mountain highlights quickly and easily by bus and car. ☞ Show more hiking hotels.

The hotel impresses with its traditional Alpine architecture and modern comfort, promising guests a pleasant stay. The new nature suites are cozy and very stylishly furnished and offer a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. We were also treated to excellent cuisine, combining regional specialties and international dishes of the highest quality. The use of fresh, high-quality, local ingredients is standard here, and you can also see how much attention to detail is put into the dishes.

For active vacationers, the region offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and skiing. In winter, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the nearby ski areas. In addition, Winklers Dolomitenhof boasts a small but perfectly formed wellness area that invites you to relax and unwind. Here, we were able to soothe our tired muscles and unwind after our mountain adventures. Book a room here.

The Hiking Hotels Brand

The 4-star Hotel Dolomitenhof belongs to the Hiking Hotels Brand. You’ll find a total of 58 top hotels in their portfolio, all located in unique mountain landscapes and family-run. In addition, hiking hotels offer experienced hiking experts on site, 3 to 5 free guided hikes per week, and a free equipment service. Another criterion is delicious and healthy cuisine with ingredients sourced directly from the region. The 58 family-run hotels also have an area for relaxation and recreation. Click here for all hiking hotels and further information: to all hiking hotels.

Excursion tip: View from the Dolomitenhütte

Not far from the hotel is the unique Dolomitenhütte, a charming mountain hut in the municipality of Tristach, located amidst the breathtaking Lienz Dolomites in East Tyrol. Surrounded by impressive Alpine scenery, the hut offers hikers, mountaineers, and nature lovers an ideal rest stop and starting point for adventures in the region.

The hut is particularly popular with overnight guests, as you wake up to spectacular mountain views. The rooms and suites are booked well in advance, so be sure to book early. The hut also serves typical regional dishes such as Tyrolean dumplings, Kaiserschmarrn, and other Alpine delicacies. We definitely recommend stopping by the hut, whether you’re a day guest or an overnight stay.

Not only is the surrounding scenery a dream, we also really enjoyed the traditional Alpine ambiance. The cozy furnishings and rustic design create an inviting atmosphere where you immediately feel at home. From the hut, you have the opportunity to undertake various hiking and mountain tours that will take you to the majestic peaks, glittering mountain lakes, and gentle alpine meadows of the Lienz Dolomites (e.g., hike to Lake Laserz).

Ranger tour in the Hohe Tauern National Park

Our first mountain adventure took place at the foot of the 3,798 m high Großglockner. It is Austria’s highest mountain and is located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. We drove from the hotel to Kals, from where the impressive high mountain road led us over 7 kilometers (toll | €8 for 6 hours) into the Ködnitz Valley to the Glocknerwinkel. We were able to park our car in front of the information center (opposite the Alpengasthof Lucknerhaus) and begin the exciting safari tour. ☞ Click here for the information brochure.

Even from the parking lot, we had a stunning view of the Großglockner, framed by a wonderful alpine cultural landscape. With a powerful spotting scope, we could even see the mountain peak and observe all the people making their way there. Together with our ranger, we set out to find the “Big 5” of the Alps. Of course, these aren’t buffalo, lions, and the like, but marmots, ibex, bearded vultures, chamois, and golden eagles.

Discover the Big 5 of the Alps

The tour took us through the spectacular landscape, past majestic peaks, glittering glaciers, and small waterfalls. Our ranger told us exciting stories about the flora and fauna of the national park and discovered some secret treasures of Alpine nature with us. Through binoculars and a spotting scope, we were able to spot griffon vultures, ibex, chamois, and marmots throughout the day. We took a short break at the Lucknerhütte at an altitude of 2,241 meters.

The ranger tour not only offers unique nature experiences, but is also an opportunity to learn more about the protection and conservation of these valuable alpine ecosystems. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a nature lover, the ranger tour in the Hohe Tauern National Park at the foot of the Großglockner promises an unforgettable adventure and a great opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the Austrian Alps up close.

Hiking through the Daberklamm Gorge

After our ranger tour, we drove to Spöttling-Taurer for a short hike through the imposing and wildly romantic Daberklamm Gorge. We were able to park our car for free at the Taurer parking lot and start our tour from there. We first passed the Taurerwirt hiking hotel, the Spöttlinghof guesthouse, and the Dabaklamm house before reaching the beginning of the Daberklamm gorge. This fascinating gorge landscape is also part of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

The hiking trail led us along the wild Dorfer Bach stream, which winds spectacularly through the narrow gorge. To our left and right, the steep mountain slopes rose hundreds of meters upwards, forming impressive rock formations. The rushing water and the impressive gorge created a magical atmosphere that captivated us. Over a distance of about one kilometer, the Dorfer Bach stream overcomes 110 meters of elevation.

During the hike, we passed numerous viewpoints that offered us breathtaking views of the gorge and the surrounding mountains. The hike through the Daberklamm is a rather leisurely tour, suitable for most hikers. However, you should wear sturdy shoes, as some sections can be slippery. The hikes to the viewing platform and the Bergeralm are popular. You can find various hikes here.

Umbal Falls Water Viewing Trail in the Umbal Valley

Another highlight of our trip awaited us in the wild and romantic Virgen Valley. Here you will find Europe’s first water trail, which is a breathtaking natural jewel in East Tyrol. Along the Isel River, one of the last free-flowing glacial rivers in Europe, this impressive trail winds through spectacular mountain scenery, lined with roaring waterfalls, emerald-green pools, and lush forests.

Our hike through the Umbal Valley (the rear section of the Virgen Valley) led us along the Isel River and gave us fascinating insights into the diverse waterfall formations, which extend over cascades and pools. The Water Trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the untamed power and beauty of water up close. There are numerous viewpoints along the entire trail, offering spectacular panoramas of the surrounding mountain landscape.

You should generally allow about 1 hour for the Water Viewing Trail until you reach the last stop. You can then return to Ströden on hiking trail no. 911. This is a very beautiful circular hike that we highly recommend. We extended our hike and hiked up to the Clara Hut at 2,038 m, where we took a short break. Afterwards, we returned to the starting point. You should allow around 6 hours for our 15 km tour.

Sun City of Lienz – East Tyrol’s Capital

At the end of our trip, we made a detour to Lienz, the capital of East Tyrol. Lienz is a picturesque town set against the impressive backdrop of the Lienz Dolomites. The town lies at the confluence of the Isel and Drau rivers and is surrounded by majestic mountains that offer an incomparable panorama. We particularly appreciated the charming alpine flair, the historic architecture, and the proximity to untouched nature. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, Lienz is considered the sunniest town in Austria.

We have Simply let yourself drift through the alleys of the old town. It is characterized by medieval buildings and colorful town houses, narrow streets and picturesque squares. Lienz’s main square forms the charming center with cozy cafés, restaurants, and shops. Here you can enjoy the authentic Tyrolean ambiance and experience the locals’ attitude to life.

Take a look at the beautiful Liebburg Castle, which today serves as the town hall. Another highlight in Lienz is Bruck Castle, which towers majestically above the town and today houses the town museum with interesting exhibitions on the history of the region. More information here. A walk along the Isel with a view of the town and the surrounding mountains is also highly recommended.

A few tips for Lienz:

• Walk along the Isel promenade
• Visit the Naschkatze pastry shop and feast
• Shopping at the Blue Tomato Shop
• Enjoy a cozy coffee & Cake on the Isel in the Mocafe
• Drink a glass of wine in the Weinphilo
• Handmade soaps in the Wurzelstock Lienz

The Guest Card for East Tyrol

If you stay overnight in East Tyrol, you will receive a free guest card, which offers various bonuses and discounts. We think it’s really cool that the card allows you to travel free on public transport (regular buses, regional buses, ski buses, and dial-a-ride taxis) throughout the entire East Tyrol district. This way, you can drive yourself from Lienz to the Glocknerwinkel region or to the starting point for the hike along the Umbal Falls. You also benefit from many discounts in shops, museums, leisure activities, mountain railways, and much more. More information here.

Hohe Tauern National Park – Our Conclusion

The Hohe Tauern National Park is undoubtedly a fascinating and impressive natural jewel in the Alps. With its immense size, breathtaking landscapes, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, the national park offers an incomparable backdrop for all nature lovers and adventurers among us. Lienz and Tristach were a great starting point for us to explore the various regions of the national park. This certainly won’t be our last trip to this region, as we have many more highlights on our list.