Top 20 Natural Monuments in the High Tauern

The High Tauern National Park is home to many impressive natural monuments. Among the most popular are the Krimml Waterfalls Trail, which allows visitors to experience Europe's highest waterfalls up close, and the majestic Großglockner summit, Austria's highest peak. Another favorite is the Dabaklamm Gorge, known for its path hewn into the cliff and romantic waterfalls.

Yes, several natural monuments in the High Tauern are suitable for families. The Krimml Waterfalls Trail is particularly family-friendly, offering many viewpoints along the path. The Dabaklamm Gorge also provides an accessible and engaging experience for all ages. Additionally, the nature trail around Hintersee offers leisurely walks and picnic spots.

The High Tauern boasts a diverse range of natural features. You can witness the immense power of Europe's highest waterfalls at Krimml, explore the vast glacier fields of the Pasterze Glacier near the Großglockner, and discover the ancient fir trees and over 80 small ponds in the Rauriser Primeval Forest. The region also features stunning alpine lakes like Grünsee and Weißsee, and dramatic gorges such as the Dabaklamm.

The best time to visit the natural monuments in the High Tauern generally depends on the activity. For hiking and exploring most areas, late spring to early autumn (June to September) offers the most favorable weather conditions and accessibility. Some areas, like the Krimmler Ache before the uppermost waterfall, can also be beautiful for winter hikes, though some paths may be closed due to snow or avalanche danger.

Absolutely. The High Tauern is a prime destination for mountaineers and experienced hikers. The Großglockner summit and Großvenediger Summit offer challenging climbs and stunning panoramic views. The Gamsgrube Trail is one of the highest-altitude hiking paths, providing close-up views of the Großglockner and its surrounding glaciers.

Beyond exploring the natural monuments themselves, the High Tauern offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes like the 'Bridge over the Isel' loop, which you can explore further in the Running Trails in the High Tauern guide. For cyclists, there are gravel biking and touring bicycle routes, such as the 'Magnificent view – Hochtor loop' or the 'View of the Krimml Waterfalls' loop, detailed in the Gravel biking in the High Tauern and Cycling in the High Tauern guides.

For a glimpse into traditional alpine life and stunning scenery, visit Innergschlöss/Gschlösstal. Considered one of the most beautiful valley heads in the Eastern Alps, it features picturesque alpine landscapes with traditional stone houses and a chapel. The Jagdhausalm in the Defereggen Valley also offers a unique experience with some of Austria's oldest alpine huts nestled among rocks and pastures, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Yes, both Grünsee and Weißsee are alpine lakes that are accessible by cable car. This makes them convenient starting points for higher-altitude hikes and offers panoramic views of the surrounding dramatic peaks without requiring an extensive climb to reach them.

The Mallnitz Biosphere Area is a UNESCO-protected site within the High Tauern National Park. It's significant for its commitment to sustainable tourism and ecological preservation, where nature, science, and environmental consciousness converge. It offers opportunities for environmental learning and engagement beyond typical hikes, making it ideal for travelers interested in deeper nature connections.

Visitors frequently praise the immense power and beauty of the waterfalls, like the Krimml Waterfalls, and the breathtaking panoramic views from summits such as the Großglockner. The tranquility and untouched nature of places like the Rauriser Primeval Forest and the picturesque alpine settings of Innergschlöss are also highly valued. Many appreciate the well-developed trails and viewing platforms that make these natural wonders accessible.

Many natural monuments in the High Tauern offer incredible photographic opportunities. The Krimml Waterfalls Trail has new wooden viewing terraces perfect for capturing the cascading water. Innergschlöss/Gschlösstal provides numerous charming photo opportunities with its traditional stone houses and glacier backdrop. The Jagdhausalm is also a highly sought-after spot for its scenic beauty and historical alpine huts.