The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

The Nationalpark Hohe Tauern is home to many impressive peaks. Among the most popular are Hüttenkogel Summit, offering impressive views of the Gastein Valley and the Hohe Tauern, and Arnoldhöhe Summit, known for its fantastic all-round views and a unique mausoleum. For those seeking a challenging high-alpine experience, Säuleck Summit (3,086 m) provides a unique landscape and breathtaking vistas.

The most iconic peak is undoubtedly the Grossglockner (3,798 m), Austria's highest mountain. It's a challenging climb, but the Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers breathtaking views of the mountain and the Pasterze Glacier. The Grossvenediger (3,657 m), often called the 'Weltalte Majestät,' is the second highest in the park, known for its extensive glaciated terrain and panoramic views.

Yes, the Hoher Sonnblick (3,106 m) is notable for the historic Sonnblick Observatory, which has been the highest continuously staffed weather station in Europe since 1886. The summit also hosts the Zittelhaus refuge. Additionally, the Arnoldhöhe Summit features a mausoleum at its peak, adding a historical element to its stunning views.

From many peaks, you can expect spectacular panoramic views. For instance, Hüttenkogel Summit offers views of the Gastein Valley, the glaciers of the Tischler Group, and Lake Reedsee. From the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, you can see over 30 three-thousand-meter mountains, while the Hoher Sonnblick provides views extending far beyond the Alps on clear days.

For glaciated peaks like the Grossvenediger, ascents are best undertaken in summer, typically from July to September, when conditions are most favorable. For general hiking and mountaineering, the summer months offer the most accessible and pleasant conditions across the park.

Beyond mountaineering, the region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find excellent opportunities for gravel biking, with routes like the 'Magnificent view – Hochtor loop' near the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. There are also numerous waterfall hikes, such as the 'Zechner Waterfall – Walkway Above the Waterfall loop'. For road cyclists, routes like the 'Fuscherkarkopf – Grossglockner High Alpine Road loop' provide challenging and scenic rides. You can explore more options in the Gravel biking around Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, Waterfall hikes around Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, and Road Cycling Routes around Nationalpark Hohe Tauern guides.

The Ankogel (3,246 m) is a popular destination for climbers looking to advance their skills beyond 2,000-meter mountains. It offers alpine climbing, high mountain hiking, and some technical rock climbing. The cable car provides quick access to the high alpine zone, making it a great base for more challenging ascents.

Ascents of heavily glaciated peaks like the Grossvenediger require proper equipment due to the terrain and crevasse danger. This typically includes crampons, an ice axe, and a rope. It's advisable to undertake such climbs with experienced guides or as part of a well-prepared group.

The Nationalpark Hohe Tauern is known for its diverse natural environment. You'll find extensive glaciated areas, high alpine terrain, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, for example, offers opportunities to encounter rare alpine flora and fauna. The region is a significant protected area in the Alps, preserving its natural beauty.

Mountain huts serve as important starting points and overnight stays for many climbs. For instance, the Kürsingerhütte is a key starting point for Grossvenediger ascents. On the Hoher Sonnblick, the Zittelhaus refuge is located at the summit. For the Säuleck Summit, you have the option to spend the night in the Arthur-von-Schmid-Haus.

Yes, the Ankogel is one such peak. A cable car provides quick access to the high alpine zone, reaching up to 2,637 meters. This allows for a significantly shortened ascent to the summit, making it more accessible for hikers and climbers.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of Austria's most visited excursion destinations. It's a scenic marvel with 36 hairpin turns over 48 kilometers, reaching a high point of 2,571 meters at Edelweiss Spitze. It offers breathtaking views of the Grossglockner and the Pasterze Glacier, along with themed paths, hiking trails, and opportunities to see alpine flora and fauna.