Tyrolean Nature Parks & National Parks

Tirol is home to five high alpine nature parks and the Hohe Tauern National Park. The nature parks are:

• Kaunergrat Nature Park: Known for its great biodiversity and unspoilt landscapes.
• Karwendel Nature ParkThe largest protected area in Tyrol with impressive primeval forests and wild rivers.
• Ötztal Nature ParkCharacterised by high alpine landscapes and traditional alpine villages.
• Tiroler Lech Nature ParkHome to the last wild river in the northern Alps, the Lech.
• Zillertal Alps Nature ParkCharacterised by extensive glacier areas and original stone pine forests.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest national park in Austria and encompasses impressive glaciers and the highest peaks in the country.

The Hohe Tauern National Park in Tyrol is the largest national park in Austria and is characterised by its impressive glacier world around the Großvenediger. Visitors can experience unspoilt nature, rushing glacial streams and diverse flora and fauna. Numerous hiking trails, such as the easy national park hike to Innergschlöss, offer attractive photo opportunities and insights into the high mountain landscape.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the Tyrolean nature parks, including

• Hiking: Numerous hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty criss-cross the parks and offer impressive nature experiences.
• Nature Watch: Guided tours with nature park rangers allow you to observe rare animal and plant species.
• Photography: Specially designated photo points offer ideal conditions for nature photographers.
• Educational programmes: Information centres and nature trails impart knowledge about the regional flora, fauna and geology.

• Winter sports: Some nature parks offer winter activities such as snowshoeing or guided snowshoe hikes.

With a little luck, visitors can observe rare animal species in the Tyrolean natural jewels, including

• Golden eagleThis majestic bird of prey is native to the high alpine regions.
• ChamoisThese animals, which are adapted to steep terrain, can often be seen in rocky areas.
• MarmotThese rodents inhabit alpine meadows and are particularly active in summer.
• Alpine salamander: A rare amphibian found in damp mountain regions.
• Bearded vultureAfter successful reintroduction projects, this large scavenger can be observed in some areas.

Guided tours with nature park rangers increase the chances of seeing these animals in their natural environment.

The Tyrolean natural jewels also offer a wide range of adventures in winter:

• Snowshoe hikes: Guided tours through snow-covered landscapes provide an intensive experience of nature.
• Searching for animal tracks: visitors can discover the tracks of wild animals in the snow with nature park guides and learn more about their way of life
• Winter hiking trailsPrepared trails invite you to take leisurely walks through the winter wonderland.
• Cross-country skiing: Some nature parks have groomed trails for cross-country skiers.
• Photography: The snow-covered landscape offers impressive motifs for photographers.

It is advisable to enquire about the current conditions and offers in