Alpine Hiking in Hohe Tauern

Welcome to Oberpinzgau. The fresh mountain air in Krimml, at over 1,000 meters altitude, immediately sets the mood for the week's adventure.

From the village you follow the trail up along Krimml Falls – three mighty levels where the water masses thunder down the mountain. Above the falls, the peaceful Krimmler Achental opens up with blooming alpine meadows and expansive views. Today's destination is the historic Krimmler Tauernhaus. From here you return with the national park's taxi.

You hike across high alpine meadows on the Panoramaweg and continue towards Gerlosplatte. The trail leads down through the forest to the viewpoint Falkenstein and further along Sonnenweg between flower-adorned farms and grazing animals. Here the feeling of Sound of Music is palpable. After the ravine Trattenbach you reach Rechtegg and the panorama towards the ice giant Großvenediger before continuing to Neukirchen.

A taxi first takes you high up in the valley, close to 2,000 meters above sea level. Here begins the glacier trail that leads into the national park's core area. You pass polished rocks, ravines and high cliff walls before hiking downward through pastures where sheep, cows and marmots are often seen. Break at Berndlalm with local Brettljause, then continue via Gamseck Falls and Blausee before returning to Neukirchen.

The gondola takes you up to Wildkogel in no time. Here awaits a high ridge hike at 2,000 meters altitude, where you cross peaks and saddles along the border with Tyrol. The view towards Wilder Kaiser, Kitzbüheler Horn and Rettenstein is magnificent. After a break in a mountain hut you continue towards the valley and reach Hollersbach via gondola.

Today's trail follows a clear mountain stream where blue water meets yellow rock formations in a colorful display of nature's artistry. At charming Senninger Alm a restful break awaits before you hike down through open flower meadows. From the valley you take the bus to Kaprun and can end the day in the warm salt water at Tauern Spa.

The week's finale goes towards Kitzsteinhorn. You can take the gondola all the way to 3,000 meters above sea level or hike yourself via Enzingerleden from Maiskogel, up towards the Drei-Wallner peak and along the ridge where the glacier feels close. Descent with Glacier Jet to the valley after a day filled with views and magnificent nature.

Time to say farewell to Austria's finest Alpine landscape, unless you want to extend with an extra night or two.