Discover Austria’s Breathtaking National Parks

You don’t always get to experience natural reservations in many parts of the world. However, did you know that Austria has six stunning national parks that you can visit? There are strict criteria for defining national parks as determined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A national park's primary goal is to preserve its ecosystems. In addition, they offer visitors a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery. You will be able to live through the adventure of discovering nature in its true breathtaking form.

1. Hohe Tauern National Park in Carinthia, Tirol, and SalzburgerLand

Despite being the oldest and most famous national park in Austria, it has a great diversity of wildlife. It hosts about 50% of all Austrian animal species (10,000 in total), including golden eagles, chamois, and marmots. A few of the magnificent landscapes of the area include Weißsee Glacier World, Pasterze glacier (Austria's largest glacier, where you'll experience an icy breeze even in the summer), and the Krimml waterfall, Europe's highest waterfall.

Here are 5 things that you must see at Hohe Tauern National Park:

• Krimml Waterfalls: Cascading over 385 meters, these are the highest waterfalls in Europe.
• Adorable Marmots: You can see friendly marmots in the Hohe Tauern National Park. They are rodents that are normally shy in nature but they’re getting used to people. You will also be able to hear their distinctive whistle that warns others of danger.
• Weißsee Glacier World: Visitors can enjoy a day of exploration to the region's 3,000-meter peaks and deep blue Alpine lakes.
• Rock-Climbing Chamois: Probably Austria's most iconic animal, the chamois can be found on sheer mountain peaks between 1,000 and 3,500 meters.
• Hiking with Park Rangers: Observe wildlife, discover ferns and mosses, discover local insects on a ranger-led hike through the Alps' largest nature reserve. There are special tours that let you take a closer look at the park, from exploring Vulture Valley to snowshoeing.

2. Kalkalpen National Park in Upper Austria

Its lush forests and sparkling mountain streams, which are home to a diverse range of animals and plants, make Kalkalpen (literally: Limestone Alps) a popular national park at the northern edge of the Alps.

There are hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails in the area, so bikers and hikers will enjoy exploring it on two wheels. Park rangers offer guided hikes that will bring you closer to nature.

3. Donau-Auen National Park in Lower Austria

There are over 800 species of plants and animals that live in the wetlands of the Donau-Auen National Park, which is located between the Austrian capital Vienna and Slovakia's capital Bratislava. There are a number of endangered species that survive in this protected habitat along the Danube River. If you would like to explore the countryside by foot or boat, the park provides a wonderful recreational area. Those wanting to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings can organize walks with park rangers and romantic picnics.

4.Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park in Burgenland

Located just an hour away from Vienna, the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park protects a bioregion of rich biodiversity at the edge of the Alps and the western edge of the Pannonian lowlands. 

A variety of landscape types can be found at the Seewinkel: vast wetlands, fields, meadows, grasslands, sand steps, and salt-salted sites are situated in proximity and resemble a kind of mosaic.

Thousands of birds migrate every year, and this is the only steppe national park that serves one purpose above all else: a stopping-off point between their winter habitat and breeding grounds. There is no doubt that the shores of the lake are one of Europe's top birdwatching areas - perfect for bird watchers as well as cyclists, walkers, and horse riders.

5.Gesäuse National Park in Styria

In Austria's newest National Park, cliffs rise sharply from crystal-clear mountain lakes surrounded by impressive mountains.

The Gesäuse National Park is home to a large variety of animal species thanks to its diverse habitats including rocks, mountain pastures, forests, and water. Other animals that can be found here include chamois, golden eagles, alpine marmots, red deer, otter, graylings, tiger beetles, dippers, and grey wagtails. The diverse, natural habitats in the Gesäuse make it a popular home for colorful orchids as well.

The area around the Gesäuse National Park is home to more than 50 orchid varieties including rare and endangered species. The National Park territory is also a hotspot for 1234 species of butterflies.

Field tours are organized by many trained rangers to share their knowledge of nature in this region. Some traditional hotels, organic farms or mountain huts offer accommodation in the park, so visitors can stay in the heart of the park overnight.

6. Thayatal National Park in Lower Austria

A scenic valley has been created in Lower Austria by the impressive Thayatal National Park carved 150 meters deep into hard rock. A national park was established in this area in 2000 because of its outstanding natural diversity. This valley of breakthroughs is marked by the endless loops of the river Thaya that cut through the rapidly rising landscape: the fact that the river has burrowed deep into the crystalline rock of the Bohemian Massif over millions of years offers the development of a wide range of biotopes and slopes. Therefore, the river Thaya is the lifeline of this valley of breakthrough.

Due to the Pannonian and Atlantic climatic influences, this park can protect one of the finest and most biodiverse valley landscapes in all of Europe. Forest and river landscapes provide habitat for a variety of animals, including the European wildcat, which was once abundant in Austria but has since disappeared. Several species of dice snake, as well as green lizards, can also be found in these areas. 

Main Image Source: © Donau Niederösterreich, Robert Herbst