Natural & Authentic
In the Land of Alpine Pastures
Are you looking for a change? Narrow gorges, wild rivers, rugged mountains and steep cliffs - welcome to the world between the mountain ranges Reichraminger Hintergebirge and Totes Gebirge! The large forested areas and the rugged mountains of the Northern Limestone Alps are a cultural landscape with an eventful history. Meet cows, goats, sheep and their friends on the alpine pastures. They spend their summer up here, far from the valleys. That’s why the food in the mountain cabins is extraordinarily tasty! Cheese, bacon, bread - everything’s home-made. Indulge in culinary delights that you can’t get anywhere else but here!
Fascinating Customs and Great Celebrations
Put on Your Lederhosen or Dirndl
Scary devilish figures wearing animal furs (the so-called “Perchten”), lively maypole celebrations, Thanksgiving or colourfully decorated livestock returning from the alpine pastures - all these customs and traditions still are important cornerstones of the year. They have been passed down from one generation to the next. A marvellous sight: bonfires that are lit on the mountains to celebrate summer solstice. In August, visitors from all corners of the country get together in Windischgarsten to celebrate the lederhosen, Austria’s most traditional garment. Put on your lederhosen or dirndl and dance to the sounds of Steirische Harmonika, mouth harp and brass bands. Folk music at its best! A stroll through the “Advent calendar town” of Steinbach an der Steyr feels like walking through a fairy tale world. Did you know that you can post your letter in the Christkind’s post office? A direct line to the traditional Christmas gift bringer!
The rugged peaks of the mountain chain Totes Gebirge, the wilderness in the national park and the culinary delights served in the cabins on the mountain pass “Hengstpass” - the Kalkalpen National Park region really is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers like myself!
Explore the Wilderness
The Kalkalpen National Park
There are quite a few secrets to discover in the Kalkalpen National Park. The pristine nature provides a safe habitat for rare plant and animal species. It doesn’t come as a surprise that the lynx feels at home here, in his new territory. Try to spot his tracks together with a local guide and ranger! Come close and watch the winter feeding of red deer in Bodinggraben near Molln. Join a guided tour through the national park and see orchids, butterflies and Alpine longhorn beetles in their natural environment. Marvel at the rich biodiversity under protection. Would you like to explore the wilderness on your own? Countless hiking trails and themed walks lead you through the heart of the national park. In 2017, parts of the Kalkalpen National Park covered with ancient and primeval beech forest were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It protects some of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe.
For the Fit and Outdoorsy
....and Families Alike
Cyclists can live life to the fullest on demanding mountain bike trails and family-friendly cycle routes along the rivers Steyr and Enns. Downhill bikers can get their thrills in the bike park on the mountain Wurbauerkogel in Windischgarsten. There’s no better way to explore the mountainous landscape and romantic valleys than on foot. Soak up the beauty of the scenery! The region offers an excellent network of hiking trails, mountaineering tours, climbs and pilgrimage routes. You’ll always be rewarded with a breathtaking view!
Archery, fishing, white water rafting on the river Enns or a fun descent on the summer toboggan run are only some of the exciting activities for all ages. On a hot summer’s day, we recommend a dip in the picturesque Lake Gleinkersee surrounded by mountains. Hear the water roar and marvel at the impressive gorge “Dr. Vogelsang-Klamm”. A great adventure: drifting on the river Enns on a giant wooden raft.
An Eventful History
Blacksmiths, Loggers and Mountain Farmers
Over time, a unique set of customs, traditions and craftsmanship has developed in the secluded valleys here. For a good reason. Thanks to an abundance of timber and water, the region was a centre of blacksmiths forging scythes. Hence the name “Eisenwurzen” which literally translates to “roots of iron”. Come and forge your own penknife in the Trattenbach valley! Follow in the poachers' footsteps on the themed trail “Wildererweg” in the holiday destination “Pyhrn-Priel”. Working as a logger was extremely dangerous. Find out more and retrace the history of Hinterstoder, once a village of mountain farmers that is now a centre of alpine skiing.
Steyr, the former “city of iron”, has also undergone a transformation. Today it’s known as the “city of romance”. Travel back in time in one of the museums and enjoy a mild summer’s evening as you walk through the idyllic alleywaysor sitting on the banks of the river Steyr.
My Favourite Dish!
Delicious Home-Made Products
There’s not only one culinary highlight to be tasted in the Kalkalpen National Park region. The local delicacies on the menu are one of a kind: “Holzknecht-Nocken” (a type of fresh pasta, fried with bacon), “Topfenstrudel” (sweet quark strudel) or “Almseiling” (fried yeast dough pastry coated with cinnamon and sugar). The hosts in the farms and mountain cabins serve delicious home-made food. “Kaiserschmarren” (a fluffy pancake that’s split into pieces while frying), a hearty snack platter, sheep milk cheese and strudels with all kinds of fillings are only some of the mouth-watering delights. Organic cheeses produced in the Schlierbach Abbey, ciders and fruit juices are high-quality products known well beyond the borders of Upper Austria. The confectioner “Bachhalm” is famous for its delectable chocolate!
Calling All Winter Lovers
Snowy Fun in a Stunning Mountainous Landscape
Winter days in the Kalkalpen National Park region are fun-filled and exciting! Whizz down the slopes in the family-friendly ski resorts “Wurzeralm” and “Hinterstoder-Höss”. Or perhaps even better: Spend your day on one of our family farms with a private ski lift! Idyllic toboggan runs, snowshoeing walks and cross-country ski trails with a stunning mountain scenery as a backdrop are the perfect way to spend an idyllic winter’s day. Is there anything missing? Oh, yes! The region is a paradise for ski touring. A sauna on the farm or a spa break “Eurothermen Resort Bad Hall” will warm you up after a day in the great outdoors.
Our family farmers in the Kalkalpen National Park region are looking forward to welcoming you!
Any Questions? Let Us Know!
Our Partners in the Kalkalpen National Park Region
