Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ends. From late June to late September, four buses run from Monday to Friday, and three
at weekends between Heiligenblut and Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe (€5.70, 30 minutes).
HIKING & CLIMBING IN HOHE TAUERN NATIONAL PARK
Hohe Tauern's deep valleys, towering peaks and plateaux are a mecca to hikers and climbers. The reserve has
treks to suit every level of ability, from gentle day walks to extreme expeditions to inaccessible peaks and ridges.
Freytag & Berndt produce detailed 1:50,000 walking maps covering the national park and surrounding areas.
When planning a major trek, it's worth booking overnight stops in advance, as accommodation can be sparse the
higher you go; local tourist offices can advise.
Popular hikes include the ascent of the eternally ice-capped Grossvenediger (3674m), flanked by glaciers.
The closest you can get by road is the 1512m-high Matreier Tauernhaus ( 04875-88 11; www.matreier-
tauernhaus.at ; Matrei in Osttirol; dm €29, s €39-47, d €58-74) at the southern entrance to the Felbertauerntunnel.
You can park here and within an hour's walk gain fine views of the mountain.
Anyone with climbing experience and a reasonable level of fitness can climb the mighty Grossglockner
(3798m) via the 'normal' route, though a guide is recommended. The main trail begins at the Erzherzog-
Johann-Hütte ( 04876-85 00; www.erzherzog-johann-huette.at ; dm/r €21/30), a four- to five-hour hike from
Heiligenblut. From here, the roughly two-hour route crosses ice and rocks, following a steel cable over a narrow
snow ridge, to the cross at the summit. It's essential to have the proper equipment (maps, ropes, crampons etc)
and to check weather conditions before setting out. For guides, contact the tourist office in Heiligenblut or visit
www.glocknerfuehrer.at .
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