A family loop through the Taurach Gorge, ten themed stations on the Gnadenalm and a hiking trail that passes directly behind a waterfall around 60 metres high each offer a different way to explore Untertauern. At the leisure and wildlife park, you can see native wildlife and other animal species up close. When looking for a hotel, the focus you want for your trip is a good place to start: would you like it to centre on hiking trails, wildlife watching, alpine pasture history or winter activities?
Hiking: a loop trail or a lake destination
The family-friendly “Alles Alm” loop trail starts right at the Gnadenalm between Untertauern and Obertauern. It is about 5 kilometres long, has a total elevation gain of 50 metres and is suitable for pushchairs. Ten themed stations explore life on the Gnadenalm in the past, nature and the animals found there. The trail combines a defined distance with insights into alpine pasture history and nature.
Another family-friendly hike leads from the Gnadenbrücke in Untertauern to the crystal-clear Tauernkarsee, reached after 3.8 kilometres. Compared with the approximately 5-kilometre “Alles Alm” loop, this hike is shorter; the destinations differ too: here, the lake is the main attraction, while the loop features themed stations. The Gnadenalm also has numerous hiking trails and loop trails. From the Gnadenbrücke, a forest road leads through woodland and alpine pastureland.
Waterfall and other trails
The Johannes Waterfall is around 60 metres high. A hiking trail passes directly behind the waterfall, offering a special perspective on the water. The waterfall can be reached via either the Felseralm or the Gnadenalm. Both the view of the waterfall and the trails leading to it offer ways to plan a hike in this area.
Another route leads from Untertauern, or from the junction by the wildlife park, along the old “Römerstraße” and the newly constructed “Hohlwandweg” to the “Maierl-Alm”. These named trails offer different destinations: the Tauernkarsee, the Johannes Waterfall and the Maierl-Alm. Which hike appeals to you depends on whether you would rather reach a lake, experience the waterfall from a special perspective or make your way to an alpine pasture.
Wildlife and activities at the park
At the Untertauern leisure and wildlife park, you can see native wildlife and other animal species up close. A family loop trail leads through the Taurach Gorge. The park also has a natural swimming lake and fishing opportunities at the FĂĽrstenbrunn ponds. In addition to the loop trail, there are other leisure activities with their own focus: wildlife watching, a swimming lake or the chance to go fishing.
Alpine pasture history, winter and cycling
The Tauernkaralm is one of the last original alpine pastures with a traditional smoke kitchen, and invites you to stop for a meal. The smoke kitchen gives your visit a special connection to traditional alpine pasture life. If you are interested in the history of life on alpine pastures, the “Alles Alm” loop trail also has themed stations about life on the Gnadenalm in the past. Both experiences draw on alpine pasture history, but present it in different ways: as part of a hike in one case, and as a feature of an alpine pasture in the other.
In winter, the Gnadenalm is a cross-country skiing paradise and biathlon centre with guaranteed snow. Cross-country skiing and biathlon therefore offer a different focus from the hiking trails and nature destinations described above. For a cycling trip, the Taurachtal cycle path is another option: the route between Radstadt and Untertauern is listed as 11 kilometres long. Untertauern is not limited to a single hike; the options described range from loop trails and waterfall trails to winter and cycling activities.
Discover more destinations: HĂĽttschlag, Lammertal, Werfen, Sankt Johann Im Pongau, Sonnberg, Sankt Martin Am Tennengebirge, Bad Gastein, Filzmoos.
Back to the main travel overview: Sankt Johann Im Pongau.
