Starting in May, Austria’s largest wilderness area once again invites visitors to discover its impressive natural beauty and biodiversity.
Start of the season at the "
" in Kalkalpen National Park
Experience nature, feel the wilderness:
Experience nature, feel the wilderness:
Start of the season in the Kalkalpen National Park
As the first warm days of spring arrive, people are drawn back out into nature. This Kalkalpen National Park the new visitor season in Kalkalpen National Park : starting in May, Austria’s largest forested wilderness once again invites visitors to discover its impressive natural beauty and biodiversity.
Kalkalpen National Park great interest in the nature education programs offered in Kalkalpen National Park : In 2025, approximately 10,700 people took part in guided ranger tours, multi-day programs, and specialized events. “Especially in an increasingly hectic world, many people are seeking authentic experiences in nature. The Kalkalpen National Park the ideal setting for this,” says National Park Director Josef Forstinger. The quality of the educational programs is also impressive: Kalkalpen National Park , the Kalkalpen National Park became the first Austrian national park to be awarded the Ö-Cert seal and was included in the directory of quality providers for adult education.
A diverse summer program with new highlights
The new National Park summer program offers a wide range of activities—from family-friendly tours to immersive nature experiences. The program also features several new formats: In “Who’s Singing There?”, visitors learn to identify bird calls; “Bike & Hike to the Tallest Fir Tree” combines physical activity with natural history; and “Alpine and Forest Singers in the Hintergebirge” offers insights into the sounds of the mountain wilderness. For the first time, the three-day summer camp “Mountain Forest, Hay, and Flower Meadow” is taking place, where old traditions are rediscovered—from scythe mowing to baking in a wood-fired oven.
Discover the program and book now
The entire summer program is available online and as a brochure at the visitor centers.
“The European Lynx”: Photo Exhibition at the Panorama Tower
The panoramic tower on the Wurbauerkogel near Windischgarsten kicks off the summer season on May 1. In addition to the impressive panoramic view of the mountains, visitors can also see the photo exhibition “The European Lynx – Stories from the Hidden World” by nature photographer Julius Kramer. The photographs were taken over many years using camera traps and intensive fieldwork. The exhibition is presented in cooperation with the Gesäuse National Park Photography School and will be on view from May 1 through November 1, 2026.
's Strong Partnership Ensures a Successful Start to the Season
The past few weeks have been devoted to extensive preparatory work. The Austrian Federal Forests play a central role in this effort, contributing approximately 90 percent of the national park’s area and serving as a key partner in its management. Their tasks include, among other things, winterizing huts, repairing forest roads, securing trails, and clearing storm damage. In total, the Federal Forestry Office manages 62 buildings in the national park—including alpine pastures, forest lodges, and historic woodcutters’ huts, some of which are listed as historic monuments. Ongoing investments ensure that these structures are preserved sustainably and carefully modernized, for example through the use of renewable energy. “The goal of seasonal preparations is to ensure that visitors have a safe, pleasant, and relaxing stay in the national park,” says Johann Kammleitner, head of the National Park Operations division at Austrian Federal Forests.
Stay informed on the go:
New Management Plan Regulation Takes Effect
Just in time for the start of the season, the newly enacted Management Plan Regulation provides guidance on how to balance nature experiences with the protection of the forest wilderness. The most important changes for visitors: Dogs must be kept on a leash; drone flights are permitted only for scientific purposes and with prior authorization; and canyoning and river diving are prohibited to protect sensitive river ecosystems. Those who wish to cycle, ride horses, or camp will find designated routes and sites for these activities. “Park rangers are regularly on patrol in the national park. In addition to providing information and guidance, they also intervene in cases of misconduct—such as unauthorized camping, unauthorized campfires, or illegal use of trails,” says Forstinger. In 2025, 112 park ranger patrols were conducted, primarily at heavily frequented access points and in sensitive areas. Further information on the new management plan regulation can be found on the Kalkalpen National Park website.
