The Hohe Tauern is the main mountain range in the eastern Alps. Of course, everyone has heard of the National Park Hohe Tauern, this pretty area where the Austrians have resisted the temptation of further recreational exploitation.

The Hohe Tauern stretches over 150 km from east to west, and in many places surpasses the 3.000 m line. The Grossglockner (3,798 m) and Grossvenediger (3662 m) are on the program of many hut-hopping tours. Further to the east, the Alps won't reach this 3.000 m boundary any more.

The Hohe Tauern comprises the following, attractive, walking areas, all with plenty of rock and ice:

• Ankogelgruppe
• Defereggengebirge
• Glocknergruppe
• Goldberggruppe
• Kreuzeckgruppe
• Rieserfernergruppe
• Schobergruppe
• Venedigergruppe
• Granatspitzgruppe
• Lasörlinggruppe

For many foreigners the Hohe Tauern is their main summer destination. Hut tours can be conceived of in countless variations and degrees of difficulty. The huts are very good, welcoming and comfortable. The paths are well marked. And in the valleys too hikers are well catered for, with a wide choice of nice trails with spectacular views. Guides and maps are so detailed that wherever you put your feet, you will be able to find interesting mountains and destinations within reach of your own capacity. The only caveat might be the crowds. But everything is relative. What does it matter if, on a sunny and fresh morning, you are in the company of a few more roped groups ahead of you? The mountains seem even greater and more awe-inspiring.