Welcome to Austria's largest National Park, the Hohe Tauern, located in the Carinthian region. This fascinating area offers breathtaking views not only of the Mölltal valley, but also of its northern end, where the Pasterze glacier and the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain, are located.

The majestic 3,798-meter-high Grossglockner is not only the highest mountain in Austria, but also the second highest peak in the Eastern Alps. The mountain and its surroundings are known for their geological structure, which is mainly composed of slate, giving the landscape its characteristic black color.

The Pasterze Glacier, located on the southern slope of the Grossglockner, is not only the largest glacier in Austria, but also the second largest in the Alps. With a length of over 8 kilometers and an ice thickness of up to 200 meters, this glacier is a magnificent natural phenomenon. However, like many other glaciers, the Pasterze is gradually shrinking and retreating, which has significant consequences for the ecosystem of the region.

Interestingly, in the Hohe Tauern region there is the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe viewpoint, named after the Habsburg monarch Emperor Franz Joseph I, who visited Carinthia in 1856 with his wife Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). Visitors can reach it by car, motorbike or bus and can visit the visitor center with an exhibition area providing information about the biodiversity, geological processes and climatic influences in the region.

For motoring enthusiasts, the area is also known for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, popular with sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts. In 2023, the exhibition in the visitor center focused on the Porsche brand, which celebrated 75 years of its existence.

The natural wealth of the area is underlined by the presence of marmots and ibex. Marmots, belonging to the rodent family of the squirrel family, are one of the most characteristic icons of the Alpine environment. These animals measure between 40 and 80 cm in length, weigh between 4 and 8 kg and are known for their characteristic calls used to communicate with each other and warn of danger. During the winter they survive by hibernation, during which their bodily functions are significantly reduced.

The mountain ibex is a majestic and robust animal that can survive and move in the extreme conditions of the mountains. Male ibex can have horns up to one meter long, a sign of their strength and dominance.

Ibex are also known for their ability to navigate steep and rocky terrain, allowing them to access food sources and escape predators in the challenging mountainous environment.

The Grossglockner and the Pasterze Glacier are not only a visual treat, but also provide insight into the rich history, natural beauty and animal life of this breathtaking Alpine environment. The area has been shaped over millions of years by geological processes that have created unique mountain formations, valleys and glaciers. The Hohe Tauern is part of the Alps, which began to form around 65 million years ago during the Alpine orogeny. The geological diversity of the region includes extensive layers of slate, which contribute to the characteristic appearance of some parts of the mountain range.

The history of the region is rich and intertwined with European history. The Alpine regions were inhabited in prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological finds. During the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, the Alps played an important role in trade and military routes. Their existence and preservation are a reminder of the importance of protecting these unique natural treasures for future generations.