Obertauern

Experience authentic Austrian "Hüttengaudi" with special fondue or raclette evenings at various charming mountain huts, such as the Kringsalm (reachable via taxi, snowmobile taxi, or a short winter hike). These events typically include traditional music, hearty multi-course meals, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for groups and families. Reservations are highly recommended due to popularity. Prices usually start from €40-€60 per person for food, drinks extra.

Explore the stunning alpine landscape of Obertauern on an interactive treasure hunt using GPS coordinates. Several geocaches are hidden throughout the area, offering a fun and engaging activity for families and groups, encouraging exploration of lesser-known paths and scenic spots. It's a great way to discover nature and solve riddles while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Information and coordinates can be found on geocaching websites or at the local tourist information office. This is a free activity, requiring only a GPS device or a smartphone with a geocaching app.

Experience the magic of night skiing on the perfectly groomed slopes served by the Edelweissbahn chairlift. This popular evening activity offers a unique perspective of Obertauern under the stars, with floodlit pistes providing excellent visibility. The Edelweissbahn is a 4-seater chairlift. Night skiing typically takes place once or twice a week (e.g., Mondays and Thursdays) from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM during peak season. A separate night ski pass is required, costing around €18-€25 for adults, or it can be included with certain multi-day passes. It's a fantastic option for extending your ski day and enjoying the quieter, illuminated slopes.

The Hundsfeldsee Lake Loop Trail is a relatively easy and scenic walking path suitable for all ages, particularly popular in summer and autumn. This well-maintained trail circles the picturesque Hundsfeldsee, a charming alpine lake located at 1,760 meters. The loop typically takes about 30-45 minutes to complete and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains on calm days. Benches are provided along the way for relaxation and enjoying the views. It's an excellent option for a leisurely stroll, light exercise, or a family outing, offering beautiful photo opportunities and fresh mountain air.

Obertauern offers an extensive and well-marked network of snowshoeing trails, providing a tranquil alternative to skiing and snowboarding. These trails wind through silent winter forests and across pristine snowfields, offering breathtaking views and an immersive nature experience. Routes vary in difficulty and length, from easy introductory loops to more challenging tours with significant elevation gain. Equipment rental is available in various sports shops in the village. Many trails are groomed or well-trodden, but some require good physical condition and basic navigation skills. Guided tours are also available for those new to the activity or wishing to explore off-piste areas safely.

Obertauern offers fantastic opportunities for freeriding and ski touring, with experienced local guides providing safe and exhilarating adventures. These guided tours cater to various skill levels, from introductory courses for beginners to challenging expeditions for advanced enthusiasts seeking untouched powder fields and remote peaks. Guides teach essential avalanche safety, route planning, and proper technique. Tours can range from half-day excursions around the resort's accessible backcountry to full-day ascents of peaks like the Seekarspitze or Gamsleitenspitz. Equipment rental for touring skis, skins, avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels is typically available. Prices vary but often start from €100-€150 per person for a group day tour, or €300+ for private guiding. Booking in advance is highly recommended through local ski schools or independent mountain guides.

Experience the enchanting winter landscape of Obertauern on a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride. Bundled under warm blankets, guests are pulled through snow-covered forests and meadows, listening to the gentle jingle of bells. These romantic rides offer a peaceful alternative to skiing and are particularly popular in the evenings, often including a stop at a cozy alpine hut for a warm drink or a traditional meal. Operators typically offer various routes and durations, ranging from short scenic loops to longer excursions. Prices generally start from €20-€40 per person for a one-hour ride, with private sleighs costing more. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Experience the magic of a winter evening in Obertauern with a guided torchlight walk. These enchanting walks typically take place after dark, with participants holding torches as they follow a local guide through snow-covered forests and quiet paths. It's a serene and atmospheric activity, offering a different perspective of the alpine landscape under the starry sky. The walks often conclude with a warm drink (like Glühwein or punch) and a traditional snack at a mountain hut or a designated gathering point. It's a family-friendly activity, suitable for all ages, and provides a memorable cultural experience. Tours are usually offered once or twice a week during the winter season; duration is typically 1-1.5 hours. Prices are around €15-€25 per person.

Located near the Kehrkopfbahn, 'The Spot' is Obertauern's premier snowpark, designed for freestyle skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to pros. It features a diverse range of kickers, rails, boxes, and jibs, meticulously shaped and maintained daily. The park is divided into different lines (beginner, medium, pro) to ensure a safe and progressive learning environment. Regular events and contests are held throughout the winter season. Access is included with a valid ski pass. Open typically from December to April, weather permitting, 09:00 to 16:00.

Located a short drive from Obertauern in Untertauern, this expansive wildlife park offers a captivating encounter with native alpine animals in their natural habitats. Visitors can observe red deer, ibex, lynx, marmots, and various bird species. The park features well-maintained walking paths, an adventure playground for children, and a petting zoo. It's a perfect family excursion, providing educational insights into the local fauna and flora. There's also a restaurant on-site serving traditional Austrian dishes. Open daily from spring to autumn, 09:00 to 17:00. Entrance fee: Adults ~€10-12, Children ~€6-8.

While not directly in Obertauern, Therme Amadé is a popular thermal spa and water park located in Altenmarkt im Pongau, approximately 20-30 minutes' drive. It offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor pools, including a unique loop slide with a rocket start and a wave pool, all fed by thermal brine from a local spring. The extensive sauna landscape features various saunas, steam baths, and relaxation areas. It's an ideal destination for a relaxing day, especially on non-skiing days or during inclement weather, suitable for families, couples, and individuals. Open daily, usually from 09:00 to 22:00. Day tickets start around €25-30 for adults.

A charming alpine restaurant and activity center located just outside Obertauern towards Radstadt. In winter, it's popular for its accessible cross-country ski trails (distinct from Tauernloipe), horse-drawn sleigh rides, and a natural toboggan run. The restaurant serves hearty regional specialties in a cozy atmosphere. In summer, it transforms into a family-friendly leisure park with playgrounds, a petting zoo, and easy hiking paths. It's known for its authentic alpine charm and caters well to families and those seeking a slightly quieter, traditional experience away from the main resort buzz. Open seasonally, typically 09:00-22:00 during high season.

An indoor and outdoor adventure park designed specifically for families and children, offering a wide range of activities suitable for various weather conditions. The indoor area typically includes soft play zones, climbing structures, and creative play areas. The outdoor section might feature trampolines, slides, and mini-golf. It serves as an excellent complement to skiing or hiking, providing entertainment and childcare options, making Obertauern even more family-friendly. Exact features can vary seasonally. Open daily during peak seasons. Entry fees apply, usually per hour or for a half/full day.

Obertauern offers 100 kilometers of diverse ski slopes, ranging from easy blue runs (40km) for beginners, challenging red runs (50km) for intermediates, to demanding black runs (10km) for experts. The resort is famous for its 'Tauernrunde' ski circuit, allowing continuous skiing without repeating lifts or slopes. It features two snowparks, 'The Spot' and the 'Familypark', designed for freestylers of all levels. The extensive and modern lift system comprises 26 lifts (gondolas, chairlifts, T-bars), ensuring efficient access across the entire resort. The resort base is at approximately 1,630m, with the highest skiable point reaching 2,350m, guaranteeing exceptional snow conditions throughout the winter season, typically from late November to early May. Lift pass prices vary by season and duration, with a 6-day adult pass ranging from €300-€350.

Known as one of the steepest mogul slopes in the Alps, the Gamsleiten 2 (black slope) challenges even the most experienced skiers with its demanding gradient and often icy conditions. It's a true test of skill and nerve, providing an adrenaline rush for expert riders. The slope is accessed by the Gamsleitenbahn 2 chairlift.

Obertauern offers around 26 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, suitable for both classic and skating techniques. The 'Tauernloipe' is a scenic trail winding through the high-altitude landscape. Specific trails like the Gnattenberg trail (10km, easy to moderate) and the World Cup trail (challenging sections) provide varied experiences. Access to the trails is generally free.

In summer, Obertauern transforms into a hiking paradise with over 100 kilometers of marked trails. Options range from easy panoramic walks around the Seekarsee lake (approx. 1.5-2 hours, minimal elevation gain) to challenging multi-hour treks to peaks like Gamsspitzl or Zehnerkarspitze (up to 6 hours, significant elevation gain). Many trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding 'Radstädter Tauern' mountain range. Guided hiking tours are often available through the tourist office or local hotels.

A growing network of mountain biking trails caters to various skill levels. Routes vary from scenic forest paths suitable for e-bikes and families to more technical single trails for experienced riders. Bike rental shops in the village offer a range of bikes, including e-mountain bikes. Maps with detailed routes and difficulty levels are available at the tourist office.

A small local museum dedicated to the history of skiing in Obertauern, showcasing equipment, photos, and memorabilia from various ski competitions and the resort's development. It provides cultural insights into the region's strong connection to winter sports. Opening hours are usually limited to specific days or by appointment. Entrance fee is nominal.