Obertauern combines a varied range of winter sports with nature and cultural attractions. When planning your trip, it is worth first deciding what you would like to focus on: ski slopes and cross-country trails, hikes, or seasonal activities at the lakes. Historical traces and a show distillery are also among the different discoveries to be made here.
In winter: slopes, ski circuits and cross-country skiing
The Obertauern ski area has more than 100 kilometres of well-maintained slopes, suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers and very experienced skiers. Slope conditions and operations vary seasonally. The Tauernrunde offers a distinctive way to navigate the ski area, with two directions: the red route runs clockwise around the ski area, while the green route runs in the opposite direction. This lets you choose according to your preferred direction of travel.
If you prefer to venture away from the slopes, you can plan winter hikes or snowshoe hikes. Guided snowshoe tours are also offered in Obertauern; check their seasonal availability before your trip. Cross-country skiers have almost 70 kilometres of expertly groomed trails in total. Whether they can be used depends on snow conditions. Slopes, ski circuits, cross-country trails and hikes therefore offer different ways to spend a winter’s day.
Seasonal activities at the lakes and on the mountain
Seasonal activities include taking the Grünwaldkopfbahn up to the high plateau, where visitors can then use pedal boats on Grünwaldsee. SUP boards are available free of charge on Krummschnabelsee; availability may change depending on operating conditions. The two lakes are also home to Bobby’s Adventure World. It has activity stations for children, including a stilts course, a raft ride across Krummschnabelsee and the chance to explore underground marmot burrows. The activity is seasonal, and its operating period may vary.
Another option is mountain carting: the ride heads downhill along winding gravel tracks. Mountain carts are issued and riders are given instructions at the mountain station of the Kringsalmbahn; this activity may also vary seasonally. Those interested in mountain bike routes can keep the Stoneman Taurista in mind: the challenge passes through Obertauern. These activities differ considerably in nature—from mountain carting and cycling to activities on the water.
Hundsfeld Moor and history
The Obertauern-Hundsfeldmoor nature reserve and European protected area lies immediately north of the village of Obertauern. The moor provides a habitat for rare animal and plant species, including the white-spotted bluethroat (Luscinia svecica svecica) and the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius). This look at protected nature adds a distinct focus to the sporting attractions.
The area is also connected to film and mining history. In March 1965, Obertauern was a filming location for the Beatles’ movie “Help!” A display board in the Seekar area recalls the former mining of silver and copper; the mines were finally abandoned in 1910. Alongside scenery and activities, visitors interested in local history will find these two specific points of interest from different periods.
Plan your culinary experiences and journey
The show distillery at the Tauernbrennerei in the Alte Alm offers tastings of fruit brandies, spirits and liqueurs, including an introduction to the art of distilling. This is another way to add a culinary theme to your stay.
From Radstadt railway station, you can continue to Obertauern by Postbus or taxi. Bus route 280 stops directly at the GrĂĽnwaldkopf valley station. As transport connections and timetables may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Flachau, Neuberg, Großarl, Lammertal, Sankt Johann Im Pongau, Mühlbach Am Hochkönig, Kleinarl, Schwarzach Im Pongau.
Back to the main travel overview: Sankt Johann Im Pongau.
