Mittersill lies right on the Salzach between Pass Thurn and Felbertauern. Natural history and architecture offer different starting points for planning your visit: Hintersee was formed after a landslide, while Felberturm and the churches preserve histories of construction and use. The Hohe Tauern National Park Worlds in Mittersill offer a distinctive experience, taking you on an immersive journey through places, eras and areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
History in a Tower, Museum and Churches
Felberturm was built in the first half of the 12th century as a residential and defensive tower for the noble lords of Velm. The newly redesigned Felberturm Museum reopened to visitors on 7 July 2021; the ground floor houses an exhibition on the historic packhorse trade. The tower and exhibition convey different aspects: the tower’s former residential and defensive functions, and the historic transport of goods. As visitor arrangements may change, check them before visiting the museum.
Mittersill Parish Church was built by Johann Kleber between 1747 and 1749, following the great market fire of 1746. St. Anne’s Church was built in 1751 by Kassian Singer in the Tyrolean Rococo style, on the site of the former parish church, which had been badly damaged in the fire. Its ceiling paintings depict the life of St. Anne; they were created by Christoph Anton Mayr in 1753. The parish church’s pulpit dates from 1765 and was made by local sculptor Peter Schmid. Felber Church adds another perspective on the religious buildings: it is Mittersill’s oldest church and was originally built as the castle chapel of the lords of Felben, next to their residential tower. This allows you to distinguish between architectural history, painting, pulpit art and the chapel’s original function as a castle chapel.
Natural History and Protected Landscapes
Hintersee formed when a landslide triggered by the 1495 earthquake in the Hohe Tauern blocked the valley and dammed the lake. In 1933, the Salzburg provincial government declared Hintersee and its surroundings a natural monument and placed both under legal protection. Schösswendklamm is also a natural monument: it was designated and legally protected in 1983 for its distinctive character and beauty. Different aspects come to the fore in a comparison: the geological formation of Hintersee, and the reasons for the gorge’s protected status.
The Heidnische Kirche is a roughly 10 m-high block of central gneiss that rises out of a field of landslide debris. Wasenmoos has a 2 km-long themed hiking trail and an observation pavilion with information materials; both opened in 2006 after the first renaturation phase was completed. All three species of carnivorous plant native to Austria also grow there: sundew, butterwort and bladderwort. These specific details give nature enthusiasts several different topics to explore, from geology to plants.
Plan a Visit to the National Park Worlds
The Hohe Tauern National Park Worlds in Mittersill allow visitors to travel with all their senses to places, eras and areas that otherwise remain inaccessible to people. This is a different way to experience things than viewing a natural monument or walking outdoors: the focus is on immersive interpretation. The exhibition content may change over time; check the current topics before your visit.
Daily opening hours apply for 2026: from May to October, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; from November to April, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Last admission is at 4:30 pm. The National Park Worlds are accessible by bus and train. The walk takes about 10 minutes from the railway station and about 5 minutes from the “Mittersill Stadtplatz” bus stop. Check current opening hours and transport connections before travelling.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Sulzau, Wald Im Pinzgau, Königsleiten, Paßthurn, Lenzing, Taxenbach, Rauris, Hütten
Return to the main travel overview: Zell Am See.
