A real experience of nature

Karwendel Nature Park

The Karwendel Nature Park encompasses almost the entire Karwendel massif and was extended in January 2022 to include the existing Arnspitze nature reserve in the municipality of Leutasch. With an area of 739 km², it is the largest protected area in Tyrol and also the largest nature park in Austria.

It has an above-average proportion of natural habitats such as primeval forests and wild rivers and is home to a high number of animal and plant species that are important throughout Europe, such as the golden eagle, white-backed woodpecker or lady's slipper.

From the new visitor centre and Museum Holzerhütte in Scharnitz, nature lovers can make excursions into three valleys. There are a total of 101 alpine pastures in the Karwendel, 15 municipalities border the Karwendel Nature Park and 5 Tyrolean tourism associations.

The Karwendeltal valley, through which the legendary Karwendel March also leads, is a very unspoilt valley whose steep climbs demand good fitness from hikers and bikers. The Karwendelhaus does not only offer fantastic views and a well-earned snack, but is also the starting point for many summit ascents.

The route through the Hinterautal valley is less demaning, always leading along the crystal clear, blue water of the river Isar to its source "near the rivers". A short distance further on, the Kastenalm invites you to stop for a tasty snack, surrounded by magnificent maple trees. The source of the Isar is particularly easy to reach by e-bike and is also a popular destination for families.

The path through the Gleirschtal valley leads via the Möslalm to the Pfeishütte. The trail through the wild and romantic Gleirschklamm gorge is an impressive experience for sure-footed hikers. The narrow path leads through a varied fauna and flora, always along the clear stream.