Plizio Visual Lab

Lower Tauern

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Lower Tauern (Niedere Tauern) are part of the Central Eastern Alps in Austria and span the federal states of Salzburg and Styria. The range is divided into four main groups: the Radstadt Tauern, Schladming Tauern, Wölz Tauern, and Seckau Tauern. They reach their maximum height with the Hochgolling at 2863 meters, distinguishing them from the glaciated Hohe Tauern to the west. Geologically, crystalline schists and gneisses dominate, resulting in a water-rich landscape with numerous mountain lakes and waterfalls. The region is famous for its traditional alpine farming and today serves as a significant year-round tourism area, especially around Schladming. In winter, the mountains are a center for alpine skiing, while in summer, they attract hikers to the Tauern High Trail. The flora includes extensive stone pine forests and high alpine meadows where rare orchid species thrive. Historically, crossing the Tauern passes, such as the Radstadt Tauern Pass, was of great strategic importance as far back as Roman times. The Lower Tauern offer a gentler yet still high-alpine character compared to the Hohe Tauern, good for extensive trekking tours.

Location: Carinthia, Austria
Top sights: Rettlkirchspitze · Greim
Nearby: Liezen (37 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-5	-5	-1	4	9	13	15	14	10	6	1	-4
Rain mm	82	67	81	75	140	167	177	175	132	96	73	76

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access into the massif is usually achieved via well-maintained alpine passes and mountain valleys that serve as gateways from both the Styrian and Salzburg regions.

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Best season

Mid-summer to early autumn is typically the preferred season for high-altitude hiking, ensuring that most snow has melted from the higher passes and peaks.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain provides a rugged alpine environment with steep ascents, rocky ridges, and challenging trails that require good physical condition for the higher summits.

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What to bring

Comprehensive alpine equipment is strictly required, including robust mountaineering boots, adequate layers for extreme weather changes, and emergency supplies.

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Parking

Hikers generally leave their vehicles at designated lots near traditional mountain huts or at the very end of the accessible valley roads before beginning the ascent.

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Safety

Due to the high elevations reaching up to 2,862 meters, visitors must be highly aware of rapid weather shifts, potential rockfalls, and the dangers of altitude exposure.

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Time needed

Most meaningful expeditions into this massif demand at least a full day, while attempting the major peaks often requires planning for multi-day alpine treks.