Plizio Visual Lab
Sölktäler Nature Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
park
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Sölktäler Nature Park extends over an area of 227 square kilometres in Styria and includes the valleys of the Große and Kleine Sölk. As part of the Niedere Tauern, the area is characterized by rugged mountain peaks, countless crystal-clear mountain streams, and over 30 alpine lakes. The park was established in 1983 to preserve traditional alpine farming and the unique biodiversity of the region. A special feature of the nature park is the management of the alpine pastures, where the famous Ennstal Steirerkas cheese is produced according to centuries-old recipes. The Sölk Pass, situated at an altitude of 1,788 metres, connects the Enns Valley with the Mur Valley and was already an important trade route in Roman times. Visitors can learn more about natural and cultural history at the Schloss Großsölk Nature Park House. The region is considered an insider tip for hikers seeking tranquility away from large tourism centres and provides a habitat for rare species such as the wood grouse and the alpine salamander.
- Location: Carinthia, Austria
- Top sights: Ahornkogl · Gaßeneck · Großes Bärneck
- Nearby: Tauplitz (26 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
Getting there
The area is generally accessible by car via winding mountain roads that lead deep into the protected cultural landscape, starting from nearby regional transport routes.
Best season
Summer and early autumn are typically the most favorable times to visit, providing optimal conditions for viewing the clear mountain lakes and navigating the moors.
Terrain & paths
Visitors will encounter a mix of well-maintained natural trails passing by high moors and moderately challenging paths leading up towards the pristine alpine lakes.
What to bring
Waterproof trekking footwear is highly advisable to navigate the damp environments near the high moors comfortably, alongside standard alpine weather protection.
Parking
Limited but adequately marked parking spots are usually provided at the main entrances of the valleys and near the traditional alpine pastures serving as trailheads.
Safety
Careful steps are necessary when walking on boardwalks or trails through the moorlands, as they can become quite slippery, and sudden fog can reduce visibility.
Time needed
Exploring the diverse natural features, from the cultural sites to the lakes, generally requires around three to six hours for a fully rewarding half-day excursion.
Geography
Facts
- The nature park was officially established in the year 1983.
- The total area of the protected territory is 227 square kilometres.
- There are over 30 crystal-clear mountain lakes within the park.
- The Sölk Pass is located at an elevation of 1,788 metres above sea level.
- The highest peak in the region is the Großer Knallstein at 2,599 metres.
- The nature park house is located in the historic Großsölk Castle.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sölktäler Nature Park (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Sölktäler Nature Park?
It is a very pristine, quiet area without mass tourism.
Is camping allowed in the Sölktäler Nature Park?
Wild camping is prohibited, but there are official campsites in the region.
Are there managed alpine pastures (alms)?
Yes, in summer, many alpine pastures offer regional snacks and local Steirerkas cheese.
Is the Sölk Pass always open?
No, the pass has a winter closure, usually from November to May.
Where is the best place to start for hikes?
Good starting points are Stein an der Enns or St. Nikolai im Sölktal.
Sölktäler Nature Park: where is it located?
Sölktäler Nature Park is located in Carinthia, Austria.
Sölktäler Nature Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ahornkogl, Gaßeneck, Großes Bärneck.
Sölktäler Nature Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sölktäler Nature Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Sölktäler Nature Park extends over an area of 227 square kilometres in Styria and includes the valleys of the Große and Kleine Sölk.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Austria →
Nearby cities
Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, the capital of Carinthia, is considered the charming Renaissance pearl of the Austrian south.
Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is a charming city known for its Renaissance old town and its location on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake W…
Klagenfurt-Land
The Klagenfurt-Land district surrounds the Carinthian state capital and offers a picturesque mix of alpine landscapes and significant cul…
Villach
Villach is located on the Drau River near the Italian border.
Wolfsberg
Wolfsberg is the center of the Carinthian Lavant Valley.
Spittal an der Drau
Spittal an der Drau is the urban center of Upper Carinthia and a popular starting point for lakes and mountains.
Sankt Veit an der Glan
Sankt Veit an der Glan is a historic ducal city in Carinthia that enchants visitors with its medieval old town and artistic highlights li…
St. Veit an der Glan
St.
Judenburg
Judenburg is a town in Styria, located in the Aichfeld basin.
Finkenstein
Finkenstein am Faaker See delights with its location by turquoise waters, its imposing castle ruins, and the majestic Karawanken mountain…
Völkermarkt
Völkermarkt is a Carinthian district town on a rock terrace above the Drava river, known for its lively market culture and the nearby Völ…
Ferlach
Ferlach is Austria's southernmost town, globally recognized as a historic center for master gunsmithing and fine hunting rifles.
Bad Gastein
World-renowned spa town with imposing Belle Époque architecture and a spectacular waterfall in the city center.
Seeboden am Millstätter See
The tourist gateway to Lake Millstätter See, known for its extensive parks and Sommeregg Castle.
Feldkirchen in Kärnten
Feldkirchen is a city in central Carinthia at the foot of the Ossiacher Tauern.
History & landmarks
Murau
A charming beer town on the Mur river, famous for its wooden architecture, Obermurau Castle, and top-tier ski resorts.
Tamsweg
Historic market town in Salzburg's Lungau region, famous for the UNESCO-protected Samson parades.
Friesach
The oldest town in Carinthia impresses with its water-filled moat and massive medieval fortifications.
Gmünd in Kärnten
A charming artists' town with a medieval core and the historic birthplace of Porsche sports cars.
Finstergrün Castle
The complex above Ramingstein was built in the 13th century and later expanded in the Neo-Gothic style.
More places
Planneralm
The Planneralm is a high alpine region in Styria.
🗺️
Ansberg
The Ansberg is located near Liezen in Styria.
Lower Tauern
The Lower Tauern are a mountain massif of the Central Alps in Styria and Salzburg.
Große Wildstelle
The Große Wildstelle is the highest peak of the Schladming Tauern.
Hoher Trieb
The Hoher Trieb is a mountain in the Lower Tauern in Styria.
Schladming Tauern
The Schladming Tauern are a mountain group of the Lower Tauern in Styria and Salzburg.