Lower Tauern
Mountains Alpine mountain range in Austria with ski resorts
The Lower Tauern mountain range provides alpine hiking and winter skiing around resorts like Schladming, with high pastures, marked trails and mountain huts for trekkers.
The Lower Tauern is a mountain range in the Central Eastern Alps of Austria characterized by alpine terrain, high peaks and glaciated valleys. It forms a significant alpine region for both summer hiking and winter sports.
The range contains multiple subranges and passes and includes developed ski areas and alpine trails; peaks in parts of the range exceed 2,000 metres. The terrain ranges from rugged high mountains to forested valleys used for pastoral activities and outdoor recreation.
Alpine routes and local infrastructure developed over the 19th and 20th centuries to serve tourism, mountaineering and winter sports, while traditional alpine farming and forestry have long been part of the area’s use.
Geographically the Lower Tauern runs east-west across central Austria, spanning parts of the federal states of Salzburg and Styria and forming a natural barrier between several alpine valleys.
What to See #
- Radstadt Tauern: Radstadt Tauern - a western subrange with established ski resorts and mountain passes that provide access for winter sports and summer hiking.
- Schladming Tauern: Schladming Tauern - a central subrange popular for hiking and alpine scenery with valleys and high mountain trails.
How to Get to Lower Tauern #
By rail: Salzburg and Bischofshofen are good regional rail hubs with onward bus connections into Lower Tauern valleys. By car: A10 and B311 roads provide access to valley towns and mountain trailheads; seasonal road conditions apply.
Tips for Visiting Lower Tauern #
- Pick summer or late spring for the best trail conditions-some high passes remain snowy into early summer.
- If planning ski or alpine routes, consult local mountain rescue and current avalanche bulletins-conditions change fast.
- Base in towns like Salzburg or Bischofshofen for easy access to different Lower and Upper Tauern sectors.
- Bring maps and a GPS-forest roads and mountain tracks can be confusing in the alpine mosaic.
Best Time to Visit Lower Tauern #
Summer is the most accessible season for hiking and mountain trails; winter is for experienced skiers and mountaineers with local guidance.
Weather & Climate near Lower Tauern #
Lower Tauern's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -11°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1812 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (212 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
