Lower TauernAbout Lower Tauern
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -10° - -4° | -14° | 101 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -11° - -4° | -14° | 93 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -9° - -2° | -12° | 133 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -6° - 1° | -8° | 152 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Poor | -1° - 7° | -1° | 159 mm | overcast | 80% | 4.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.9h |
| June | Poor | 2° - 10° | 3° | 199 mm | overcast | 80% | 4.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Poor | 4° - 12° | 6° | 212 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 6° | 182 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 2° | 160 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -2° - 6° | -2° | 140 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -6° - 0° | -9° | 148 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -9° - -2° | -12° | 133 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
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.