Untertauern: Cross-country skiing, family trails and nature experiences

Untertauern combines a clear focus on winter activities with trails, alpine pastures and nature destinations suited to a variety of day plans. Cross-country skiing and biathlon take center stage at Gnadenalm. At the same time, you will find family-friendly trails, a wildlife park, waterfalls and other excursion destinations in and around Untertauern. So if you are looking for accommodation for a ski holiday, you can decide whether cross-country skiing will define your stay or whether you would like to combine it with nature and shared activities.

Cross-country skiing and biathlon at Gnadenalm

Gnadenalm is a cross-country skiing paradise and biathlon center with guaranteed snow. For travelers who do not want to focus exclusively on alpine skiing during their winter holiday, this emphasis provides an important point of reference. Gnadenalm also offers numerous hiking trails and loop trails. Tauernkaralm complements the area with one of the last original alpine pastures, a traditional smoke kitchen and the opportunity to stop for refreshments.

The “Alles Alm” loop trail begins directly at Gnadenalm between Untertauern and Obertauern. It is child-friendly and easy to assess in terms of specific measurements: the stroller-accessible loop trail is approximately 5 kilometers long and has a total elevation gain of 50 meters. Ten themed stations focus on life in the past at Gnadenalm, nature and the animals found there. This gives families not only the opportunity to exercise but also a subject to explore together along the way.

Family trails and animal experiences

At the Untertauern leisure and wildlife park, you can experience native wildlife and other animal species at close range. A family loop trail also leads through the Taurach Gorge. The attractions also include a natural swimming lake and fishing opportunities at the Fürstenbrunn ponds. These destinations appeal to travelers who want to plan their stay not only around sporting achievements but also around shared nature experiences with their children.

Waterfalls, alpine pastures and longer trails

A family-friendly hike from the Gnadenbrücke in Untertauern reaches the crystal-clear Tauernkarsee after 3.8 kilometers. A forest road also leads from the Gnadenbrücke through a woodland and alpine pasture area. For another trail idea, you can reach the “Maierl-Alm” from Untertauern or from the junction near the wildlife park via the old “Römerstraße” and the newly constructed “Hohlwandweg”.

The Johannes Waterfall is around 60 meters high. A hiking trail leads directly behind the waterfall and offers a special perspective on the water. The Johannes Waterfall can be reached via both Felseralm and Gnadenalm. If you would also like to plan a cycling tour, the Taurach Valley Cycle Path between Radstadt and Untertauern is a route listed as 11 kilometers long.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Untertauern, it is worth defining your personal priorities first. Gnadenalm is the central point of reference for cross-country skiing and biathlon. Families can include the “Alles Alm” loop trail, the leisure and wildlife park, or the trails to Tauernkarsee and the Johannes Waterfall in their plans. When making your specific choice, check which starting point and route are suitable for the day trips you have planned.

Compare other destinations

For more travel ideas on this domain, you can also compare Obertauern, Mühlbach am Hochkönig, Bad Hofgastein, Harbach, Feuersang, Bad Gastein, Wagrain and Eben Im Pongau.

For the higher-level travel overview: Sankt Johann im Pongau District.