Limestone Alps National Park

A national park is a large-scale protected area in which nature is allowed to develop without human utilisation. Protection, research, education and experiencing nature take centre stage.

The Kalkalpen National Park covers around 21,000 hectares, of which around 89 % is a nature zone and 11 % a conservation zone. In the nature zone, the forest wilderness is allowed to develop without utilisation - step by step back to natural processes.

As a large-scale protected area, the Kalkalpen National Park preserves valuable habitats, creates the basis for research and environmental education and makes it possible to experience nature carefully along marked trails. Protection, knowledge and a responsible experience of nature go hand in hand here.

The ancient beech forests in the Kalkalpen National Park are part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. They symbolise natural forest development that has been allowed to take place for centuries without forestry use.

Together with the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area in Lower Austria, they form important retreats for original beech forests in Austria. Both protected areas show how forest wilderness can develop again in Central Europe - with high biodiversity, rare species and natural processes ranging from seedling to decay.

Over 10,000 species have been recorded in the Kalkalpen National Park. Lynx, golden eagles and black storks have found a new habitat between ancient beech trees and clear streams.

55 mammal species - including 17 bat species - are native here. 80 breeding bird species, such as the white-backed woodpecker, boreal owl and lesser spotted flycatcher, show how valuable near-natural forests are. There are also 1,560 species of butterflies and 41 relict forest beetles such as the alpine longhorned beetle and the large flat beetle.

The Sengsengebirge is also special: a globally unique species of cave ground beetle lives there - silent proof of the unspoilt nature of the Kalkalpen National Park

Yes, the lynx is back in the Kalkalpen National Park. The extensive forest area offers them retreats, prey and sufficient peace and quiet

The lynx lives in the Kalkalpen National Park, but is rarely seen. As a shy wild animal, it avoids humans and usually moves through the vast forests at dusk.

If you want to find out more about its tracks, habitats and retreats, a guided ranger tour is the perfect way to do so. Book a Ranger" gives you an insight into the world of this secret forest dweller - mindfully, respectfully and with the necessary distance to nature.

Yes, bivouacking is possible at designated sites in the Kalkalpen National Park. If you book in advance, you can spend the night at the Weißwasser bivouac site or the Steyrsteg bivouac site.

Spending the night under the stars is a special moment in nature here. All information on registration and the rules can be found at: https://www.kalkalpen.at/biwakieren-im-nationalpark

Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a lead.

Yes, there are family-friendly paths, themed trails and ranger programmes that explain nature in an understandable and exciting way.

The best time to visit the Kalkalpen National Park is from spring to late autumn. When the beech trees sprout, streams swell and the paths are clear, the national park is particularly lively. In summer, the forests are pleasantly cool, while autumn brings clear views and quiet paths.

The national park itself is freely accessible all year round - please stay on the marked paths. Cycling is permitted from 1 April to 31 October on approved routes.

Yes, hiking is possible all year round on marked trails in the Kalkalpen National Park. Cycling is permitted from 1 April to 31 October on approved routes.

Numerous hiking and cycling trails await you - from leisurely valley routes to more challenging mountain tours. Along the way, managed huts invite you to take a break: with regional delicacies, fresh alpine cheese and hearty snacks. This is a particularly harmonious combination of exercise, nature and enjoyment in the heart of Upper Austria.

To date, 927 plant species have been recorded in the Kalkalpen National Park, many of which are considered particularly worthy of protection and are on the Red List. The diversity of 42 wild orchid species is striking, including the yellow lady's slipper. Clusius primula, narrow-leaved forest bird's-foot trefoil and Turk's cap lily also find suitable habitats here - embedded in the original forest wilderness of Upper Austria.

The Kalkalpen National Park protects the largest forest wilderness in Austria and the largest beech forest conservation area in the Alps. Around 30 forest communities and areas close to primeval forest show natural development. This is also home to the oldest beech tree in the Alps, which is around 550 years old. Over 800 springs also feed the longest natural stream system in the northern Limestone Alps - a widely ramified network of clear water and living habitats.

The Kalkalpen National Park is easy to reach - whether by car, train or public transport. The Pyhrn motorway (A9) provides easy access to the valleys around the Kalkalpen National Park, for example to Reichraming, Großraming, Molln or Windischgarsten.

By train, you can travel to stations such as Kirchdorf an der Krems or Reichraming, from where buses will take you further in the direction of the national park. If you want to be mindful when travelling, combine train, bus and bike - and set off into the forest wilderness of Upper Austria in a relaxed manner.