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Austria is a country with a diverse range of wildlife and natural wonders. The country's seven national parks and numerous wildlife reserves are home to many unique species. From the majestic brown bear to the elusive wildcat, the charming marmot, and the powerful eagle, Austria offers a range of animal experiences in winter and summer. The country's Alps region is particularly popular for activities like dogsledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides, while nature parks such as the one in Villach offer opportunities to see animals like deer, bears, and wolves up close. The Danube region is ideal for bird-watching, with species such as herons, kingfishers, and cormorants. For those seeking larger mammals, the Hohe Tauern National Park is a great spot to witness chamois, red deer, and even the elusive Alpine ibex.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| National Parks | Hohe Tauern National Park, High Tauern National Park, Kalkalpen National Park, Thayatal National Park |
| Nature reserves | Wildnisgebiet Dürrenstein |
| Rivers | Danube |
| Lakes | Neusiedler See-Seewinkel |
| Mountains | Grossglockner, Dorbratsch Mountain |
| Wildlife | Birds, large mammals, fish, reptiles, insects, wolves, bears, lynx, deer, chamois, ibex, marmots, beavers, otters, wildcats, eagles, vultures, huskies, horses |
| Activities | Birdwatching, hiking, dogsledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, skiing |
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What You'll Learn
Birdwatching in the Danube region
The Balkan Peninsula, which includes Serbia, is recognised as one of Europe's finest birding regions. Serbia alone boasts a remarkable 352 bird species, with 240 of those breeding within the country. The Danube in Serbia offers a unique opportunity to witness uncommon migratory breeding species in open, sunny habitats such as Hatarica and the Deliblato sands. The Labudovo okno is another hotspot for birdwatching.
For those interested in raptors, the White-tailed Eagle, the largest of the European eagles, can be spotted in Serbia's riparian forests along large rivers. Birders may also catch a glimpse of the rare and threatened Eastern Imperial Eagle, a species of global conservation concern that breeds along the Danube.
Birdwatching tours are available in the Danube Delta, ranging from 3 to 5 days. These tours, led by professional and experienced guides, promise an intense and exclusive birdwatching experience. The guides' extensive knowledge of the area ensures that birders can maximise their chances of spotting specific target species.
In addition to the Danube region, bird enthusiasts may also explore the Alpine regions of Austria for a diverse range of bird species, including eagles, grouse, and buzzards. The Hohe Tauern National Park and the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park offer excellent opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
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Wildlife spotting in Hohe Tauern National Park
Covering an area of 1,856 square kilometres, Hohe Tauern National Park is Austria's oldest and largest national park. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the country's highest mountain, Grossglockner, and its largest glacier, the Pasterze. The park offers plenty of activities, including hiking, mountaineering, cycling, and wildlife watching.
The best time to visit the Hohe Tauern National Park is from May to October for hikes and high alpine tours. In spring and summer, the mountain pastures are in bloom, and the waterfalls are particularly impressive. The park is characterised by its forests, mountain lakes, imposing waterfalls, glaciated peaks, and gentle alpine meadows. It is a paradise for relaxation and wonder, with guided tours led by national park rangers covering topics such as wildlife observation, glaciology, and alpine flora.
Wildlife watching tours for ibex, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles are particularly popular. The park is home to numerous wild animals, including the rare bearded vulture and the Alpine ibex. The flora includes edelweiss, gentian, and alpine lichens, which are perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions of the high Alps. The Krimml Waterfalls, with a total drop height of 380 metres, are a highlight in the park and the highest waterfalls in Europe.
The Hohe Tauern National Park is a great place to spot Alpine marmots, especially in the summer season. These large ground squirrels native to Austria's forests feed on grasses, herbs, and small insects. They live in burrows beneath the soil surface, and in April, after six months of hibernation, marmot couples emerge to present their cute babies. The park also offers the opportunity to witness chamois in their natural environment.
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Dogsledding with Huskies in the Alps
Austria is a country with an abundance of wildlife and nature. The Alpine regions are home to a wide range of bird species, including eagles, grouse, and buzzards. The country's national parks also provide excellent opportunities to witness larger mammals in their natural environment.
One way to explore Austria's stunning Alpine regions and see some of its wildlife is through dogsledding with Huskies. Dogsledding with Huskies in the Alps is an exciting and unique way to experience the country's natural beauty and create a special bond with these remarkable dogs.
Undiscovered Mountains offers winter activity holidays in the Alps, where you can try dogsledding. They provide various options, from one-hour to full-day husky sledding trips into the winter wilderness. For longer trips, you can help prepare, feed, and care for the dogs, building a special connection with them. The minimum age for driving or "mushing" the huskies is 12, while children under 12 can join as passengers.
La Plagne in the French Alps is another excellent option for dogsledding. They offer dog sled rides towed by 7 to 10 dogs, with mushers who introduce you to their "families" and provide guidance. The first rides are suitable for children as young as 2, making it a fun family experience.
Every February, the Champsaur and Valgaudemar Valleys in the Southern French Alps host a week of husky sledding races and events, providing a thrilling spectacle for visitors. Whether you're looking to actively participate in dogsledding or observe exciting races, the Alps offer a range of options to suit your preferences.
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Horse-drawn sleigh rides in the Alps
Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a popular activity in many regions of Austria, especially in the Alps. If you're looking for a romantic experience, Salzburg and Styria are known for their horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered landscapes. You can book these rides at many locations, such as in the community of Ramsau am Dachstein, which has the largest number of horses in Styria. The ride through the winter wonderland of St. Johann is also a popular choice, with two providers offering carriage rides.
For a full-day winter outing, you can take a journey to the breathtaking alpine plateau of Ramsau in the Alps. This includes a 5-hour stay at over 3,700 feet of elevation, with a 2-hour horse-drawn sleigh ride through the magical winter landscape. There will also be a stop for refreshments and an opportunity to explore the alpine village.
Other popular locations for horse-drawn sleigh rides in the Alps include SalzburgerLand, Vorarlberg, and smaller towns like Kleinarl, Ramsau am Dachstein, and Kufstein. The Wilder Kaiser mountain range and the frozen lake Weissensee are also ideal for horse-drawn carriage excursions, where you can enjoy the fantastic landscape at a slower pace.
In addition to horse-drawn sleigh rides, dogsledding with huskies has become a popular sport in the Alpine regions. Huskies, powerful polar dogs, were originally bred as sled dogs by Indigenous peoples from Siberia, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska. They can cover up to 10,000 kilometres in one winter as a team and reach impressive speeds.
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Bears, wolves and lynx in Kalkalpen National Park
Kalkalpen National Park, located in the Alps of Upper Austria, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and lynx. The park, founded in 1997, covers an area of 20,856 hectares and includes two mountain ranges, Sengsengebirge and Reichraminger Hintergebirge, at the northern edge of the Alps.
Bears in Kalkalpen National Park
Brown bears are among the rarer sights in Austria, and the Kalkalpen National Park is one of the places where they can be found. Bear sightings are uncommon, as there are only 25-30 bears remaining in the country. The bears are thought to live in the centre of Austria, and while successful breeding has been recorded, the population has not grown.
Wolves in Kalkalpen National Park
Wolves were lost in Austria back in 1882 but returned silently in 2016. Kalkalpen National Park is one of the places where wolves have been sighted. Wolves have only recently recolonized the country, with an estimated 80 wolves spread throughout Austria. The park's large contiguous area of old-growth beech and mixed forest provides a favourable habitat for wolves.
Lynx in Kalkalpen National Park
The Eurasian lynx was reintroduced to the Kalkalpen National Park in 1999, marking an important step for their return to the Alps. The limited reintroduction of lynx into the Austrian Alps is facing challenges due to poaching. However, growing awareness of their plight should help protect future populations. The park's diverse forest habitats, including old-growth beech and mixed forests, provide a suitable environment for lynx to establish their territories and raise their young.
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Frequently asked questions
There are seven national parks and numerous wildlife reserves scattered across Austria's diverse biomes. Hohe Tauern National Park, Kalkalpen National Park, Thayatal National Park, and Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park are some of the parks where you can see wild animals.
The High Tauern National Park is home to red deer, chamois, Alpine ibex, griffon vultures, and golden eagles. The Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park is a great place to see migratory and nesting birds such as herons, great bustards, spoonbills, storks, and sea eagles.
The Eurasian brown bear is a rare sight in Austria, with only 25-30 remaining in the country. Other rare animals include wildcats, otters, and wolves.
Austria offers a variety of animal experiences, such as horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog sledding with Huskies. These experiences are often available in the winter months and provide a unique way to explore the snow-covered mountains and forests.
Austria is home to a diverse range of bird species. The Danube region and the Alpine regions are great for birdwatching, with species such as herons, cormorants, kingfishers, eagles, grouse, and buzzards. The most common birds in Austria include the European robin, Eurasian blackbird, common chaffinch, and Eurasian jay.
