Lower Tauern

The Niedere Tauern are a mountain range in the Central Eastern Alps, stretching across Salzburg and Styria. They form part of the main Alpine chain and rise to 2,863 metres at the Hochgolling summit. Three high mountain passes cut through the range: the Radstädter Tauern at 1,738 metres, the Sölk at 1,788 metres, and the Triebener Tauern at 1,274 metres. The Tauern Autobahn runs beneath the mountains in the Tauern Road Tunnel, linking valleys without crossing the passes. To the west and south the Mur River and Murtörl pass separate the Niedere Tauern from the Hohe Tauern, while the Enns River and Schober Pass mark the northern and eastern edge. The range is divided into four subgroups by the Austrian Alpine Club: Radstadt Tauern, Schladming Tauern, Rottenmann and Wölz Tauern, and Seckau Tauern. During the last Ice Age the eastern part of the range remained free of ice, creating a refuge for mountain plants. Two of Austria’s best-known ski resorts sit in these mountains: Obertauern and Schladming. The passes and valleys have long served travellers crossing between Styria and Salzburg. Walkers find marked trails that lead to quiet alpine meadows and summits above the tree line. The Sölk valley offers a gentler route through forests and pastures, while the Radstädter Tauern pass climbs steeply to open ridges. In winter the resorts organise groomed pistes and ski tours for all abilities. The contrast between the green valleys in summer and the snow-covered peaks in winter gives the region its special character.