Standard EN (27)
HI – MY NAME IS BLUES, AND I’M HANNES & BARBARA’S FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND.
So far, they’ve taken me on quite a few ‘Into the Wild’ tours, and I’ve got to tell you: I had a great time! If you’d like to accompany your owner on one of our excursions, I’d be very pleased – and I’m sure you’ll love every minute. But before you set out, what should every canine guest know about staying at the Nationalpark Lodge?
Here are the answers to some of the most important questions:
In which areas of the Nationalpark Lodge am I allowed?
Aside from your owner’s hotel room, you are welcome in the downstairs foyer, the Pioneers’ Bar, and the ‘Glocknerstube’. Please make sure that your owner keeps you on a leash at all times! Due to hygiene reasons, the rest of the hotel is out of bounds. If your family would like you to accompany them to dinner, simply opt for the ‘Glocknerstube’ dining room.
Where am I allowed to sleep?
Ideally, your owners will have brought your familiar bedding from home, so you can feel especially comfortable. However, if they forgot to pack your blanket (or food bowl), they can borrow both at the hotel reception. The beds, sofas and armchairs in our guest rooms might well look inviting – just like the benches and chairs in the Pioneers’ Bar – but neither of them are a place for well-behaved dogs!
Where can my owners take me to ‘go walkies’?
Welcome to the Hohe Tauern National Park: in our rural surroundings, most areas are freely accessible – provided your owners always clean up using dog waste bags. Unfortunately, the small park next to the hotel is an officially designated Dog-Free Zone (starting from the stairs that lead down from our terrace). However, our staff has plenty of tips on suitable walks and hiking paths nearby - just ask at the reception!
What about defending my territory – in this case, the hotel room?
Naturally, the maid would like to enter your family’s room to keep it comfortable and clean. We suggest your owners arrange a specific time for her to come by while you are out and about. To ensure the maid does not walk in on you when you’re ‘on guard’, we would ask your owners to place the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the outside of your door.
P.S.: Don’t worry if your family has forgotten to bring your favourite food – the local grocery shop (Adeg Aktiv Mölltalmarkt) stocks a selection of dog foods. Simply ask at the reception – the hotel team will happily order in the food brand of your choice.
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Fun on the slopes – from our hotel lobby
straight Into the Wild
The height of convenience: For guests of the Nationalpark Lodge, the Grossglockner/Heiligenblut ski area is virtually on your doorstep. You are also able to buy or rent any equipment you might need at our in-house sports shop (Intersport Grossglockner).
Grossglockner/Heiligenblut ski area –
TOP OF AUSTRIA
Ultimate freedom!
There’s nothing quite like skiing amidst Austria’s most breathtaking mountains. The 3798-metre-high Grossglockner dominates the spectacular scenery; the ski terrain is vast, rich in diversity and equipped with comfortable, modern lift facilities.
Whether you prefer groomed slopes or off-piste runs: Heiligenblut will make your heart beat faster.
Since the 1960s, Heiligenblut has been a paradise for skiing aficionados and winter sports enthusiasts. What sets it apart from other ski resorts is that the focus is not merely limited to state-of-the art facilities, but extends to a genuine love for nature and a desire to be as one with the wild.
It is an indescribable feeling, to dive into the immensity of a mountainscape overlooked by the Grossglockner. At the same time, our guests appreciate how straightforward it is to find your way around this snowcovered wonderland of ski-runs and pistes in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Facts and figures
- 55 kilometres of piste, covering all levels of difficulty
- 12 modern, comfortable lift facilities
- 4 Ski Routes; 1500 hectares of Freeride Arena divided into 6 Freeride Sectors
- Freeride Checkpoint at the Rossbach cableway station
Overview of pistes and lift facilities
(based on the current website of the Grossglockner/Heiligenblut ski resort)
Freeride Arena
The Freeride Arena consists of unsecured, off-piste terrain, divided into Sectors A to F.
SECTOR A - SCHARECK
The Schareck mountain forms the centre of the Grossglockner/Heiligenblut ski area, featuring slopes and ski-runs on almost every side.
SEKTOR B - FALLBICHL
Due to its high altitude and exposed position, this sector offers reliable snowcover. Finest powder snow conditions can continue well into March.
SEKTOR C - VIEHBÜHEL
Offering reliable snowcover due to its high altitude, this sector is accessible all throughout the winter (with occasional exceptions in the event of avalanche risk).
SEKTOR D - FLEISSALM
A particularly diverse sector which encompasses steep alpine terrain in the upper part, and gentle, wide ground in the lower parts.
SEKTOR E - TAUERNTAL
Challenging terrain. Skiing in this sector requires a great deal of expertise and a good sense of direction.
Important safety information!
The Freeride Sectors are
- not secured against avalanches
- not marked
- not monitored
- not secured against alpine dangers
Every off-piste skier is responsible for his/her own safety. Your conduct must never endanger others. Every skier is legally liable for his/her conduct.
Off-piste skiers are advised to carry avalanche safety equipment (available to rent at Intersport Grossglockner, Heiligenblut). If you would like to ski off-piste but have limited experience or are unfamiliar with the local terrain, we recommend hiring one of our excellent local ski guides for a safe and enjoyable excursion.
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Thursday, 22.May 2025
10°/13°C
Lots of clouds and increasingly rainy with an Italian low. Rather cool.
Overcast with increasing rainfall throughout the day.
3000m -3° 2000m 3°
Friday, 23.May 2025
10°/14°C
Cool, but rain dies out soon. In the late afternoon sunny spells possible.
In the morning some rain, but becoming dry soon. However, clouds dominating all day long.
3000m -7° 2000m 0°
Saturday, 24.May 2025
6°/17°C
Sunday, 25.May 2025
5°/20°C
Monday, 26.May 2025
5°/22°C
Tuesday, 27.May 2025
9°/23°C
Wednesday, 28.May 2025
10°/21°C
Blick nach Heiligenblut
Blick nach Heiligenblut
Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe 
Long-distance hiking from the glacier to the sea
The Alpe-Adria Trail: the ultimate long-distance hiking experience.
- The Alpe-Adria Trail runs from the glacier at the foot of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, to the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
- It connects three regions in three countries: Carinthia, Slovenia, Friuli Venezia Giulia.
- Spanning a total of 750 kilometres divided into 43 stages, the AAT takes hikers through the stunning mountain and lake areas of Carinthia, the wild beauty of the Triglav National Park, the gentle landscape of Friuli, all the way to the seashore in Muggia.
- The Alpe-Adria Trail is all about an enjoyable hiking experience on paths that pose no particular technical challenges.
The Nationalpark Lodge Grossglockner is located on the first two stages of the Alpe-Adria Trail. As an official partner company, we welcome long-distance hikers with a range of attractive offers.
Stage 01 Alpe-Adria Trail: Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe to Heiligenblut
Stage 02 Alpe-Adria Trail: Heiligenblut to Döllach
For further information on the Alpe-Adria Trail and to book your hiking journey visit.
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The Scenic Route to Heiligenblut
Your journey to Heiligenblut becomes an outstanding experience in its own right as soon as the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road is declared open for the summer months.
Ever since 1935, the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road has connected Fusch-Ferleiten in the county of Salzburg with Heiligenblut. 48 kilometres long and comprising 36 bends, the mountain pass road winds its way into the very heart of Hohe Tauern National Park. The highest point of the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road is the ‘Edelweissspitze’ with an altitude of just over 2,500 m.
With plenty of stop-over opportunities, scenic viewing points, attractions and visitor centres along the way, the drive itself turns into a fantastic outing – always accompanied by the spectacular panorama of the Hohe Tauern mountains and their mightiest peaks.
Jewel of the Alps:
the Hohe Tauern National Park
The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest nature conservation area both within Austria and the Eastern Alps. Encompassing a space of 1,856 km² across the counties of Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol, the Hohe Tauern National Park is the last large-scale natural area in Austria. It is divided into a strictly protected core zone and a peripheral buffer zone.
This untouched alpine environment provides natural habitats for wildlife such as chamois, ibex, marmots, golden eagles and snow hares – while the landscape is characterised by expansive rock formations, glacier fields, cascading waterfalls, romantic wild valleys and lush alpine pastures.
With our Into the Wild programme of outdoor excursions, we endeavour to pass on our passion for this uniquely beautiful environment to our guests, enhancing their visit with truly unforgettable experiences.
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Mythical Grossglockner
It is the year 1800. An expedition of 62 people, organised by Prince-Bishop Franz II. Xaver von Salm-Reifferscheid, reaches the summit of the Grossglockner for the very first time: a pivotal achievement in the history of alpinism.
This was soon followed by further expeditions, predominantly for the purposes of science, research and cartography. The mid-19th century, however, saw the development of a new form of alpinism – shifting the focus from scientific interests to an athletic experience. It was not long before alpine tourism on the Glockner had turned into a prosperous business. From 1858, the inn-keepers of the Glocknerwirt took on the task of connecting visiting mountaineers with local guides.
Today, those wishing to conquer the Grossglockner are able to choose from a variety of different routes and levels of difficulty. On the Carinthian side of the mountain, the route of the first ascent (Bischof Salm Trail) is the least challenging option; it is distinguished by a stunning natural scenery, and is generally less frequented than many of the other routes to this much-coveted peak.
Then as now, we recommend that you place your trust in one of our expert mountain guides for a safe and enjoyable Grossglockner summit tour.
Hannes, Barbara & Noah Pichler at the summit of the Grossglockner. 
HEILIGENBLUT – The place we call home
The village of Heiligenblut, St. Vincent parish church and, in the background, the mighty Grossglockner: a perfect postcard image that has become famous around the world. To us, this is simply our home – the place whose natural landscape, cultural traditions and history have become an inherent part of who we are.
The first settlers in Heiligenblut can be traced back to around 300 BC. For centuries, agriculture and animal husbandry were their primary sources of livehood, until new occupations such as freight carriers (‘Säumer’) and gold mining began to bring wealth to the region.
In 1273, the first pilgrims visited Heiligenblut, to see the small vial of ‘Heiligen Bluet’ (holy blood) said to have been brought here by Briccius, a Byzantine general travelling from Constantinople. In 1491, the newly refurbished parish church opened its doors – now spacious enough to accommodate the ever-increasing numbers of pilgrims. From 1642 onwards, our ancestors provided lodgings for pilgrims in need of rest after a long journey – setting the cornerstone for a long tradition of hospitality within our family.
The first ascent of the Grossglockner, followed by the development of alpinism and the construction of the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road, all marked the early advancement of tourism in Heiligenblut. Today, Heiligenblut is a modern-day example of Gentle Tourism that covers the full spectrum of holiday styles: relaxation and adrenaline, nature and cultural heritage.
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CUSTOMER COMMENTS
We've been coming to this hotel for three years, and have previously had holidays all over Austria. There's nothing quite like it: no hullaballoo, a great family atmosphere, everything feels very friendly. That's why we keep coming back. I don't need hundreds of kilometres of piste – it's more about how amazing the pistes are. In the right weather conditions, the off-piste terrain is unbeatable and comparatively safe. That's hugely important.
– Andreas Scherer
I've been a regular guest at the Nationalpark Lodge for a number of years now, starting from when it was still known as the Hotel Glocknerhof. The refurbishment has been beautifully done. To me, the hotel is almost like a second home – you just feel that you're among friends. I come here to recharge my energy in winter and summer alike, and sometimes manage to fit in a weekend break.
– Zoltan Laszlo
INTERSPORT GROSSGLOCKNER
The best for your wild adventures!
Discover our mountains with the equipment of Intersport Großglockner in Heiligenblut.
Discover our pistes, with …
... alpine skis, from beginner to professional models
... ski boots
... rental service
... ski services
And off the piste, with …
... touring ski boots, from beginners to professional models
... skins & poles
... tour clothing
... snowshoes
... and other equipment you need for your off-piste adventure
Equipment for your adventure on foot, with …
... comfortable hiking and mountaineering boots
... climbing equipment
... Walking sticks & backpacks
... the right hiking clothing for your tours.
Enjoying nature, with …
... mountain bikes (also with special ergonomics for women)
... e-bikes
... youth and children's bikes.
Visit us ONLINE on www.intersport-grossglockner.at or in the shop ...
We look forward to seeing you!
More...
INTO THE WILD: THE HEART OF OUR PHILOSOPHY
Hiking through entirely untouched areas of the Hohe Tauern National Park, marvelling at its untamed beauty. Discovering secret places beyond the popular trails and paths. Finding out what treasures nature holds in store for the attentive observer. Immersing yourself in a traditional culture that has been inherently shaped by the natural environment.
This is what we set out to offer with our unique Into the Wild programme. Accompanied by an expert mountain and nature guide who knows the terrain like the back of his hand, discovering this stunningly wild environment becomes a safe and deeply serene experience.
The Hohe Tauern National Park:
The nature of our soul.
The Hohe Tauern National Park is among the few remaining undeveloped areas in Austria. Within this untouched natural expanse, native plants and animals are free to thrive. Their habitats are complemented by the unobtrusive agricultural traditions of high-alpine farming – giving rise to a unique natural and cultural landscape.
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RAISE A GLASS TO ADVENTURE
In one form or another, our hotel bar has been the go-to place for adventurers since 1858: it is built on the very spot where our family’s historical ‘Bergführerhäusl’ once stood – an innovative agency that once connected the early Glockner-pioneers with local mountain guides.
Today, this is where our guests come to relax after an eventful day in the wild, enjoy a nightcap and some banter, gather information about our outdoor programme, or book their next Into the Wild tour. Others simply like to unwind in front of the open fire, dreaming of the wilderness outside.
In tribute to the pioneering spirit that has always infused our family, we have named it the Pioneers’ Bar.
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COMBINING PROGRESS WITH TRADITION
For generations, the Pichler family has struck that elusive balance between innovation and tradition. This rare ability to apply visionary ideas to the characteristics of local life manifested itself in achievements such as the historical ‘Bergführerhäusl’ – essentially Austria’s first mountain guide agency – and the Hotel Glocknerhof. With the Nationalpark Lodge Grossglockner, we now embark on a new era of alpine tourism, with a focus on authentic experiences close to nature.
Traders, pilgrims and alpine pioneers.
Centuries ago, ‘Säumer’ caravans frequently made their way across the Alps – their pack-horses laden with valuable goods such as salt, wine and gold. When travelling from the north, they traversed the mountains via the Hochtor pass to Heiligenblut, before continuing on to Venice. At that time, the place where our hotel stands today was a rest stop and horse changing station, providing overnight lodgings for the weary ‘Säumer’ on their arduous journey south.
From 1642 onwards, our ancestors provided accommodation for the pilgrims flocking to the village to revere the famous vial of ‘Heiligen Bluet’ (holy blood) displayed within the parish church.And finally, the beginning of the 19th century brought an influx of early alpinists with their hearts set on the Grossglockner – inspired by its first ascent in 1800.
For these ambitious pioneers, finding a local guide familiar with the high-alpine terrain was essential to the success of their endeavour. In 1858, the innkeepers of the ‘Glocknerwirt’ took on the task of connecting visiting explorers with knowledgable locals. Today, the very spot in which they planned their expeditions has been turned into our Pioneers’ Bar, where modern-day adventurers can meet, relax – and gather information on how to plan their perfect holiday.
Hans Pichler at the summit cross of the Grossglockner. 
Upsurge in tourism.
In 1928, even before the construction of the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road brought a major boost to the region’s tourism, our grandfather, Hans Pichler, built the Hotel Glocknerwirt. In 1972, this evolved into the Hotel Glocknerhof – soon establishing itself as the leading hotel in Heiligenblut. The Pichler family continued to be known as trailblazers within their field, both in Heiligenblut and the wider region.
Inside
In 2016 and 2017, we embarked on a major refurbishment of the hotel’s architectural and interior design, as well as a comprehensive overhaul of the range of services we offer to our guests. And so the tradition-steeped Hotel Glocknerhof was transformed into the innovative Nationalpark Lodge Grossglockner.
Both the interior refurbishment and structural expansion were overseen by South-Tyrolean architect Christina Biasi-von Berg, who skilfully combined the building’s existing architectural and stylistic features with a thoroughly modern approach. Visual references to the region’s agricultural traditions, enhanced by elements of contemporary alpine chic, have been carefully integrated into the overall design. The result is an eclectic mix of styles that generates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere – creating a perfect place to cosy up before braving the invigorating wilderness outside.
Outside
This is your chance to see the Hohe Tauern mountains in their lesser-known and untamed form: with our Into the Wild programme we aim to introduce our guests to the untouched beauty of the Hohe Tauern National Park in relaxed and easygoing excursions. We take you to places that are off the beaten track, so you can truly experience this unique natural environment with all your senses – before once again returning to the four-star comforts of the Nationalpark Lodge.
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