Hiking in the Obersulzbachtal valley
The power of nature, glacier views and alpine vistas
A valley that leaves a lasting impression: the Obersulzbachtal is one of the most unspoilt landscapes in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Here, gentle alpine pastures meet a high-alpine backdrop – with views towards the glacial world of the Venediger Group.
The Obersulzbachtal is not only an impressive hiking area, but also a key starting point for high-alpine tours. These include, amongst others, the ascent of the Großvenediger, Salzburg’s highest mountain.
Anyone venturing here can feel the power of the mountains and experience nature in its most unspoilt form.
The Obersulzbachtal at a glance
- Location: Neukirchen am Großvenediger | Hohe Tauern National Park
- Starting point: Blausee car park or Hopffeldboden car park
- Access: accessible by valley taxi
- Starting point for the Großvenediger hike
- Special feature: views of the glacial landscape of the Venediger Group
- Difficulty: easy to challenging (depending on the route)
- Ideal for: families, mountain lovers, keen hikers
- Cosy places to stop for a bite to eat
Hiking between alpine pastures and high mountains
The Obersulzbachtal valley offers an impressive variety: from leisurely walks along the valley floor to more challenging mountain hikes, the landscape unfolds, changing its character with every rise in altitude.
Lush alpine meadows, thundering waterfalls and views towards the glacier make every hike a special experience of nature. Step by step, the trail leads deeper into an alpine world that feels both tranquil and powerful.
The Sulzbach valleys – covering more than 6,700 hectares, with 17 glaciers and 25 peaks over 3,000 metres – are an internationally recognised and protected wilderness area. This designation was awarded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in accordance with strict global criteria.
The Upper and Lower Sulzbach Valleys are characterised by glaciers, glacial forelands, glacial streams and three-thousand-metre peaks. The highest point in the wilderness area is the 3,657-metre summit of the Großvenediger, Salzburg’s highest mountain. Within the wilderness area there are more than 25 mountain peaks over 3,000 metres above sea level and 17 glaciers. It ranges from an altitude of just under 1,400 metres to 3,657 metres.
The area boasts a great diversity of species; among others, it is home to ibex, chamois, marmots and bearded vultures.
The areas released by the glaciers are particularly interesting because they offer ‘wilderness at first hand’.
Valley taxi to the Obersulzbachtal valley
From the Hopffeldboden car park to the Berndlalm and the Materialseilbahn valley station
- Berndlalm Taxi: +43 664 9166718
- Kürsinger Shuttle: +43 720 920 444
Advance booking (preferably the evening before) with the individual taxi operators is essential!
