Tauplitz is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for fresh mountain air, picturesque landscapes, and a straightforward stay in the Austrian Alps. The village is located in Styria, in the Ausseerland-Salzkammergut region, and is particularly well-known for its proximity to the Tauplitzalm. There, you can expect wide alpine meadows, clear mountain lakes, and plenty of opportunities to get to know the region at your own pace.

In Tauplitz, active holidays, nature, and relaxation can be wonderfully combined. You can discover the surroundings while hiking, hit the slopes in winter, plan smaller excursions, or simply enjoy a few quiet days in the mountains. This makes Tauplitz a great fit for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to experience a relaxed alpine holiday.

In this guide, you will find out what to expect at the Tauplitz ski resort, why a detour to the Tauplitz Waterfall is worth it, and how you can easily travel by train to Tauplitz station as well as reach the region’s higher elevations with the Tauplitz cable cars.

Winter holidays in the Tauplitz ski resort

The Tauplitz ski resort is one of the main reasons why many visitors travel to this Austrian region in winter. Around 43 kilometers of slopes offer a variety of runs, many of them above the tree line. Along the way, impressive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains open up again and again. Furthermore, the area is suitable for both beginners and more experienced winter sports enthusiasts looking for versatile slopes.

Wide-angle shot of athletic male skier in orange technical jacket carving through fresh powder on steep alpine terrain. Snow-capped mountain peaks stretch across distant horizon.

The ski resort also scores points for its spaciousness. Instead of hectic activity, the focus here is more on enjoyable skiing. You can take your turns at a leisurely pace, choose more sporty routes, or stop off at one of the huts in between. The slopes are located between around 896 and 1,965 meters in altitude, offering an impressive alpine backdrop.

There is also plenty to experience in winter away from the classic downhill runs. Those who don’t want to ski every day can use winter hiking trails, go tobogganing, cross-country skiing, or go on a ski tour. So, a winter holiday in Tauplitz doesn’t have to revolve exclusively around the slopes.

A trip to the Tauplitz Waterfall

The Tauplitz Waterfall is a highly recommended activity if you want to take a simple but charming trip into nature during your stay. The path starts in Tauplitz and initially runs towards Gnanitzalm. Then, after about 2.5 kilometers, you turn right and reach the waterfall after about ten more minutes of walking. There, you can take in the 30-meter-high natural spectacle in peace and enjoy a cozy rest on a nearby bench.

It is precisely this simplicity that makes the trip so worthwhile – you don’t have to plan a demanding mountain tour, but can easily include the Tauplitz Waterfall as a relaxed part of your itinerary. However, if you want to be out a bit longer, you can alternatively choose the circular hiking trail to the waterfall, which takes about 2.5 hours and is around 7.5 kilometers long.

In spring or after rainy days, the waterfall shows its powerful side as the water flows much more strongly over the rocks. In summer, it is a refreshing excursion destination, while in autumn, the surroundings create an atmospheric setting with their colors. The Tauplitz Waterfall is therefore exactly the right choice for anyone looking for an easily accessible yet impressive nature experience.

Getting to Tauplitz by train

If you are traveling without a car, Tauplitz is easy to reach by public transport. Tauplitz station is a practical way to start your holiday in a relaxed manner.

Tauplitz is easily accessible by train from major Austrian cities such as Vienna, Graz, Linz, or Salzburg. For exact connections, travel times, and possible transfers, it is best to check the current Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) timetable.

Especially in winter, it is worth planning your onward journey from the station to your accommodation or the cable cars in advance. Depending on the season, regional connections, transfers, or taxis can be useful. In addition, a little advance planning makes the journey much more relaxed when traveling with luggage or ski equipment.

High up with the Tauplitz cable cars

The Tauplitz cable cars are a convenient way to reach the high altitudes around Tauplitz. While they are central for access to the ski resort in winter, they take you up to the Tauplitzalm in summer, where hiking trails and viewpoints await you.

In the summer months, the summer lifts facilitate access to the Tauplitzalm. With the Tauplitz I and II 4-seater chairlifts, you can effortlessly reach an altitude of around 1,650 meters above sea level. There, you will find the highest lake plateau in Central Europe with hiking routes along six lakes, easy walking paths, as well as more demanding mountain tours and the Gamsblick via ferrata.

This is exactly why the Tauplitz cable cars are not only interesting for sporty hikers. They also make the high altitudes easily accessible for all those who prefer to make the ascent comfortably and experience the surroundings from above without much effort.

Whether for a short walk, a longer hike, or a break with a mountain view: with the Tauplitz cable cars, you can comfortably reach the Tauplitzalm and design your excursion according to your needs. If you are planning a bike tour, it is also practical that bicycles can be transported free of charge on the 4-seater chairlift.

Activities, excursions, and culinary delights

Tauplitz offers many opportunities to explore the region in every season. In the warmer months, the Tauplitzalm with its lakes, paths, and viewpoints is a good starting point for numerous activities. The 6-Lakes Hike is one of the most famous nature experiences on the high plateau and is ideal if you want to get to know the landscape more intensively.

If you want to have a quieter day, you can choose easier walking paths or visit individual excursion destinations in the area. These include the Sagtümpel Tauplitz, the Nikolomuseum, the Kulm ski flying hill, the Tauplitz swimming pool, and the Steirersee-Blick bench. More active travelers can also plan more demanding mountain tours, bike tours, or the Gamsblick via ferrata on the Traweng.

In winter, in addition to skiing, you can try other activities such as winter hiking, cross-country skiing, or tobogganing. This way, you won’t get bored even if you don’t want to spend every day on the slopes.

A stay is also worthwhile from a culinary perspective. In Tauplitz and on the Tauplitzalm, you can expect hearty specialties from Styrian and Ausseerland cuisine, including game dishes, fresh fish, Tiroler Gröstl, Austrian desserts, and traditional mountain hut delicacies. After a hike or a day in the snow, a stop at one of the huts offers the opportunity to get to know the region’s food as well.

Enjoy a relaxed holiday in the mountains

As you can see, Tauplitz has its own charm in every season. In winter, slopes, huts, and snowy landscapes characterize the stay, while in the warmer months, the Tauplitzalm, mountain lakes, hiking trails, and the Tauplitz Waterfall take center stage.

Thanks to Tauplitz station and the Tauplitz cable cars, your stay is easy to plan. This allows you to organize your holiday in a relaxed way, whether you want to be active or simply enjoy the alpine surroundings.

If you are still looking for the right accommodation for your trip to Tauplitz, we at AA Holiday Homes will be happy to help. Our holiday flats and apartments in Tauplitz offer modern comfort, alpine flair, and, depending on the accommodation, extras such as a balcony, mountain view, sauna, or whirlpool. This gives you a pleasant starting point to explore Tauplitz directly from your accommodation.

About the author

AA Holiday Homes is a family-run holiday rental company that provides unforgettable stays in some of Austria’s most beautiful Alpine regions. With extensive local knowledge, carefully selected holiday homes, and a strong focus on personal service, the team offers its guests everything they need for a comfortable stay and an authentic nature experience in the Austrian Alps.

Tauplitz: Nature, Mountains, and Relaxed Adventures