Paßthurn: Moorland Trails and Views of the Hohe Tauern

Paßthurn offers several distinct points of interest for planning a trip: the Wasenmoos raised bog, a viewpoint overlooking the Hohe Tauern, and a history shaped by former peat extraction. There are also different routes to explore, from the Moor Erlebnisweg trail through the moor to a mountain bike tour. If you are looking for a hotel in Paßthurn, you can base your choice on the experiences that matter to you during your stay: nature and views, the history of the trails, or an off-road tour.

Wasenmoos: Views and Plant Life

Starting at Pass Thurn–Tauernblick, the Moor Erlebnisweg reaches a viewing pavilion with a viewing platform after 150 m. From there, you can see the Hohe Tauern. The trail to Wasenmoos begins at the car park and bus stop near the Tauernblick inn.

Sundews, butterworts and bladderworts grow in Wasenmoos; all three are carnivorous plants native to Austria. These names give the nature theme a specific focus. When planning your trip, you can decide whether the viewpoint or the raised bog’s plant life is your priority. The views and opportunities for observing nature offer different ways to enjoy an outing.

Peat Extraction and Trail History

From 1781 to 1819, fuel peat was extracted in Wasenmoos for the copper vitriol boiling works in Kronau. The historic Waasenmoosweg was about six kilometres long; pack animals were used to transport peat along it to Mühlbach. These details shed light on different aspects of the peat industry: the extraction supplied the boiling works, while the trail’s history describes the transport and its destination. The period, fuel and means of transport offer specific points of reference if you are interested in the former use of Wasenmoos.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Stage 06 of the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail passes through the Wasenmoos raised bog via Trail No. 77, the “Hochmoorrunde” (Raised Bog Loop). A mountain bike tour follows a different route: from Mittersill, it takes the old Paß road along Mittersiller Sonnberg towards Paß Thurn. Before the Breitmoos inn, it branches onto a high-altitude trail towards Mühlbach.

You have different routes to choose from for your outing: Stage 06 passes through the raised bog, while the mountain bike tour follows Sonnberg and branches off before the Breitmoos inn. Whether you are planning to hike or mountain bike, you can distinguish between the routes by their respective paths. The place names provide points of reference without requiring the trails to be treated as one combined route.

Panorama at Resterhöhe

The National Park Panorama Resterhöhe offers another perspective. In a small exhibition, a Smart Viewer serves as a guide and provides additional information about the protected area. From there, you can see most of the world of peaks as well as the national park’s naturally preserved high alpine landscape. Here, the views are complemented by an exhibition with information about the protected area. Check the seasonal opening dates before your visit to make sure your plans fit the visiting hours.

Discover more destinations: Leogang, Piesendorf, Mühlberg, Högmoos, Grubing, Aufhausen, Königsleiten, Neukirchen Am Großvenediger

See the main travel overview: Zell Am See.