The Niedere Tauern — or Lower Tauern — stretch across the heart of Austria between the provinces of Salzburg and Styria, forming a gentler but equally captivating counterpart to the High Tauern next door. Think rolling ridgelines, sweeping alpine meadows, and an almost meditative stillness that is increasingly rare in the Alps.

What really sets this region apart is water. Glaciers carved the landscape over thousands of years, leaving behind broad valley floors and dozens of sparkling cirque lakes — so many, in fact, that the Niedere Tauern is considered the lake-richest mountain massif in the Eastern Alps. Mica schists and granite give the peaks a rugged, ancient feel, while the lower slopes are covered in spruce forests and lush pastures dotted with traditional Austrian alpine huts. The region sees far fewer crowds than the famous ski resorts nearby, making it a genuine retreat for hikers seeking peace.

• Hochgolling (2862 m) — the highest summit of the massif and crown of the Schladminger Tauern, rewarding climbers with sweeping panoramic views.
• Weißeck (2711 m) — the highest point of the Radstädter Tauern, surrounded by glacially sculpted terrain and mountain lakes.
• Geierhaupt (2417 m) — the apex of the Seckauer Tauern, accessible and rewarding for less experienced hikers.
• Schladminger Tauern lake circuit — a network of trails linking dozens of high-altitude lakes, a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.

• Base towns: Schladming, Radstadt, Murau, Judenburg
• Trail difficulty: Wide range available — from easy valley walks to demanding ridge hikes; most trails are well-marked and family-friendly.
• Getting there: By car via the A10 Tauern Autobahn toward Schladming; by train on the Ennstal line from Salzburg or Graz; local buses serve the main valleys.

A lesser-known gem — near Schladming and Oberzeiring, you can still visit medieval mine tunnels where iron, copper, silver, and nickel were once extracted. It is a surprisingly fascinating side trip that most visitors never discover.