The Kalkalpen National Park in the northern Limestone Alps of Upper Austria is an impressive natural area of exceptional beauty and diversity. Founded in 1997, it covers an area of 20,850 hectares and ranges from 385 m to 1,963 m above sea level. The majestic forests cover four-fifths of the national park. On an area of 209 km² the park protects Austria's largest contiguous forest area. Particularly noteworthy are the beech forests, which have been declared as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
The wildlife in the national park is wild and rich in species. Nowhere else in Austria are so many butterfly species native, and even the lynx has returned to this region. Primary forest bird species such as the white-backed woodpecker, the boreal owl and the red-breasted flycatcher are found here in particularly high densities.
Discover more unique features of Kalkalpen National Park here.