A town with character
Mittersill Capital National Park
All roads lead to Rome? No, to Mittersill! Whichever direction you’re coming from – if you’re heading to the Oberpinzgau, there’s almost no way round this town. However, anyone who merely passes through Mittersill is really only themselves to blame. Much to the delight of the locals, the little town has retained its original character. Here, the natural beauty of the National Park and the town’s historic sights go hand in hand. People still greet one another in the streets, children play outside, and the train still runs no more than once an hour.
The Road to the National Park Capital
Mittersill has always been able to capitalise on its central location right on the banks of the Salzach, between Pass Thurn and Felbertauern. As a result, the former municipality has developed into the economic and educational hub of the Oberpinzgau region.
But ‘National Park Capital’ simply sounds nicer than ‘main municipality’. What’s more, since being granted town status on 8 August 2008, the Mittersill Town Festival has been celebrated every year. In our opinion, that’s definitely reason enough to be a town.
Historical highlights
The National Park Centre has quite a lot to offer, though history isn’t one of them. But if that were the only attraction in Mittersill, we’d be at a real loss for words. That’s why, for culture lovers, there are not only three churches well worth visiting but also the Local History Museum in the Felberturm, which, amongst other things, takes a closer look at the history of mule-track trade. In addition, the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn steam locomotive stops in the town and offers a nostalgic experience that is hard to beat.
Natural monuments in Mittersill
The Hintersee lake in Mittersill and the adjoining Schösswendklamm gorge have been designated as natural monuments . The same applies to the ‘Heidnische Kirche’ (Pagan Church) by Lake Elisabeth – yes, you read that right, yet another church. Instead of being made up of many small stones, however, this one consists of just one large stone and otherwise has little in common with a church in the traditional sense.
A special place that is definitely worth a visit. The four natural monuments of Mittersill are completed by the ‘Wasenmoos’ raised bog. On the themed trail , you can even learnt quite a bit about the moor – provided, that is, you actually take the time to read through the 30 or so information boards.
Holidays in the mountains – Mittersill
All summit climbers can simply skip the circular walk and hop straight onto the next Panoramabahn gondola. In summer with hiking boots, in winter preferably on skis or a snowboard.
After all, this is where you enter the world-famous Kitzbühel Alps skiing and hiking area. By the way: you’ll reach the first summit cross on the Resterhöhe during the gondola ride itself. And with a perfect view over Mittersill and the Oberpinzgau.
