The Weissee Glacierwelt (or simply Weissee) is a must-visit summer destination in Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park. During our family holiday, we picked the hottest day—34°C in the valley—to head up. We opted for the gondola, though experienced hikers can tackle the ascent on foot.
With an 8-year-old in tow and my fitness not at peak form, the gondola was practical. We'd already hiked extensively that week, and at the parking lot after a scenic hour-long drive, our daughter Lotte realized she'd forgotten her hiking boots—leaving her in slippers!
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Down in the valley, temperatures hit 34°C—a perfect day for Weissee, as it cools with elevation.
Our navigation underestimated the drive from our base to Uttendorf: 30 minutes to the valley floor, then 15 km of winding mountain roads, totaling nearly an hour. The scenery, including the hairpin autoroute (13 bends), was stunning.
Tip: Prone to motion sickness? Take a travel pill. Lotte and I managed without, but longer would have been tough.
Just before the free parking lot, we passed a picturesque lake, snapping photos along the way.
We debated packing vests but skipped them in 34°C heat—it worked out, but below 30°C or if windy, bring layers tied to your waist. It's noticeably cooler at altitude.
Read also: the Krimml waterfalls in Austria
A short walk from parking leads to the gondolas. Unusually quiet for Austria (I'm used to winter crowds).
Post-gondola (Rudolfshütte I and II), we paused for sunscreen on this sunny day. You arrive at Weissee lake at 2,315m—emerald waters, glittering stones, snow-capped peaks, and Berghotel Rudolfshütte. Idyllic for an overnight stay.
Our son Luc dashed path-free to the water; Lotte and I took the trail (tricky in slippers). After relaxing, we circled to the chairlift—it only gets better!
From 2,315m, the chairlift climbs to 2,600m on the glacier. Ski-free chairlifts feel odd but work well. It operates July onward in good weather—choose your clearest vacation day.
A chilly ridge crossing had us second-guessing layers, but sunshine followed. The long ride offers jaw-dropping glacier views, melting streams, and (in our case) kids' chatter. Pure bliss.
Snow nears; we debated if white patches were snow or sand amid melt.
Disembarking confirmed: snow! At 34°C below, unbelievable. Kids scampered like goats over rocks—even Lotte in slippers. We hit a snowy hill for sledding, jumps, and snowball fights.
Mountains, snow, lakes, views—breathtaking.
Reluctantly descending before 4:10pm lift close. No hiking down for us. At the base, we savored schnitzel, wine, and beer on the Alpengasthof Enzingerboden terrace; kids hit the playground.
Read also: Baumzipfelweg, the expensive treetop walk
Unforgettable. Don't miss it near Hohe Tauern. Kaprun's glacier may rival it, but Weissee is free with Salzburgerland Card (vs. €40+ at Kitzsteinhorn). Accessible via lifts for most; sneakers or slippers work, boots better.
I'd return to hike more. Have you visited Weissee Glacierwelt in summer?
TIP: We stayed at Landal GreenParks Rehrenberg in Viehhofen—ideal base, apartments top-notch, max 1-hour drives.
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