Obertauern in Austria is best known among visitors as a popular ski resort. However, in summer it reveals a completely different character – peaceful, picturesque and perfect for those who love mountain landscapes. This was exactly where we spent a week that passed far too quickly.

Our home for the stay was Das Seekarhaus, a hotel that impressed us in every possible way. Excellent cuisine, professional and friendly service, and a high standard of hospitality created an atmosphere where guests immediately feel welcome. Although we are used to the first week of the summer season in Austria being relatively quiet, we were surprised by just how few visitors there were in Obertauern. At times, it felt as though we had the surrounding mountains almost entirely to ourselves.

Every day brought new opportunities to discover the beauty of the local landscape. Some of the most memorable places were the mountain lakes Hundsfeldsee, Krummschnabelsee and Grünwaldsee. Crystal-clear water, impressive mountain scenery and absolute tranquillity created the perfect setting for relaxation and gentle walks.

Another highlight of our stay was a visit to the nearby Johanneswasserfall waterfall. The sight of the cascading water surrounded by Alpine nature is truly impressive and makes it a wonderful stop when exploring the region.

We also made sure to include activities for children. In Untertauern, we visited the Wild- und Freizeitpark Untertauern, which combines a wildlife park with a fantastic playground. Another trip took us to the nearby Katschberg ski area, where we discovered the Almspielplatz und Kugelbahn – an adventure playground with a fun marble run that is sure to delight both children and adults. The trip on the Grosseckbahn Mauterndorf cable car to the top of the Mauterndorf ski center was also wonderful.

The entire stay was made even more special by the beautiful mountain scenery, fresh Alpine air and magical sunsets that created an unforgettable atmosphere every evening. The combination of breathtaking nature, very few tourists and the excellent service at Das Seekarhaus meant that our week in Obertauern passed in the blink of an eye.

If you are looking for a place where you can escape the everyday rush, enjoy stunning Alpine scenery and still have plenty of interesting places to explore, summer in Obertauern is definitely a destination worth adding to your travel list.

Several photos