As part of the Tauernhöhenweg members' meeting, the presentation of the new book expedition.nationalpark.2024 took place on July 25, 2025, in Mallnitz. The work documents the key findings of the dialogue format, which promotes constructive exchange between science and practice on the future of mountaineering and alpine infrastructure in the Hohe Tauern National Park.
The three-day expedition, which took place at the beginning of September 2024, focused on exploring the alpine infrastructure in the Schober Group. The six-member expedition team, consisting of three scientists and three local stakeholders, led by a national park employee and a research assistant, undertook a hike on the Wiener Höhenweg trail with overnight stays at the Winklerner Hütte and the Wangenitzseehütte. Discussions with seven local stakeholders provided insights into the current challenges facing alpinism.
The expedition concluded with a workshop in March 2025 at the Kultbox Mörtschach, where representatives from science, practice, and politics once again worked together on solutions. The cooperation project between Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and the Hohe Tauern National Park underscores the national park's responsibility as a platform for social dialogue and a catalyst for regional development.
The third book in the expedition.nationalpark series attempts to examine questions from different perspectives, such as: Why do people climb mountains? What are value systems and how do they relate to the central institutions in a protected area? What characterizes volunteer work and how can its continuation be ensured despite structural change? And what changes are needed to maintain the alpine infrastructure in a protected area?
The findings, now available in book form, are intended to give national park management and various organizations from the fields of education and science a picture of the current discourse and development trends. The book was published jointly as part of the long-term collaboration between the Hohe Tauern National Park Carinthia and the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and is available digitally: www.parcs.at/nphtk/mmd_fullentry.php
“The Hohe Tauern National Park has long been more than just a nature reserve – it has become a lively place for dialogue on the big issues of our time. With expedition.nationalpark.2024, we are working with our partners to send a powerful signal for value-driven, forward-looking alpinism that combines nature conservation, regional development, and social responsibility in an inspiring way,” emphasizes National Park Director Barbara Pucker.
