Big Five at Gradonna

There are some moments in the mountains that are particularly beautiful because you can’t predict or evoke them. They just happen. This includes the appearance of animals in nature. Encounters with capricorns or golden eagles and the wild, unadulterated behaviour of the animals make up the magic of the moment. A good starting point for the search for the so-called Big Five is the Gradonna****s Mountain Resort at Kals am Großglockner.

You don’t have to go on safari to South Africa, the Big Five can also be found in the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol. You won’t come across lions or elephants around Austria’s highest mountain, but you will find across capricorns, chamois, marmots, golden eagles and bearded vultures in the immediate vicinity of the Gradonna. The car-free mountain resort with its award-winning architecture almost blends in with its surroundings. The hotel and chalets are located at an altitude of 1,350 metres in the middle of a 250-kilometre network of hiking trails at the entrance to the national park; the numerous three-thousand-metre peaks are always in view.

So all you have to do here is open the hotel door, put on your hiking boots, hop on your bike or set off barefoot in search of the five alpine greats. Those who prefer a more leisurely approach can simply take the cable car from the Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei, which is free for Gradonna guests. On the weekly tours with the national park rangers, there is a good chance of encountering animals in their natural habitat. A little patience and a bit of luck are required, but you will be rewarded with unique memories.

A capricorn climbs impressively over a steep wall. The golden eagle circles the mountain peak with a proud look. A bearded vulture spreads its almost 3 metre wide wings. Chamois bucks fight for their territory and a marmot sticks its head out from between the rocks. Grateful, delighted and awestruck, we return to Gradonna.

The spacious wellness area with natural bathing pond, sauna facilities, indoor and outdoor pools provides relaxation after an active day in the mountains. The Mountain Spa emphasises the power of the Alps with Kals marble, wood and fresh mountain spring water. The treatments utilise tried and tested Tyrolean herbal healing knowledge with the hotel’s own cosmetics brand Magdalena’s – made in Tyrol . In terms of cuisine, head chef Michael Karl specialises in East Tyrolean dishes with a Mediterranean influence using regional products. The restaurant with its panoramic view is a wonderful place to end the day and watch the sun disappear behind the three thousand metre peaks. We wonder what the capricorn, chamois, bearded vulture, golden eagle and marmot are up to now?

Gradonna Mountain Resort is a Member of Lifestylehotels