The Katschberg Pass connects the municipality of Sankt Michael im Lungau in Salzburg’s Lungau region with the municipality of Rennweg am Katschberg in Carinthia and represents an important crossing between the two federal states.
The Katschberg Pass is part of the Central Alps and lies between the foothills of the Hohe Tauern to the west and the Gurktal Alps (Nock Mountains) to the east. The landscape is characterized by extensive alpine pastures, dense coniferous forests and surrounding mountain peaks reaching elevations of over 2,000 m. Due to its altitude, the area has an alpine climate with snowy winters and pleasantly cool summers.
In terms of transport, the Katschberg Pass is well connected. It can be reached via the Katschberg Road (B99), which follows the historic pass route. Running parallel to it is the Tauern Motorway (A10), which passes beneath the Katschberg through the Katschberg Tunnel and forms an important north–south connection between Salzburg and Carinthia.
The region is highly significant for tourism.
In winter, the Katschberg Pass is one of Austria’s well-known ski resorts, offering numerous pistes, lifts and cross-country skiing opportunities. In summer, it serves as a starting point for hikes, mountain bike tours and other recreational activities in the alpine landscape. In addition to tourism, alpine farming and the protection of nature and the landscape play an important role in the region.
Thanks to its favorable location between two federal states, excellent transport connections and diverse recreational opportunities, the Katschberg Pass is an important leisure and tourism destination in the Austrian Alps.