Der Wilde Berg (“The Wild Mountain”) is an expansive alpine wildlife and outdoor adventure park nestled in the mountain slopes of the Palten-Liesing Valley near the market town of Mautern in Steiermark. Located not far from Graz, it occupies an ideal halfway location along the scenic transit route between Vienna and the heart of Salzburgerland (such as Flachau, Wagrain, or Zell am See).
Driving from Vienna to Flachau typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. Der Wilde Berg is situated roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes into the drive from Vienna, making it the perfect family-friendly rest stop to break up your journey with alpine air, fresh food, and wildlife encounters.
Covering more than 65 hectares of pristine alpine forest at an elevation of 1,100 meters, Der Wilde Berg combines an authentic alpine zoo with interactive children’s play areas, thrill rides, and sweeping views across the Styrian mountain ranges.
This is What Der Wilde Berg Looks Like
Family Attractions & Activities at Der Wilde Berg
The park boasts 11 distinct stations and attractions designed for both young toddlers and adventurous older children and adults:
1. The Alpine Wildlife Park (Wildpark)
Home to over 300 animals representing around 30 native and alpine species, the wildlife park provides spacious, forested enclosures that mirror natural habitats. Highlights include brown bears, wolves, lynx, red foxes, European bison (wisent), alpine ibex, red deer, wild boars, and playful alpacas.
Because the main chairlift to the mountain summit glides directly over several open animal pastures, visitors get an aerial bird’s-eye view of grazing herds from the moment they arrive. Several petting enclosures also allow children to walk among friendly pygmy goats and sheep. Daily animal feeding sessions led by professional zookeepers offer fascinating insights into the animals’ diets and habits.
2. Birds of Prey Flight Show (Greifvogel-Flugschau)
Staged on a panoramic open-air arena overlooking the valley, this impressive 45-minute live falconry demonstration features majestic eagles, falcons, owls, and vultures. Falconers explain the biology, hunting behaviors, and aerial prowess of each bird as they soar directly above the spectators’ heads.
Show Schedule:
- Summer Months (July – August): Wednesday through Sunday at 11:00 and 14:00.
- Spring & Autumn: Thursday through Sunday at 11:00 and 14:00 (weather permitting).
This is What the Birds of Prey Flight Show Looks Like
3. The Children’s Indoor Barn (Kinderbauernhof)
Designed like a traditional Styrian rustic farm, this large indoor barn features climbing hay lofts, rope suspension bridges, wooden slides, and a popular soft hay pool where children can jump, dive, and play safely on cooler or drizzly days.
4. The Large Adventure Playground (Kinderstadl)
An expansive outdoor play area complete with climbing towers, balancing obstacle courses, swings, water pumps, and a thrilling dry water-raft slide for young adventure lovers.
5. Ancient Farm Petting Zoo
Located near the historical farmhouse at the center of the park, this enclosed petting paddock lets children pet and hand-feed gentle farm animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, dwarf goats, and miniature sheep.
6. The Bee House (Bienenhaus)
A wooden educational observation station featuring transparent glass hives, allowing visitors to safely observe tens of thousands of busy honeybees at work. On Friday afternoons, guided educational presentations explain pollination and honey production.
7. Waidblick Panoramic Lookout Tower
Located near the mountain station, this elevated observation platform offers 360-degree vistas of the Ennstal Alps and the surrounding alpine wildlife enclosures below.
8. The Wooden Marble Run (Kugelbahn)
A wooden marble run stretching over 300 meters down the forest slope, filled with chimes, funnels, and twists. Children can purchase wooden balls from on-site vending machines to race down the track.
9. Forest Walking Trails
Well-maintained nature paths wind through the pine forests between animal enclosures, featuring educational wooden displays and quiz boards suitable for all fitness levels.
Adrenaline Rides: How to Head Down the Mountain
After exploring the animal exhibits at the summit, visitors can choose from two exciting gravity rides to head back down:
10. All-Terrain Mountain Carts (Mountain-Kart)
Sturdy, unmotorized three-wheeled karts equipped with responsive disc brakes. Riders navigate a dedicated, winding gravel track down the mountain slope through forest turns. Children aged 10 and above (or at least 140 cm tall) can drive independently, while younger children can ride tandem in the lap of an adult.
This is What the Mountain Carts Fun Looks Like
11. Wiesengleiter Alpine Coaster (Sommerrodelbahn)
Starting from the mid-station, this 1,200-meter-long summer toboggan run features 25 sharp curves, high-banked turns, and two dark tunnels. Riders control their own speed using a central handbrake lever.
Note: For safety reasons, the Wiesengleiter alpine slide does not operate in wet or rainy conditions.
This is What the Alpine Coaster Looks Like
Getting Up and Down the Mountain
Because the park facilities sit at the top of the mountain, visitors have multiple transport choices:
Ascent (Going Up):
- Open Chairlift (Sesselbahn): A scenic double chairlift gliding smoothly over animal enclosures up to the summit station.
- The Parkbus Shuttle: A regular shuttle bus running from the valley car park to the top station, ideal for families with strollers, infants, or visitors who prefer not to use the open chairlift.
Descent (Going Down):
- Take the Mountain Carts from the summit to the valley.
- Ride the Wiesengleiter Alpine Slide from the mid-station.
- Take the Chairlift or Parkbus back down.
- Enjoy a gentle 45-minute downhill nature walk along marked trails.
Additional Essential Information for your Visit
Opening Hours & Season:
- Summer Season: Open daily from late April through early November, roughly 09:00 to 18:00 (last ascent at 15:30).
- Spring & Autumn: Operating Thursday through Sunday (weather permitting). Always check the official timetable prior to arrival.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: From €22.50
- Children (Ages 4–15): From €13.50
- Family Tickets: Discounted family packages available starting around €34.
- Note: Standard admission tickets include unlimited chairlift / shuttle bus transport and access to the wildlife park and flight shows. Mountain Carts and the Wiesengleiter alpine slide require small separate ride tokens.
- Tickets can be purchased at the valley ticket booths or booked in advance via the official online ticket shop to skip queue lines.
Parking & Location:
A spacious, free parking lot is located directly beside the valley chairlift station.
Official Website
Address: Alpsteig 1, 8774 Mautern in Steiermark
Map:
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Mautern
- Abenteuer Erzberg (Iron Mine): One of Europe’s largest open-cast iron ore mines, offering underground tunnel explorations and rides on massive 860-horsepower Hauly dump trucks (approx. 30 minutes away).
- Salza River Valley: Renowned for white-water rafting, kayaking, and wild river swimming.
- Schladming-Dachstein Region: Alpine hiking, summer glacier excursions, and mountain resorts along the route to Salzburg.
