Hikeable Nockberge

Who invented it?

Hiking across alpine pastures could actually have been invented by the people living here in the Nockberge Mountains. The gentle mountain world is just waiting to be discovered: family-friendly paths along mountain ridges, imposing peaks, some with demanding climbs up to 2,441 meters, and idyllic lakes framed by breathtaking scenery. Turracher Höhe is a veritable haven for nature lovers.

Like few other regions, the Nockberge Biosphere Park provides excellent options for roaming through lush meadows, mastering more demanding tours or scaling one of the many mountain peaks without the need for any special hiking gear. The Nockberge Biosphere Park makes it all possible!

A particular attraction for families are mountain walks and short hikes around the 3 Lakes Trail located at 1,800 meters above sea level (Lake Turracher See, Schwarzsee and Grünsee), or the Barbaraweg, an exciting panoramic path that explores the history of the local mining tradition.

Themed Hiking Trails & Tours

Hiking variety in the Nockberge Mountains

Turrach 3 Lakes Trail
Trail for all the senses across Austria’s largest stone pine forest and around three mountain lakes
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Schoberriegel 2,208 m
The nearest summit
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Weitental and Kaserseen
Nockberge’s natural beauty away from the peaks
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Barbara Trail
Panoramic trail following the footsteps of the historic Turrach mining tradition
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Alpine hike to Turrach
Across Schafalm and Winkleralm through a wild and romantic mountain valley
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Rinsennock 2,334 m
The highest peak around Turracherhöhe
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Summit tour to St. Lorenzen
Across alpine pastures and summits to Carinthia’s highest located parish
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Königstuhl 2,336 m
Royal summit tour to the west to the most famous of all Nockberge mountains
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Eisenhut 2,441 m
Summit tour to the east to the „roof“ of the Nockberge
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Tour to St. Lorenzen
Through pine forests past Carinthia’s highest mountain farms
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View trail descriptions & altitude profiles

Right behavior

in the mountains

Time and again, one can read about hikers who put themselves in danger by wearing unsuitable shoes, forgetting essential equipment such as protection against the rain, cold or sun, overestimating their stamina or failing to take note of the weather forecast.

Safe hiking requires preparation and advance information. Therefore, please be sure to observe the rules for proper conduct in the mountains. Your safety is very important to us. And don’t forget: drink plenty of fluids while hiking!

Check the experience and physical fitness of all participants, including children, before every tour. Mountain hiking often requires sure-footedness and a head for heights.
Detailed planning based on route descriptions and maps. Expert advice from alpine associations and locals, such as innkeepers, can be very helpful.
Make sure you have appropriate clothing and equipment. Solid, high boots with grippy soles and protection against rain and cold are particularly important.
Before leaving, let the innkeeper, hotelier or friends know your route and the destination of your hike, as well as the expected time of return.
Adjust the pace to the weakest members of the group. Walk slowly, especially at the start of the hike. Be sure to observe the other participants to recognize signs of exhaustion in good time.
Stay on marked trails. Take special care when walking on steep, grassy slopes, especially if they are wet and slippery. Crossing steep snow fields can be particularly hazardous.
Do not kick any rocks loose (risk of injury for other mountain hikers). Possible rockfall areas should be crossed one at a time, as quickly as possible and without supporting yourself by hand on the loose rocks.
Turn back if the weather changes, fog rolls in, or the trail is too challenging or in poor condition. Rather than a dishonor, doing so is a sign of reason.
Keep calm in case of an accident. If you are unable to help yourself, attempt to summon assistance using your mobile phone or by calling out, sending a light signal or waving a large piece of clothing. An injured person should generally be left at the accident site, and must never be left alone.
Take waste back with you. Protect the flora and fauna.
Dealing with animals in the alps: do not tease cows, calves, sheep, horses etc. but act “entirely normal” and do not show fear. Do not leave trails on mountain pastures and keep a distance from all animals.
Dogs must be on a leash. Preventing dogs from chasing livestock is essential. Mother cows in particular are very protective of their calves. Should your dog be attacked by livestock however, let the dog go for its own protection.