Colorful traverse in the Nockberge

The Nock Mountains are the westernmost and highest range in the Gurktal Alps, stretching across parts of Carinthia, Salzburg, and Styria. They are characterized by numerous rounded shapes and grassy peaks. Our traverse takes place in the central and most beautiful part of these Alps.

Traverse takes place in Biosphere park, which was first established as a National Park. In 2004, it was declared a biosphere reserve under UNESCO's auspices, covering an area of 184.3 km². It serves as a model of sustainable management and nature conservation (plants, animals, and habitats). It is home to more than 70 species of birds, some endemic plants, medicinal plants such as arnica. Another special feature found in the Nock Mountains is the largest spruce forest and at higher altitudes, the stone pine forest (Pinus cembra), a special type of white pine, which is widespread. Excellent schnapps is made from its cones.

In the early hours of the first day, we drive to Carinthia in Austria to the Nock Mountains in Thomatal. There, we start the first day, which takes us over ridges, peaks, and saddles to Turracher Höhe. We stay overnight in one of the accommodations with half-board. In the morning, we head back to the ridges, peaks with wonderful views to Falkert or Heidi's alpine pasture. We conclude in the late afternoon with excellent strudel.

DAY 1

Mojstrana - Thomatal - Konigstuhl - Kornock - Turracher hohe

After an early start and drive from Slovenia to Thomatal, we set off on our traverse. We quickly reach an altitude of 2000 m and follow the ridge. Along the way, we stop at several peaks, including Stubennock, Saureggnock, and Seenock. We enjoy magnificent views of valleys and lakes. The path continuously winds up and down along or below the ridge and leads us to Konigstuhl. In winter, a popular peak for ski tourers. Here, we descend again and walk to the Pregatscharte saddle. If there is time, we can admire the cranberry areas, but we do not pick them as we are in a protected biosphere area. Throughout the journey, we have views of the surrounding rounded peaks and the distant High and Low Tauerns on one side and our Julian Alps on the other side. Towards the end of the day, we descend to Turracher hohe, where the tranquil lake welcomes us in all its blueness. Accommodation follows.

• Starting altitude: 1750 m
• Highest point: 2336 m
• Destination altitude: 1850 m
• Elevation gain: 1350 m ascent, 1250 m descent
• Length: 19 km
• Time: 6 h - 8 h

DAY 2

Turracher hohe - Rinsennock - Nockalmstrasse - Mayerlingalm - Heidialm

We start the day early as another long day awaits us, which will pass quickly with all the divine views. From the accommodation, we climb to Rinsennock, where a little effort is required to reach the top. Later, the path opens up to easier terrain again. After the saddle, we descend all the way down to the well-known Nockalmstrasse, which we cross at the Mayerlingalm pasture below Klomnock. This is one of those pastures full of vegetation, streams, and in summer, also live pasture. After the ascent to the saddle, another panoramic and very peaceful section follows, where our views extend to St. Oswald and Falkert and the surrounding peaks. Soon after, we descend to the final destination of this day and our traverse. Then, it's time to head home.

• Starting altitude: 1850 m
• Highest point: 2334 m
• Destination altitude: 1750 m
• Elevation gain: 1180 m ascent, 1100 m descent
• Length: 18 km
• Time: 6 h - 8 h