Nockberge Biosphere Reserve

The Nockberge mountains, forming the westernmost part of the Gurktal Alps in Carinthia, are unique for their gentle, dome-shaped peaks covered in lush alpine meadows, known locally as 'Nocken'. Unlike the jagged limestone peaks found elsewhere in Austria, these mountains are composed of ancient crystalline rocks like slate and gneiss, shaped by millions of years of erosion into their characteristic undulating forms. Since 2012, the area has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, aimed at preserving its exceptional biodiversity and centuries-old alpine farming traditions. A standout feature is the 34-kilometer Nockalm Road, a scenic mountain pass with 52 hairpin bends that provides motorists and cyclists dramatic views of the rolling green landscape. The region is the only place in the world where the 'Speik' (Valeriana celtica) is harvested commercially under strict ecological regulations for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Tucked away within these mountains are popular resorts such as Bad Kleinkirchheim, famous for its thermal spas and World Cup ski runs, and the Turracher Höhe, known for its high-altitude lakes. The Nockberge provide a well-suited terrain for long-distance hiking, with trails that follow the ridges for miles, offering 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding Austrian Alps. Local hospitality is found in the many traditional huts, where visitors can sample authentic Carinthian cuisine while enjoying the serene, unhurried atmosphere of this protected natural monument.

Nearby cities

Klagenfurt

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, the capital of Carinthia, is considered the charming Renaissance pearl of the Austrian south.

Klagenfurt

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is a charming city known for its Renaissance old town and its location on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake W…

Klagenfurt-Land

The Klagenfurt-Land district surrounds the Carinthian state capital and offers a picturesque mix of alpine landscapes and significant cul…

Villach

Villach is located on the Drau River near the Italian border.

Wolfsberg

Wolfsberg is the center of the Carinthian Lavant Valley.

Spittal an der Drau

Spittal an der Drau is the urban center of Upper Carinthia and a popular starting point for lakes and mountains.

Sankt Veit an der Glan

Sankt Veit an der Glan is a historic ducal city in Carinthia that enchants visitors with its medieval old town and artistic highlights li…

St. Veit an der Glan

St.

Judenburg

Judenburg is a town in Styria, located in the Aichfeld basin.

Finkenstein

Finkenstein am Faaker See delights with its location by turquoise waters, its imposing castle ruins, and the majestic Karawanken mountain…

Völkermarkt

Völkermarkt is a Carinthian district town on a rock terrace above the Drava river, known for its lively market culture and the nearby Völ…

Ferlach

Ferlach is Austria's southernmost town, globally recognized as a historic center for master gunsmithing and fine hunting rifles.

Bad Gastein

World-renowned spa town with imposing Belle Époque architecture and a spectacular waterfall in the city center.

Seeboden am Millstätter See

The tourist gateway to Lake Millstätter See, known for its extensive parks and Sommeregg Castle.

Feldkirchen in Kärnten

Feldkirchen is a city in central Carinthia at the foot of the Ossiacher Tauern.

History & landmarks

Murau

A charming beer town on the Mur river, famous for its wooden architecture, Obermurau Castle, and top-tier ski resorts.

Tamsweg

Historic market town in Salzburg's Lungau region, famous for the UNESCO-protected Samson parades.

Friesach

The oldest town in Carinthia impresses with its water-filled moat and massive medieval fortifications.

Gmünd in Kärnten

A charming artists' town with a medieval core and the historic birthplace of Porsche sports cars.

Finstergrün Castle

The complex above Ramingstein was built in the 13th century and later expanded in the Neo-Gothic style.

Glanegg Castle

The castle ruins are located in Carinthia on a steep rocky outcrop.

Pyramidenkogel

The Pyramidenkogel is a wooded mountain ridge in Carinthia south of Lake Wörthersee, which is most notable for a breathtaking structure: …

Nature

Lake Wörthersee

Lake Wörthersee is the largest and arguably the most famous lake in Carinthia.

More places

Landskron Monkey Mountain

An open-air enclosure near Villach where around 160 Japanese macaques live freely and can be observed during guided tours.

Minimundus

A miniature park in Klagenfurt that displays over 150 of the world's most famous buildings, ships, and trains on a 1:25 scale.

Spittal an der Drau Business

Spittal an der Drau provides a solid base for local business and small industrial enterprises, which play an important role for regional …