Nock Mountains — Gentle Hills, Vast Pastures★★
The Nock Mountains are the counter-program to the rugged Hohe Tauern: Gently rounded grassy peaks (the "Nocken"), up to 2,440 m high, interspersed with extensive alpine pastures, pine forests, and babbling brooks. The Nock Mountains Biosphere Park (UNESCO since 2012) protects this unique cultural landscape in northwestern Carinthia.
The Nockalm Road (35 km, 52 bends, toll 22€ per car) is Carinthia's most beautiful panoramic road after the Großglockner — less dramatic, but just as enjoyable. It winds through the gentle Nock Mountains, past alpine huts and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Along the road, there are several "experience stations" with nature trails, geological outcrops, and panoramic points.
The Nock Mountains are a hiking paradise for connoisseurs: No via ferratas, no crevasses, instead velvet-soft grassy hills that make you want to walk barefoot. The circular hike over the Windebensee (2,000 m, directly on the Nockalm Road, 1 hour, easy) is perfect for families — a mystical moor lake with emerald green water.
In winter, the Nock Mountains transform into the Bad Kleinkirchheim ski region: 103 kilometers of slopes, two spas (Thermal Römerbad and St. Kathrein Spa) directly in the ski area — combining skiing and spa is standard here. Day ski pass: 58€, spa-ski pass combo: 72€.
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The Nockalm Road is also a hidden gem for cyclists: Every "Nockalm Cycling Day" (several times in summer) the road is closed to car traffic and belongs solely to cyclists. Registration via nockalmstrasse.at, 15€ entry fee. E-bikes are also welcome — the gentle inclines are manageable.
