PART 2: When 1 day is not enough: Adventures on the Kaiserburg and Brunnachhöhe.
REACHING FOR THE TOP.
Breathtaking 360° views of the mountain panorama, hundreds of kilometres of hiking and cycling trails and a colourful range of experiences for kids and adults alike – our Nockberge mountains have a lot to offer. As you’re drawn into their spell, you’ll soon realise: a day-long excursion is definitely not enough to explore all this diversity.
We already covered a leisurely circuit featuring delightful resting spots in the first instalment of our hiking trilogy. Now, our second part is for anyone who is up for climbing a few more metres in altitude. The trail leads you over five peaks, meandering through the unique UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. Conquer it and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of unspoiled nature. We dive in with a hike for real height seekers.
THE 5-SUMMIT-TOUR.
– A hike for sports lovers determined to reach the top.
16 kilometres | approx. 770 m altitude uphill | approx. 1,360 m altitude downhill | 6.5 hours
Starting point: Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach summit station
End point: Car park at the Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach valley station
Route: Brunnach Biosphärenparkbahn summit station – Brunnachhöhe – Mallnock – Klomnock – Steinnock – Falkert – Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach car park/valley station
From St. Oswald, hop on the Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach cable car to get to the starting point of the hike. The trail begins to the right of the summit station and takes you to the first summit in just a few minutes, the highest point of the Brunnachhöhe at 1,970 m. From there you continue straight to the Mallnock (2,226 m), where the first spectacular panoramic view of the rolling Nockberge mountains awaits.
After a quick rest to take in the outstanding panorama, the trail leads along the ridge up to the third and highest peak of the tour, the Klomnock (2,331 m). With a view of the Nockalmstraße, one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the Alps, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the heavenly Windebensee from up here. And if you haven’t tucked in already, now is definitely the time for a well-deserved summit snack.
After regaining your energy, the trail continues south-east to the Steinnock (2,197 m) and finally to the Falkert (2,308 m), the fifth and last peak of the tour. Congratulations – a true feat of athleticism.
All that’s left is the way down. The track leads you downhill across the so-called “Tanzboden”, the west side of the Falkert, down towards the Lärchenhütte / Falkerthaus. And don’t miss the opportunity to stop for a break in one of the two alpine huts. Your final steps of the hike take you alongside the St. Oswald stream before the trail finally turns in to the car park at the Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach valley station. You’ve made it!
Completed your hike but dreading the sore muscles, right?
Your muscles certainly deserve a little relaxation after all that. A dip in the warm thermal waters, a soothing trip to the sauna or a relaxing massage will help prevent impending muscle soreness. The Thermal Römerbad is a wonderful place to simply unwind and switch off.
Tip: Want to start off your day in a state of mindfulness? Then the Mountain Yoga Trail is perfect for you. Immerse yourself in the tranquil power of nature and bask in the energy of the fresh mountain air. The circuit leads you through various asanas and finally back to yourself.
