PART 3: When 1 day is not enough: adventures on the Kaiserburg and Brunnachhöhe.

ADVENTURE HIKE FOR YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE.

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 panoramic leisurely hike and a sporty 5-summit hike in the two previous instalments of our hiking trilogy. The third part presents an exciting adventure hike for the whole family to enjoy. Featuring a spectacular view of the UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, the circular hiking trail is all about fun and getting some exercise in nature. Of course, there’s a tasty reward awaiting all the little (and big) adventurers along the way.

Route Familienwanderung in St. Oswald, Kärnten

FAMILY CIRCULAR HIKING TRAIL IN ST. OSWALD.
– An adventure hike for young and old alike.

7.8 kilometres | approx. 300 m altitude uphill | approx. 300 m altitude downhill | 2.5 hours

Start & end point: Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach summit station
Route: Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach summit station – Brunnachhöhe – Rote Burg – Pfannsee – Arkerkopf – St. Oswalder Bockhütte – Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach summit station

Hop on the Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach cable car to get up to the starting point of the circular trail. The trail starts to the right as soon as you get off the cable car. On the way towards Mallnock, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of Klomnock, Falkert, Moschelitzen and many other mountain peaks. A glance back in the direction of Bad Kleinkirchheim is also well worth it to enjoy the view of the Kaiserburg and the Strohsack.

As soon as the ascent to the Mallnock begins, branch off to the left and follow the signs towards “Rote Burg”. In just a few minutes, you’ll reach this extraordinary red stone massif. Do you want to know, where it gets its reddish colour from? Then check out our blog post on the best photo spots around the Bad Kleinkirchheimer Bergbahnen.

Familien-Wanderung mit Aussicht an der Roten Burg, in St. Oswald, Kärnten

After getting a photo for the memories, we continue to the Pfannsee, all while enjoying a great view of the Nockalmstraße. From there, the trail then leads you towards the Arkersattel and further along to the St. Oswalder Bockhütte. It’s worth mentioning that this eatery is famed for its excellent Kaiserschmarren with lingonberries. A treat not to be missed.

After having regained your energy and with a contented smile on your face, it’s time for the halfhour walk back to the Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach. And for the perfect end to your hike, we recommend relaxing for a few minutes on one of the panoramic loungers at the Speichersee Brunnach. You can enjoy the view even better from there. Then it’s back to the cable cars to head down the valley once more.

Hängeschaukel im Aktiv-Park auf der Brunnachhöhe, an der Bergstation der Bad Kleinkirchheimer Bergbahnen

Still got some energy left in the tank?

Ever tried pulling a rope ferry across a pond using just your own strength? Or attempted to traverse rope rungs or wobble boards with perfect balance? Want to find out who can complete the water maze in the best time? Then it’s time to hit the Aktivpark – right next to the Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach summit station – where you’re bound to satisfy your urge for movement. And if you run out of steam in between, simply sit back and relax in the comfortable hanging swings and seating baskets.

Tip: Family fun is not forgotten on our second summer cable car either. Right next to the Kaiserburgbahn middle station, the ‘Almzirkus’ adventure playground is just waiting to be explored by kids with a taste for adventure. The Waldtratte-Kaiserburg EINS alpine restaurant not only provides you with sustenance after all that activity, but well-deserved moments of relaxation on the sun terrace too.