From hiking adventures through the water labyrinth all the way to the Kaiserburg Bob.
Learning through play, letting off steam in the water labyrinth or simply enjoying the view of the gentle peaks of the Nockberge? The diverse range of experiences offered by the Bad Kleinkirchheimer Bergbahnen attracts countless families to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Carinthian Nockberge every year. But what is a biosphere reserve anyway? What can you experience there? And what highlights most not be missing for a perfect family day? Join us as we explore the attractions of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Carinthian Nockberge!
What is a biosphere reserve?
The term "biosphere" refers to the habitat of humans, animals and plants. In order to best preserve these habitats, biosphere reserves were created. These large-scale areas of the natural and cultural landscapes strike a balance between protecting biodiversity, promoting economic development, and preserving cultural values.
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Carinthian Nockberge.
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Carinthian Nockberge, along with four others, is one of the most important protected areas in all of Austria. Its almost 500 square kilometres is divided into three zones: The nature zone, for the protection of near-natural areas; the care zone, for the preservation of special protected assets; and the development zone, in which standards are set for sustainable regional development.
As you can see, the biosphere reserve focuses on more than just the ecological component of sustainability. It also encompasses people living and working in harmony with nature.
Mountain experiences for all ages.
And in the midst of this unique biosphere reserve there's a lot for you to discover. Besides an entertaining and informative adventure and event programme, there are also variety-rich family offers from the Bad Kleinkirchheimer Bergbahnen in the core zone at 2,000 meters above sea level. Are you ready for an exciting day in the biosphere reserve?
Please note: To have a great day in the mountains, good footwear, windproof clothing and a weatherproof backpack must not be missing. Do not underestimate the mountain environment: the weather can change very quickly here. You should therefore always bring enough to drink and a good sun protection!
Got your backpack packed? Then you're all set to go.
Your perfect family day starts in St. Oswald. The first highlight of the day is the ride up the mountain with the cable car. During an ascent with the Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach you can look forward to fantastic panoramic views over the hiking area of the Carinthian Nockberge.
Once you have reached the top, it's straight on to a wonderful family hiking trail through the biosphere reserve. An insider's tip for the circuit is the Rote Burg. From here you can enjoy farreaching views ideal for a photo. Marmots are also often seen here. If you prefer to take it easy instead, explore the surroundings on a relaxing walk around the Speichersee Brunnach.
Train your coordination.
Surefootedness and coordination are especially important in the mountains. After hiking, train your skills on various elements at the active park. Whether as a boat captain on a wooden raft, speeding through the water labyrinth or keeping your balance over the wobbling plates, there is certainly plenty of fun to be had here.
All that exercise is bound to make you hungry.
A hike without the well-deserved break? Impossible! For a delicious treat, we recommend the Doaswalder-Bauernkrapfen. Enjoy it, for example, at the panorama restaurant Nock IN - with a magnificent view of the Nockberge as the cherry on top. If you would like to linger a little longer in the authentic, traditional atmosphere, check out the Erlacher Bockhütte!
All aboard please!
With a full belly and a wide grin, the cable car takes you back down into the valley. But this is by no means the last stop. In Bad Kleinkirchheim, just a 15-minute drive from St. Oswald, you can really look forward to an exhilarating end to your day. In the Kaiserburg Bob you whizz down with speeds of up to 40 km/h. The highlight in the home stretch: a seven-metre-high loop! It’s a true roller coaster feeling!
Still have some energy left in the tank?
Don’t miss out on the bike offers from the Bad Kleinkirchheimer Bergbahnen. Whether it’s on your first attempts on the bike parcours at the valley station of the Kaiserburgbahn, or a guaranteed adrenaline kick on Europe's longest Flow Country Trail - a challenge for all levels of ability and condition is waiting there.
Well done! An exciting family day in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Carinthian Nockberge lies behind you. At this point you’ve definitely earned a delicious burger at the restaurant "Zum Sepp", right next to the Kaiserburg Bob. With beautiful views of the Kaiserburg, this is a perfect way to end your day.
Keen to learn more about the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Carinthian Nockberge?
To ensure that coexistence between humans and nature works, it is important to observe a few rules, which we have summarised below. In our blog post "Fenced in: At eye level with the cows", learn more about proper behaviour when encountering grazing cattle.
