Pure nature: Nockberge National Park in Carinthia
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Salzburger Lungau & Carinthian Nockberge covers an area of 480 km², making it the largest biosphere reserve in all of Austria.
70,000 football fields of nature – Discover the biosphere reserve in Bad Kleinkirchheim
You can explore the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve near Bad Kleinkirchheim on your own or book a guided hike through the national park with a ranger. Even young explorers can learn a lot about nature with the national park's recreational program.
In the Nockalmhof Biosphere Reserve Center on the Nockalm Road, you'll find a unique fossil exhibition, a 3D cinema, and an information corner.
In winter, you can take part in numerous winter hikes or snowshoe tours with a national park ranger.
The Difference Between a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a National Park
The Nockberge region, which has been a national park since 1987, was designated a UNESCO Park in 2012. Do you actually know the difference between a biosphere reserve and a national park? If not, no problem, here comes a little geography remediation ;-)
While the national park focuses exclusively on preserving the natural landscape (agriculture and forestry are not permitted), the biosphere reserve strives for nature-friendly development of the region. Preserving the landscape is just as important as preserving cultural diversity, involving the local population, and coordinating tourism or research-related projects.
What is there to do & discover in the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve?
Do you prefer being in the valley or way up in the mountains? Depending on where you are in the park—above the tree line in the nature zone, below the tree line in the conservation zone, or in the residential area in the development zone—there are different tasks and goals for the development and protection of the area. These include, for example, regulating game populations, felling trees, and creating recreational areas for people.
This is how the region continues to develop, and you benefit from it too. A win-win situation :)
Nature as far as the eye can see and history up close. You definitely won't get bored on a hike through the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, we promise. Whether you're young or old, there's something for everyone.
Rules for your stay in the UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Reserve
To ensure you have a good time in the Nockberge Mountains, as well as with the marmots and red deer, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The key here is: harmony with nature and respectful treatment of animals and plants.
- Please stay on the signposted paths and keep a sufficient distance from the animals. Marmots are incredibly cuddly, but don't want you to get too close or destroy their burrows.
- Psst...In the morning and evening hours, as well as during mating season, these wild animals especially need peace and quiet.
- Winter is a very stressful time for the animals. Be careful with your route so as not to unnecessarily disturb the animals. Imagine how you would react if someone woke you up from hibernation ;-)
- Where does trash belong? Exactly, in the trash can.
