Anyone who hears the word Alps, will inevitably think about rugged rockfaces, high summits and winter sport. The fact that the Austrian Alps have a very different aspects is something you can find out about on Carinthia’s Nockalm Road! After all, for the most part the gently rounded smooth Nockberge are no more than 2400 metres altitude and awaken memories of undulating Irish landscapes, fantasy film backdrops and dreamy calendar photos. It has taken hundreds of millions of years and countless changes in the land and sea, desert and ancient woodland to create this unique region. Colourful flower-filled meadows and lush Alpine meadows, forests with Swiss pine, fir and larch as well as countless clear mountain streams, lakes and pools  come together to create a unique, relaxing natural landscape.

Over a 34 kilometre route, the Nockalm Road proceeds through 52 bends and gentle turns – called ‘Reidn’ in Carinthian dialect. Every ‘Reidn’ is named after a flower that grows in the Nockberge, again in dialect. Just a little snippet of the floral variety in the Nockberge! Rare Alpine animals can also be seen in the Nockberge too, including the snow grouse, the snow hare and marmot. It is thanks to this abundance of flora & fauna, and also the Carinthian people themselves that this unique natural and cultural landscape has been elevated to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.