Hochrindl-Kegel: Paths between Alpine Pastures and Winter

Around Hochrindl-Kegel, gently rolling peaks, open Alpine pastures and winter trails meet special discoveries along the way. The Hochrindl hiking area combines Alpine panoramas and views across Carinthia with green peaks, mountain lakes, cosy Alpine huts and comfortable restaurants. The experiences on offer vary with the seasons: a loop through the stone pine forest, a route to historic sites or a chance to get active in the snow-covered landscape.

Hiking trails with their own character

The loop trail in the Hochrindl hiking area begins and ends at the Herzl Hut. It leads through the stone pine forest and connects thoughtfully designed stops where you can observe, experience and enjoy nature. Allow about an hour for the loop. This gives you a manageable time frame for a walk where both the forest and the stops are part of the route.

Another tour leads to the White Cross. It begins at the large car park, follows the Alpine Panorama Trail APW 156, passes the Anderle Cross and continues via Pölling at an elevation of 1,776 metres. A leisurely pace and a walking time of about 1.5 hours are indicated for the route. Along the way, a memorial plaque recalls a dairymaid who died there in winter with her animals, while an information board tells of the former salt-smuggling route. Landscape and history meet along the same trail.

The Kegel loop leads along Alpine pasture paths to Wugganighütte, where you can stop for a break. If you would like to compare different tours, the stated times provide useful reference points: about an hour for the loop through the stone pine forest and around 1.5 hours of leisurely walking to the White Cross. These times are approximate. Please take seasonal opening arrangements into account when planning a visit to the hut.

Hochrindl also has a 13-kilometre nature and panorama hiking trail that is not groomed. This is distinct from the well-marked winter hiking trails. Another loop leads across flowering Alpine meadows to a viewpoint overlooking the Gurkursprung nature reserve and ends at a picturesque mountain lake. The routes described therefore range from a circuit with designed stops to longer trails or those focused more on the landscape.

Alpine pasture history and traditional customs

The Kegel has been used as Alpine pastureland since time immemorial; historically, water was scarce there. This background gives the Alpine landscape a cultural and historical dimension, too. At Ursula Spring, religious traditions take centre stage: the spring is dedicated to Saint Ursula. Tradition holds that its water has special powers and a soothing effect on the eyes, and that young women prayed there for the blessing of children. This is part of the site's traditional significance, not a medical claim.

The path to Ursula Spring begins at the entrance to Ursula-Bründl-Weg. Parking is available along the Hochrindl state road. These location details can help you plan a visit to the spring as a separate destination; they do not describe a loop hike.

Winter trails, lift connections and other activities

Cleared winter hiking trails wind through the snow-covered Nock Mountains around the Kegel. Clearance and trail conditions depend on the season. For cross-country skiers, the panoramic trail runs at an elevation between 1,550 and 1,750 metres and offers views across the snow-covered Alpine landscape; grooming depends on snow conditions. The 13-kilometre trail that is not groomed should not be confused with the well-marked winter hiking trails.

Skiing and sledging offer further options. A forest descent from the Zirbenlift leads to the Kegellift; lift connections may change depending on ski area operations. Hochrindl has three sledging runs, including a floodlit ski and sledging trail from the Hiasl Zirbenhütte to the Herzlhütte. Operations depend on snow conditions and lighting hours. It is therefore worth checking the latest conditions when planning your trip.

There is a disc golf course in front of the Herzl Hut on the Zirbenhang. Discs can be borrowed at the Herzl Hut; check availability on site. Next to the Il Gusto Chalet restaurant is an ice-stock sport rink: it can be used for ice-stock sport in winter and stock sport in summer. Local operating arrangements may vary.

Alpine huts and inns along the winter hiking trails serve hearty regional Carinthian specialities. Opening hours vary between establishments. This means you can combine a winter outing with a possible stop for refreshments without assuming that every establishment is open at all times.

Choose the right holiday apartment for your pace of travel

When looking for a holiday apartment in Hochrindl-Kegel, start with your plans for the day: would you like to focus on Alpine pasture paths, sites of cultural and historical interest and a possible stop for refreshments, or are you planning winter walks, cross-country skiing and sledging? The approximate walking times, the ungroomed 13-kilometre route and seasonal conditions offer different points of reference. Then compare the location of a particular accommodation with the destinations you would like to visit.

Discover more destinations: Stiegl, Hinterkoflach, Bodensdorf, Steindorf Am Ossiacher See, Agsdorf, Retschitz, Feldkirchen In Kärnten, Briefelsdorf.

To the wider travel overview: Feldkirchen.