Hochrindl-Kegel: Trails, Alpine Pastures and Mountain Winters

Hochrindl-Kegel is set in an alpine landscape shaped by the gently rolling peaks of the Carinthian Nockberge, alpine pastures and mountain lakes. The Hochrindl hiking area opens up Alpine panoramas and views across Carinthia, while green peaks offer vistas in every direction. Cozy alpine huts and comfortable restaurants are also part of the landscape. If you are looking for a hotel in Hochrindl-Kegel, your planned routes and the season can help guide your choice of destination.

Hiking trails with a range of destinations

A circular trail in the Hochrindl hiking area starts and ends at the Herzl-Hütte. It leads through a Swiss stone pine forest and includes thoughtfully designed stops for looking, experiencing and enjoying nature. Allow about an hour for the loop. Access and seasonal operating details may vary. Another tour follows alpine pasture trails to the Wugganighütte, where you can stop for refreshments; hut operations may vary seasonally.

A trail to the Weißen Kreuz starts at the large car park, follows the Alpen Panoramaweg APW 156 and passes the Anderle Kreuz. It continues via the Pölling at an elevation of 1,776 metres. At a leisurely pace, the hike takes about an hour and a half. Along the route, 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. This makes it possible to combine route planning with specific historical points of interest.

The circular trail to the reservoir also has its own distinctive scenery: it crosses flowering alpine meadows to a viewpoint overlooking the Gurkursprung nature reserve and ends at a mountain lake in a picturesque setting. The destinations described range from forest and alpine pasture trails to a viewpoint and a lake. For planning, the specific destinations and the approximate hiking time given for the tour to the Weißen Kreuz are useful reference points.

Winter trails and other activities

Cleared winter hiking trails around the Kegel wind through the snow-covered Nockberge landscape. Hochrindl also has a 13-kilometre nature panorama trail that is not groomed, as well as well-marked winter hiking trails. This distinction is important when planning a route: the nature panorama trail is explicitly described as ungroomed, while the other trails are described as cleared or well marked. Take seasonal conditions and winter trail maintenance into account.

The panoramic cross-country ski 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. There are three toboggan runs at Hochrindl, including a floodlit ski and toboggan trail from the Hiasl Zirbenhütte to the Herzlhütte. Operations and lighting depend on snow conditions and lighting hours; check these details before planning your visit. A forest run from the Zirbenlift leads to the Kegellift. Lift connections may change depending on ski area operations.

Alpine huts and inns along the winter hiking trails serve hearty regional Carinthian specialties. Opening hours at individual establishments may vary. There is also a disc golf course at the Herzl Hütte on the Zirbenhang; discs can be borrowed at the hut. Check local availability on site. Next to the Il Gusto Chalet restaurant is an ice-stock rink, suitable for ice-stock sport in winter and stock sport in summer; local operating arrangements may vary.

Alpine pasture history and traditions

The Kegel has been used as alpine pastureland since time immemorial, and water was historically scarce there. The Ursulaquelle is dedicated to Saint Ursula. According to local tradition, the spring has special powers: its water is said to soothe the eyes, and young women prayed there for the blessing of children. These beliefs are part of religious and local tradition, not a medical claim.

The path to the Ursulaquelle starts at the entrance to Ursula-Bründl-Weg. Parking is available along the Hochrindl Landesstraße; check local parking options before your visit. The Hochrindl webcams show views labelled “Hochrindl-Kegel” from elevations of 1,600, 1,745 and 1,700 metres. As camera availability may change, check it before travelling if needed.

Whether you focus on a loop through the Swiss stone pine forest, a trail with historical stops, or winter hiking trails and cross-country ski routes, Hochrindl offers a range of clearly described destinations. Hiking times, elevation details and seasonal conditions can help you plan your outings by time and season.

Discover more destinations: Steindorf Am Ossiacher See, Agsdorf, Wiedweg, Oberboden, Rennweg, Stiegl, Liebetig, Himmelberg.

Back to the overview of the wider travel region: Feldkirchen.