Gurktal Alps

The Gurktal Alps are a mountain range in the Central Eastern Alps, located primarily in the Austrian state of Carinthia and named after the Gurk valley. The range contains a mix of rounded dome-like peaks and rugged ridges and is an established alpine region for outdoor recreation.

Hiking and mountain walking on marked trails, alpine pasture landscapes and small-scale mountain villages are the principal attractions; the terrain ranges from gentle nock-style summits to steeper limestone ridges. Peaks in the range commonly lie between roughly 1,800 and 2,400 metres, with some summits rising above 2,400 metres.

The Gurktal Alps were formed during the Alpine orogeny and have long been used for grazing, forestry and local transport routes. Over the 19th and 20th centuries the area developed modest alpine tourism infrastructure such as huts, trails and small ski lifts.

The range sits in central Carinthia in southern Austria, taking in parts of the Gurk valley and surrounding highlands; the area is inland from the Adriatic coast and accessible from regional centres in Carinthia.

• Typical elevations: Summits in the range commonly stand between about 1,800 and 2,400 metres, with the highest peaks exceeding 2,400 metres.

What to See #

• Nockberge / Nock Mountains: The Nockberge (Nock Mountains) are the rounded, domed summits within the Gurktal Alps known for gentle ridges and alpine pastures popular with hikers.
• Eisenhut: Eisenhut, a summit in the range that rises above surrounding peaks and is commonly cited among the highest points in the Gurktal Alps.