Top 20 Mountain Passes around Reichenau

Among the most appreciated mountain passes around Reichenau are the Falkert Saddle, known for its expansive views of the Falkerttal, and Eisentalhöhe 2,042 m, which is the highest point of the Nockalm Road and offers panoramic views. Another popular route is the Innerkrems–Kremsbrücke Road (Kremstal), favored for its long descent.

The region is rich in natural beauty. The Nockalm Road, for instance, winds through the Nockberge National Park, characterized by smooth, grass-covered 'Nock'n' peaks, spruce and stone pine forests, and rolling meadows. You'll find numerous panoramic observation decks along the route, offering wide views across Carinthia and towards the Hohe Tauern range. The Turracher Höhe Pass is distinctive for its three mountain lakes (Turracher See, Schwarzsee, and Grünsee) and Europe's largest contiguous stone pine (Zirbe) forests, part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Nockberge.

Yes, the Nockalm Road offers several family-friendly features, including play areas and short walks along the route. The Eisentalhöhe 2,042 m, a highlight on the Nockalm Road, is also considered family-friendly. At Turracher Höhe, the Nocky Flitzer Alpine Coaster provides an exciting experience for all ages, available in both summer and winter.

The Nockalm Road is typically open from early May to late October, making late spring, summer, and early autumn ideal for scenic drives and hiking. Turracher Höhe is a year-round destination, popular for summer activities like hiking and mountain biking due to pleasant temperatures, and transforming into a ski resort from November to early May for winter sports.

The area around Reichenau offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy scenic drives, cycling, and hiking. For those interested in cycling, there are routes like the Nockalmstrasse Toll Station – Windebensee loop. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as the Source of the Gurk Tour. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Reichenau, Cycling around Reichenau, and MTB Trails around Reichenau guides.

Absolutely. The Nockberge National Park, traversed by the Nockalm Road, offers numerous unforgettable mountain hikes and short walks. At Turracher Höhe, themed hiking trails like the '3-Seen-Weg' (Three Lakes Trail) lead through the unique stone pine forests. The Nock Mountains are also part of the 'ALPE-ADRIA-Trail', a major long-distance hiking trail.

Yes, mountain huts along the Nockalm Road serve traditional Carinthian specialties, providing opportunities for culinary delights during your journey. The Eisentalhöhe 2,042 m also features a restaurant with a rustic atmosphere.

The Nockalm Road is unique for its balanced and rhythmic design, featuring 52 carefully engineered bends and consistent elevation gain without harsh gradients. It's known as Austria's most rhythmically composed mountain drive, offering a smooth steering experience. Unlike many jagged alpine peaks, the 'Nock'n' mountains it traverses are characterized by their smooth, grass-covered, dome-like shapes, providing expansive and open high-alpine landscapes.

The Turracher Höhe Pass is a high-altitude pass at 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) in the Gurktal Alps, connecting Styria and Carinthia. It's notable for its three pristine mountain lakes and Europe's largest contiguous stone pine forests. It functions as a year-round destination, offering extensive winter sports facilities and a wide array of summer activities like hiking, mountaineering, and downhill biking.

Yes, the Flattnitz Pass Road is considered a nice alternative to the more well-known Nockalm Road or Turracher Höhe. It's often less busy, especially compared to the Nockalm Road, which can attract many motorcyclists and motorists. The landscape is terrific, and while the road surface may not always be optimal, its quiet charm and scenic views make up for it.

Yes, some passes offer more demanding sections. For instance, the ascent to Falkert Saddle can be quite demanding, especially the upper part which involves steep sections over steps and stones. Cyclists on the Innerkrems–Kremsbrücke Road (Kremstal) might encounter sections with up to 15 percent slope after the ski lifts of Innerkrems.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views, the smooth and enjoyable driving experience on routes like the Nockalm Road, and the tranquility of the natural landscapes, especially the unique Nockberge National Park and the stone pine forests of Turracher Höhe. The opportunity for diverse outdoor activities, from leisurely walks to challenging hikes and cycling, is also highly valued.