At Hochrindl-Kegel, a variety of trails and seasons take centre stage: circuits through the Swiss stone pine forest, routes to historic sites and winter trails through the snow-covered landscape. There is also the history of alpine farming, a spring with religious associations, and leisure activities for summer and winter. When planning, it helps to compare walking time, route and season first.
Choose trails by walking time and scenery
In the Hochrindl hiking area, the circular trail starts and ends at the Herzl Hut. It leads through the Swiss stone pine forest and includes thoughtfully designed stops for observing, experiencing and enjoying nature. The circuit takes about an hour. A different trail leads to the Weißen Kreuz: It starts at the large car park, follows the Alpine Panorama Trail APW 156, passes the Anderle Kreuz and continues via Pölling at an altitude of 1,776 metres. Allow about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. This gives you two different time frames and routes to consider when planning an outing.
The other routes each have their own highlights. The circular trail to the reservoir leads across flowering alpine meadows to a viewpoint overlooking the Gurkursprung nature reserve and ends at a picturesque mountain lake. The Kegel circuit follows alpine paths to the WugganighĂĽtte, where you can stop for refreshments. A nature and panorama hiking trail on the Hochrindl is 13 kilometres long and unprepared; clearly marked winter walking trails are also available.
Alpine history and places of local tradition
The Kegel has been used as an alpine pasture since time immemorial. Water was historically scarce there—a defining part of local alpine history. Along the way to the Weißen Kreuz, a memorial plaque commemorates a dairymaid who died there in winter with her animals, while an information board tells of the former salt-smuggling route. Alongside the route itself, the two signs give the trail a historical dimension.
The Ursula Spring is dedicated to Saint Ursula. According to tradition, the spring is believed to have special powers; its water is said to be good for the eyes, and young women prayed for the blessing of children. These beliefs are part of the spring’s religious and traditional interpretation, not a medical claim. The path there begins at the entrance to Ursula-Bründl-Weg. Parking is available along the Hochrindl Landesstraße; check the current parking situation on site.
Winter trails and seasonal activities
Cleared winter walking trails wind through the snow-covered Nock Mountains landscape around the Kegel. The panoramic cross-country ski trail runs at an altitude of between 1,550 and 1,750 metres and offers views across the snow-covered alpine landscape. Its grooming depends on snow conditions. If you would like to combine your route with a lift connection, a forest run from the Zirbenlift takes you to the Kegellift. This connection depends on the ski area’s operations; check the conditions for your planned visit in advance.
There are three toboggan runs on the Hochrindl, including a lit ski and toboggan trail from the Hiasl ZirbenhĂĽtte to the HerzlhĂĽtte. Take operating and lighting hours into account, as well as the seasonal conditions of the winter trails. Before setting out, it is therefore worth checking the latest information on trail conditions and available activities.
Leisure, refreshments and regional cuisine
There is a disc golf course in front of the Herzl Hut on the Zirbenhang; discs can be borrowed at the hut. Check availability on site. Next to the Il Gusto Chalet restaurant is an ice-stock sport lane: in winter it is used for ice stock sport, and in summer for stock sport. This gives you a choice of seasonal activities in addition to hiking.
Along the winter walking trails, alpine huts and inns serve hearty regional Carinthian specialities. As opening hours vary from one establishment to another, it is best to check in advance if you have a particular place in mind. It is also worth checking seasonal availability at the WugganighĂĽtte. That way, you can plan your walking time, destination and a possible break together without treating the different routes and activities as interchangeable.
Discover more destinations: Briefelsdorf, Sankt Leonhard, Ossiach, Bodensdorf, Rennweg, Steindorf Am Ossiacher See, Liebetig, Albeck
See the full travel overview: Feldkirchen.
