Millstätter Alpe

The Millstätter Alpe is a compact ridge of the Nockbergen range running parallel to the northern shore of Millstätter See in Carinthia. Its highest point reaches 2091 metres, though nearby Kamplnock just tops it at 2101 metres. The ridge stretches from Gmünd in the northwest past Seeboden, Radenthein and Döbriach to the Globatsch valley in the northeast. Along the crest stand several named summits such as Tschiernock, Hochpalfennock and Lammersdorfer Berg, while the Nöringsattel col links the northern valleys with the southern slopes. The mountain is recognised for its mineral wealth, especially almandine garnet and magnesite. Garnets were worked here from Bronze Age times; a 3000-year-old spearhead shows early use. In the 19th century Josef Hofer opened underground mines and shipped ‘gemugled’ stones to Bohemia where they became known as Bohemian jewellery garnets. Magnesite was discovered in 1882 by Richard Canaval; large-scale open-cast and later underground mining followed, peaking at over 210 000 tonnes in 1991. Walkers find a well-marked network of trails leading up from Seeboden and Millstatt. The Alpe Adria Trail uses two stages to cross the entire ridge. Near Lammersdorfer Berg a granite gateway called Granattor marks a popular viewpoint. On the steep Breitwand face a climbing garden offers routes above Döbriach. Below, the southern flanks drain straight into the blue waters of Millstätter See, while streams on the northern side wind through the Globatsch and Nöring valleys.