Saualpe

The Saualpe is a gentle, rolling ridge of the Central Alps in the Lavanttaler Alps of southern Austria. It stretches north to south from the Klippitztörl pass to the Drautal valley. Made mostly of gneiss and mica-schist, the range reaches its highest point at the Ladinger Spitz. The mountains hold reminders of past dangers and human skill. High on the slopes stand old parish churches built as refuges during the Turkish wars of the 16th and 17th centuries. These include the parish churches of Diex, St. Georg in Lamm, Pustritz, Tschrietes and Greutschach. The range also shelters the Hüttenberger Erzberg at its north-west edge, once worked for iron ore. Walkers find a well-marked network of paths and many huts for rest. The Eisenwurzen long-distance trail crosses the ridge. Huts such as the Klippitztörlhütte, Breitofner Hütte, Weißberger Hütte, Wolfsberger Hütte, Steinerhütte and Druckerhütte sit close to summits or beside alpine meadows. Rounded knolls and scattered rock outcrops called Öfen shape the skyline. Two small lakes known as the Meeraugen and the Gertrusk-Tümpel add quiet water to the upland scene.