Prinzkogel

The Prinzkogel, also called Prinzenkogel, is a 1,273-metre summit in the Wechsel range of eastern Styria. It stands above the upper Feistritz valley, forming part of the massif’s south-western ridge. The mountain is entirely wooded, with gentle slopes and wide forest tracks crossing open clearings. At its northern end the ridge begins near the Herrenstein, while to the south it drops to the Feistritz near Wasserstatt. The Prinzkogel was once an important lead and silver mining district. In 1738 the monastery of Vorau opened the first pits and built water-drainage tunnels, crushing and smelting works. After only six years the venture had lost 20,000 gulden and closed in 1747. Later Ignaz Reichenberg, an ironworks manager from Gußwerk, briefly reopened the mine in 1772. The site is still recognised for its fine mineral specimens, including silver-rich lead ores and uran-mica. Visitors walk the old forest roads that criss-cross the slopes and clearings. The paths lead past the remains of the 18th-century mining installations and past mineral veins exposed in the rock. Mineral collectors still find specimens here, especially quartz varieties and lead-bearing ores. The ridge offers wide views over the Feistritz valley and across to the Hochwechsel.