Kohlmaißhöhe

The Palfnerkogel rises above the Salzach valley near Bischofshofen, forming a long ridge that stretches north-east from the Hochglocker. Its slopes drop gently to the Kohlmaißhöhe at 1,198 metres, where the land flattens before falling more steeply toward the valley floor. The mountain sits within the Dientner Berge, part of the Salzburger Schieferalpen, its grey phyllite and glanzschiefer rocks shaping the unstable slopes above the Hochkönig road. Copper-bearing veins run through the ridge, linking this site to the Mitterberg copper mining district. Three main ore veins—the Brander, Burgschwaig and Birgstein—were worked from the 19th century until 1957, when the last shafts closed. The Kohlmaißhöhe marks the historic heart of this mining landscape, where prehistoric miners first dug simple pits around 2000 BCE. Later, in the 19th century, the Joseph and Walpurgastollen followed the Birgstein vein, while the Arthurstollen carried ore down to Mühlbach. The Arthurstollen survives today as a protected monument and show mine, part of the Geopark Erz der Alpen. Visitors can walk the old haulage route and see how water was channelled through the tunnel for both transport and supply. Nearby, the Mitterberger Kupfer AG reopened workings at the turn of the 20th century, driving the Upper, Main and Lower Höchstollen before the industry faded. Today the Kohlmaißhöhe offers quiet paths across open meadows with wide views over the Salzach valley. The Arthurstollen entrance lies close to the forest edge, its stone portal framed by alpine flora. Beyond, the ridge continues toward the Schleichkogel, while below, Mitterberghütten and Palfen villages nestle among the foothills. The contrast between the gentle summit plateau and the steep, crumbling slopes gives the place a rugged charm. Walkers can follow the old mining tracks or simply sit on the bench at the Kohlmaißhöhe and watch the light change on the Dientner Berge.