Ore of the Alps
UNESCO Global Geopark
Welcome to the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark in Salzburg's Pongau region. This area, known for winter sports and nature recreation, was once a mining region where copper was mined as early as the Bronze Age. The Geopark covers 211 km² and the four municipalities of Hüttau, Bischofshofen, Mühlbach am Hochkönig and St. Veit im Pongau. It offers a unique mix of geology, nature, culture, culinary delights and relaxation. Discover the fascinating world of colourful ores in this impressive Alpine region.
Geoscience
Experience the geological processes and their connection to the climate and environment in the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Geoactive
Hiking, cycling, climbing and experiencing geological phenomena up close. Immerse yourself in the unique nature of the Geopark.
Geopark
Explore the visitor centre, show mines and the
60 km long ore trail.
UNESCO Global Geoparks: Experiencing nature and knowledge transfer
The UNESCO Global Geoparks, such as the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, are areas of exceptional geological features of international and national importance and are characterised by a great geo-diversity. However, other disciplines such as mining, botany, archaeology and cultural history also play an important role. The co-operation between UNESCO Geoparks and universities is constantly producing new findings.
A UNESCO Geopark is not a museum, it is a nature experience workshop that inspires everyone from scientists to interested people. The scientific claim is communicated in a generally understandable way on display boards, brochures, maps or books. This is how a geopark really comes to life.
The Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark has been living this worldwide idea for many years, together with our partners in Germany, the Inselsberg - Drei Gleichen UNESCO Global Geopark in Thuringia and the Porphyry Land National Geopark in Saxony and the austrian UNESCO Global Geoparks Karawanken and Styrian Eisenwurzenas well as the Carnic Alps National Geopark. A new cooperation agreement was added in 2024 with the Vestjylland UNESCO Global Geopark in Denmark.
The most important tasks of geoparks are the preservation of geopotentials, the strengthening of regional development as well as environmental education and geotourism. A geopark is therefore a UNESCO label that has to be earned every four years and is not a protection category like a national park, nature park or natural monument. It can and should of course include conservation elements (Geosites) that can also be found in the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark.
Ore Trail
60 exciting kilometres of hiking through Salzburg's Pongau region
Stage 1
Highest point - Hochgründeck (1,827 m)
Destination - Heinrich Kiener Haus
Stage 2
Highest point - Hochgründeck (1,827 m)
Destination - Bischofshofen Visitor Centre
3rd stage
Highest point - Arthurhaus (1,502 m)
Destination - Arthurhaus in Mühlbach am Hochkönig
Stage 4
Highest point - Arthurhaus (1,502 m)
Destination: Mühlbach am Hochkönig
Stage 5
Highest point - oasis of peace on the way to the Pronebenalm (1,405 m)
Destination - Seelackenmuseum in St. Veit im Pongau
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