News
General Assembly of the Ore of the Alps Association
On 21 November 2024, the general meeting of the Ore of the Alps Association took place at the Metzgerwirt in St. Veit im Pongau. The projects and events of 2024 were presented and the event planning for 2025 was introduced. Finally, the new association board was elected. Many thanks to the retiring board members Elisabeth Schindl, Erhard Plosky and Mark Strutzenberger for their tireless work on the board of the Erz der Alpen Association.
Cooperation with the Chinese Shiniuzhai Geopark
A cooperation agreement with the national Shiniuzhai in China has been in place since November 2024. A delegation from the Chinese geopark with representatives from politics paid a visit to the UNESCO Global Geopark Alps. At the meeting, the two geoparks exchanged ideas and signed a cooperation agreement. We look forward to a stimulating exchange of experiences and good cooperation.
10 years of the Porphyry Land National Geopark
Horst Ibetsberger and Markus Häupl took part in the celebrations "10 years of the Porphyry Land National Geopark" in Röcknitz / Saxony. The Porphyry Land Geopark has been our 2nd partner geopark in Germany since 2011, alongside the Inselsberg / Drei Gleichen UGGp in Thuringia. The multimedia exhibition on supervolcanism in the newly renovated neighbouring building of the Röcknitz manor house was also ceremoniously opened during the celebrations.
Geopark regulars' tables 2024
In October 2024, the Geopark regulars' tables on the topic of "Water supply in the Geopark - Amoi z'wenig, amoi z'vü" took place in all four Geopark municipalities. Gert Furtmüller presented the visitors with exciting insights into the topic of water in the four municipalities and invited them to discuss and ask questions afterwards. Many thanks to the tourism organisations and the mining and museum associations for their support! In co-operation with the Austrian UNESCO Commission.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Excursion of the Ore of the Alps Association
We look back on the first member excursion of the Ore of the Alps Association on 6 October 2024. We set off early in the morning from Bischofshofen in the direction of Pinzgau. After a visit to the National Park Museum in Mittersill in the morning, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road was opened and we were able to make our way to the destination of the excursion, the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs Höhe. The excursion was accompanied by exciting geological explanations from Gert Furtmüller, the chairman of the Ore of the Alps Association and the scientific director of the Geopark Horst Ibets. Head of the Geopark Horst Ibetsberger. Many thanks for being there!
First members' evening of the Ore of the Alps Association
On 19 September 2024, the first members' evening of the Ore of the Alps Association took place at the visitor centre in Bischofshofen. At this get-together for all association members, the current projects and plans of the Geopark were discussed. Chairman Gert Furtmüller also gave an outlook on the events in 2025.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Successful completion of Shubham Kumar's internship
Shubham Kumar began his internship at the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark in mid-July 2024. Shubham contributed his expertise to various Geopark projects and reported on his experiences in a presentation on the "Majestic Himalayas" at the visitor centre. We wish you all the best for your future career and would like to thank you for your support at the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark!
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Exchange meeting in the Sobrarbe-Pyrenees UGGp
At the end of August / beginning of September, Horst Ibetsberger visited the Sobrarbe-Pyrenees UGGp in Spain / Aragon province. Together with the Spanish geopark geologist Ánchel Belmonte Ribas and Karen-Louise Smidth from the Vestjylland UGGp in Denmark, the visitor centre in Ainsa and important geotopes were visited. In addition, geopark-specific topics such as regenerative tourism in sensitive high mountain regions were discussed.
Lecture on the topic "Majestic Himalayas - Geographical and Cultural Perspective of the Transhimalayas" by Shubham Kumar
Last week, an exciting lecture on the majestic Transhimalayas took place at the visitor centre of the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark. Shubham Kumar is currently doing an internship at the Geopark and gave an insight into the geography and culture of this area. Many thanks for the interesting insights!
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Visit from Vestjylland UGGp
At the end of July, Karen-Louise Smidth from our partner geopark in Denmark paid a visit to the Alps UGGp for several days. The visitor centre was visited, the waterfall trail was hiked, the geological Alpine panorama and the mountain erosion at Hochgründeck were studied and the show mine in Larzenbach / Hüttau was also visited. As a result, possible future co-operation opportunities were explored.
Successful completion of Os Muyco's internship
In February 2024, Camille "Os" Muyco started her internship at the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark as part of her Master's degree in Geology. Os did valuable work for the Geopark and contributed her expertise to various projects. We would like to thank you for your great work at the Geopark and wish you all the best for the future.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Opening ceremony of the ore trail in Mühlbach am Hochkönig
The official opening of the ore trail around the miners' home in Mühlbach am Hochkönig took place on 8 June 2024. Erhard Plosky, Chairman of the Mühlbach am Hochkönig Mining Association, and Gert Furtmüller, Chairman of the Ore of the Alps Association, presented the new geosites to visitors. There were also guided tours of the Johannastollen gallery, screenings of film rarities and a scavenger hunt for the young guests. The event was accompanied by music from the Mühlbacher Hoizmusi and the Heubodenmusi.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Lecture by the Austrian scientist of the year 2023 Dr Andrea Fischer
The scientist of the year 2023 PD Mag Dr Andrea Fischer was a guest at the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark on 7 June 2024. In her lecture entitled "Glaciological research using the example of the Übergossene Alm", she reported on her fascinating research on Austrian glaciers with a focus on the glacier on the Hochkönig.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Lecture on the local glaciers by Dr Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer-Eulenstein
MMag. Dr Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer-Eulenstein reported on the current state of our local glaciers and how they have developed over the last century in his lecture on "Glacier measurements in Austria since 1891 with details on the Hochkönig glacier and the Pasterze" at the visitor centre in Bischofshofen. He gave exciting insights into current research results and there was also the opportunity to ask the expert about the outlook for the further development of the glaciers.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Opening ceremony of the ore trail in Bischofshofen
The official opening of the Erzweweg trail around the visitor centre in Bischofshofen took place on 26 May 2024. There was a comprehensive programme for all visitors with guided short hikes to the Gainfeld waterfall, a presentation of the geosites and the hiking map, and a colourful children's programme was also offered. The official opening was carried out by the two mayors of the Geopark communities of Bischofshofen and Hüttau, Hansjörg Obinger and Rupert Bergmüller, and the deputy mayor of Bischofshofen, Eva Bischofer.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Information afternoon for teachers
On 24 May 2024, an information afternoon about the Geopark's offers was held for all interested teachers in the region. Teachers were informed about the ore trail and the workshops for school classes. This event was organised in collaboration with the MINT Region Pongau.
Photo © Gert Furtmüller
MINT workshops with the University of Salzburg
On 24 May and 14 June 2024, STEM workshops were held at the visitor centre with teachers from the Department of Environment & Biovidersity at Paris Lodron University Salzburg. Several school classes had the opportunity to experience geology and earth sciences up close at four exciting stations. The workshops were organised in conjunction with the MINT Region Pongau.
Photo © Gert Furtmüller
Cooperation with Danish Geopark Vestjylland
Since May 2024, we have had a cooperation agreement with the UNESCO Global Geopark Vestjylland in Denmark. We look forward to a stimulating exchange of experiences and good cooperation.
Presentation of the MINT seal of approval
Today, on 29 April 2024, we officially received the MINT quality label as a partner of the MINT region Pongau! MINT stands for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. The project aims to give children and young people an insight into these subject areas and also shed light on the associated professional fields.
We, the team at the Erz der Alpen UNESCO Global Geopark, are delighted to be able to contribute to this fantastic and important project. Thanks to the MINT coordinator Martina Fercher for the handover!
Photo © Camille Austine Muyco
Visit to Vestjylland UNESCO Global Geopark in Denmark
Horst Ibetsberger visited the Vestjylland UNESCO Global Geopark in Denmark from 17.11.2023 - 22.11.2023. Together with Geopark and Nature Park Manager Karen-Louise Smidth, he visited the Geopark Visitor Centre, the Nature Park Centre and other presentations. In the area, they stopped at the terminal moraine of the LMG of the Scandinavian inland glaciation, which runs through the Geopark from east to west and dips into the North Sea at Bovbjerg. It is the Geopark's unique selling point. We also visited Thorsminde, Nissum Fjord, Lemvig and the exhibition in Oddesundtarnet, a bunker from the Second World War.
Photo © Horst Ibetsberger
Annual General Meeting of the Ore of the Alps Association
The annual general meeting of the Ore of the Alps Association took place on 21 November 2023. This is the supporting association of the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark. The meeting looked back on a successful year in the Geopark with many innovations and the plans for the coming years were also presented. It was an exciting evening for the association members and interested parties.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Relaunch of the Erzweg Kupfer
At the end of 2023, the Erweg Kupfer in the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark will be relaunched. This includes over 100 new information boards (geosites) on the topics of geology and landscape, mining and history, and legends and myths. These will be set up along the approx. 60 km long Ore Trail, which runs through the Geopark communities of Hüttau, Bischofshofen, Mühlbach am Hochkönig and St. Veit im Pongau. All information can also be accessed digitally. There are QR codes on all the diagrams, which can be scanned with mobile phones and tablets. These can be used to call up additional information and image material on the individual stations on site. The official presentation and opening of the Erzweweg will take place at the start of the 2024 season.
Photo © Gert Furtmüller
Geopark round tables 2023
From 16 to 19 October, the Geopark regulars' tables took place in the four Geopark communities of Hüttau, Bischofshofen, Mühlbach am Hochkönig and St. Veit im Pongau on the topic of "Climate change - facts and causes and what lies ahead for us". Following the presentations by Dr Gert Furtmüller, there was the opportunity to ask questions and discuss. The interest of the visitors was great and the Geopark round tables were well attended in all locations. Many thanks to the tourism associations and mining and museum societies (St. Veit, Mühlbach, Hüttau) for co-organising the events.
Photos © Sandra Hörmann
Austrian Academy of Sciences
On 5 October 2023, the 15th meeting of the Austrian National Committee for Geo/Hydro Sciences (representing the agendas of the IGCP, IHP and GdE) was held in the visitor centre of the Erz der Alpen UNESCO Geopark. On 6 October 2023, as part of Geodiversity Day, an excursion was organised to visit various geotopes in the Geopark and the new altar stone of the Buchberg Church, made from a glacial erratic block.
Photo © Horst Ibetsberger
500th anniversary celebration of the Fadlostoa Chapel
The wonderful 500th anniversary celebration of the Fadlstoa Chapel (Pfarriachstein Chapel) in St.Veit im Pongau took place at the weekend. The chapel was built in 1523 by miners who mined copper in the area. In 1732, the last church service was celebrated at this chapel by the Protestant population of Pongau before they were expelled from their homeland. The path led past this chapel and offered a last glimpse of their beloved homeland. The St. Veit Comradeship Association renovated the chapel in 2003, installing a new roof truss with larch shingles.
Photo © Michael Rettenwender
10th International Conference of UNESCO Global Geoparks
From 4 - 11 September 2023, the 10th International Conference of UNESCO Global Geoparks was held in Marrakesh / Morocco. During the conference, the Austrian delegation presented the current ÖAW project movemont.at. On the final day, Horst Ibetsberger received the certificate and award for the successful revalidation in 2022 with the extension of the UNESCO Global Geopark designation until 2026.
Photo left © Horst Ibetsberger, Photo right © Urosh Grabner
Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark as part of the MINT holiday week
On 22 August 2023, Horst Ibetsberger introduced 11 young people aged 12-14 to the importance of the UNESCO Global Geopark at HAK St. Johann. The programme included reading topographical and geological maps, talking about rocks, recognising fossils, distinguishing between different grain fractions, modelling the formation of the Alps and looking at aerial photographs and terrestrial photos using a stereoscope for a three-dimensional view.
Photos © Johanna Grießer
Report in Salzburg Heute about the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark
On 22 June 2023, Salzburg Heute on ORF2 reported on the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark. The scientific director Dr Horst Ibetsberger provides insights into the Geopark and describes the ongoing "Erzweg" project. The Erzweg is a hiking trail that connects the four communities of Bischofshofen, Hüttau, Mühlbach am Hochkönig and St. Veit im Pongau.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Geopark Weeks 2023 - 10 years of Geopark Ore of the Alps and partnership with the Porphyry Land and Inselsberg-Drei Gleichen Geoparks
There were two occasions to celebrate on 1 June: the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geopark Ore of the Alps and the 10th anniversary of the partnership with the geoparks from Thuringia (UNESCO Global Geopark Inselsberg-Drei Gleichen) and Saxony (National Geopark Porphyry Land).
The ceremony was part of an extensive, professional 2-day programme with talks, discussions, exchange of experiences and considerations for the future. This also included excursions to special points along the Erzweweg. Representatives from UNESCO Austria, the Austrian Geoparks and the University of Salzburg (representing the Austrian Academy of Science) and the Austrian Geopark Forum came to Bischofshofen.
Photos © Sandra Hörmann
"Glaciers and faith" book presentation by Dr Franz Jäger
On 30 May 2023, Dr Franz Jäger presented his book entitled "Glaciers and Faith - Disaster Management in the Ötztal Alps then and now" at the visitor centre in Bischofshofen.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
Opening of the visitor centre for 2023
The opening took place on 27 April 2023 with a lecture by Dr Kurt Stüwe on "The geology of the Alps from the air" at the visitor centre in Bischofshofen.
Photo © Sandra Hörmann
ORF III - Country life "Around the Hochkönig"
A few days ago, the documentary & reportage about rural life around the Hochkönig was shown on ORF III. The documentary offers particularly exciting insights into the history of copper mining in Mühlbach am Hochkönig and rural life in the region (March 2023).
© Film and image by Staudach Film
Movemont project start
Kickoff meeting for the movemont.at project from 10-11 November 2022, which deals with mass movements in
the three UNESCO Global Geoparks in Austria.
Geopark Ore of the Alps receives the Earth Prize
The Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark wins the "Earth Prize" for its diverse activities in soil protection and education. The prize was presented on 13 September 2022 by Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler, BA.
Revalidation
The 2nd revalidation of the Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geoparks by representatives of EGN / GGN / UNESCO from 17.6.2022 to 21.06.2022.
Cooperation with Basecamp Research
The Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark is working with Bascamp Research (UK) to investigate the biodiversity of different soils in the Geopark. The project runs from July 2021 to spring 2022.
Article on the Geopark in the magazine "Bergauf"
Article in the AV magazine "Bergauf", June 2021, about
"Geological World Heritage in Austria - UNESCO Global Geoparks", page 72ff
Nebra Sky Disc
The latest research results on the Nebra Sky Disc, May 2021. The copper of the Bronze Age cult object comes from the ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark.
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