Heart of the Nockberge Biosphere Park

Today is Austrian National day celebrating the constitutional law on permanent neutrality, passed in 1955 and finally putting an end to the occupation and control by Allied forces after WWII. As a bank holiday and cheap entry day we have headed up the nearby Nockalpenstraße, which is a high toll road that runs through the park and provides easy access to the higher tops and stupendous views over the whole region. 

It always seems like a cheat to start up high, but then it gives you the whole day to walk some of the best bits and still have the legs: Konigstühl (2336m), Friesenhalshöhe (2246m), Seenock (2260m), Eisentalhöhe (2180m).