RW_N34 Watschiger Alm - Gartnerkofel (SBW_3 - constellation hike)

The starting point of the constellation hike is a highlight in two ways: firstly, around the Watschiger Alm between mid-June and mid-July (weather dependent), you can admire the bloom of the legendary endemic Ice Age flower Carinthian Wulfenia. Secondly, the Watschiger Alm itself is already a highlight as one of the Gail Valley cheese alps with its own cheese production. It's just as well that you pass by the Alm again at the end of the hike – otherwise, the delicacies right at the start of the hike could seriously disrupt your schedule!

At the start of the hike, you don't head directly to the Alm but keep right about 50 m before the Alm on path number 03, which leads you through alpine meadows to the saddle between Garnitzenberg and Gartnerkofel and to the "Skyplate" viewing platform at the Gartnerkofel mountain station. You turn north over the ridge and, passing the entry to the Via Ferrata Däumling, reach the summit of the 2,195 m high Gartnerkofel via the south flank. The view from this impressive solitary and widely visible peak is breathtaking and extends from the Gail valley over large parts of the Carnic and Gailtal Alps as well as to the Grossglockner/Hohe Tauern and far beyond the borders to the Julian Alps. From the Gail valley, it's hard to believe that this rugged peak is relatively easy to ascend from the south.

After a well-deserved summit break, you descend about 200 meters on the same path to a fork at a lift station and choose the right path (leading west). Below the southwest flank of the Gartnerkofel, you first traverse descending and then ascending to Kühweger Törl. From there, it's only a short distance to the 1,998 m high small peak of Kammleiten.

Back at Kühweger Törl, you descend a few meters on the same path to a junction. You choose the downhill hiking trail number 10 and reach your starting point at the Watschiger Alm via this wonderful path through alpine meadows and dwarf pine fields. Your constellation hike is accomplished, but the best is yet to come: namely, a delicious stop at the Watschiger Alm. Enjoy your meal!

For the constellation hikes, "normal" equipment for alpine hikes on unpaved and partially rocky paths in the southern limestone Alps is sufficient. Sturdy footwear with a good tread sole for unpaved paths is, however, a "must," and taking telescopic hiking poles to relieve your knees on the partly longer descents is recommended. In summer, good sun protection and sufficient water are very important (there are not refreshment options on every stage). Enough warm clothing for possible weather changes is also important even in high summer. For all mountain huts along the trail, a hut sleeping bag and a towel must additionally be brought along.

Here is the detailed equipment list for your trail trip.

Achtsamkeit für Natur – Grundbesitzer – deine Gesundheit.... und die Sicherheit am Berg haben höchste Priorität bei deiner Tour und der damit verbundenen Tourenplanung!

Deshalb erkundigt euch vor jeder Wanderung über die Verhaltensregeln - Sicherheit-am-Berg - sowie die aktuelle Wetterlage.

Müllentsorgung:

Abfall ist nicht immer zu vermeiden - in der Natur hat er aber nichts zu suchen und ist ordnungsgemäß (bevorzugterweise im Tal bzw. zu Hause) zu entsorgen. 

Notrufnummern:

Euronotruf: 112 (Zugang in jedes verfügbare Netz)

Alpinnotruf Österreich: 140

Access via Gailtalstraße B111 to the Tröpolach junction. Follow the B90 Nassfeld Pass road to the state border. From here, an asphalted road leads left (east) to the Watschiger Alm. From there hiking trails lead to Kammleiten and Gartnerkofel.

Arrival in Tröpolach is possible by public transport every hour (S4 to Hermagor and bus 5058 to Tröpolach). Further with the on-call bus to Nassfeld Pass (telephone registration required).

Cheese alp: Watschiger Alm