Großkirchheim: Nature and Mining History in Hohe Tauern National Park

Großkirchheim lies in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park. Large parts of the Zirnitztal valley in Großkirchheim are protected. At the same time, miners’ houses, a former smelting works and churches tell the story of the area’s mining and architectural history. Nature and history offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Nature, Trails and Activities

The “Listen to the Inside” nature trail leads families to a viewing platform near Gartl Waterfall. The Glockner Cycle Route R8 also focuses on enjoying nature while being active: it has no significant climbs and is considered suitable for families. For hikers, another option is the 11.8-kilometre Heiligenblut–Döllach stage of the Alpe-Adria-Trail. The route’s highlights include the centre of Großkirchheim and historic Großkirchheim Castle.

The Tauerngold Trail into the Große Zirknitztal valley is accessed via the national park municipality of Großkirchheim. This makes it possible to include the themed trail in a trip focused on mining history. Großkirchheim also offers the “Glocknerradweg” cycling and hiking bus as a transport option. Check the timetable before your trip.

Großkirchheim’s natural swimming pool has a bathing area of 1,200 square metres. The water is treated without chemical additives such as chlorine. It operates seasonally; check the current opening hours before your visit. The “Gartl Waterfall” activity programme starts at the Carinthian National Park Administration in Großkirchheim. It includes the “Urschreibecken”, a pool where you can let out a liberating scream. If you would like to include the programme in your plans, confirm that it will be running before booking. The Großglockner Shooting Arena in Großkirchheim has a 300-metre-long shooting tunnel and a shooting cinema.

Mining History in Historic Buildings

The “Tauerngold” exhibition is housed in the Putzenhof, a miners’ house dating back more than 500 years. The building was constructed between approximately 1540 and 1560 and later served as a home and workplace for gold prospectors. The exhibition thus brings together mining history and a historic setting.

During the era of precious-metal mining in Großkirchheim, the Alte Schmelz operated as a gold smelting works. Today, the revitalised Alte Schmelz houses an event hall. In Döllach, the Kohlbarren zinc smelting works is considered one of Europe’s most significant industrial monuments because no comparable buildings have been preserved in Europe. Also in Döllach, the Mentlhaus was rebuilt: this combined residential and farm building was constructed between 1650 and 1670 and was rebuilt from 2013 onwards, board by board, at the sports and recreation complex.

Churches and Architectural History

A parish church in Sagritz was first mentioned in a document in 1271. After the Late Gothic church fell into disrepair, the present building was constructed between 1769 and 1779 as a complete replacement. The leaning tower in front of it, from the former Late Gothic building, was preserved. Sagritz’s Antonius Chapel also has a long history: it was first mentioned in a document in 1301, and its keystone bears the date 1522.

The Putschall branch church, also known as Maria Hilf, was built in 1809. Its interior has a single nave and two bays, and ends in a shallow dome. Großkirchheim Castle and Schlössl were first mentioned in a document in 1140/50 under the name “locus Chyrichaim”. These different architectural features and dates give you several specific points of reference for understanding the area’s history during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Asten, Gmünd in Carinthia, Oberdrauburg, Millstatt, Innerkrems, Rennweg am Katschberg, Tschierweg, Malta.

For the broader travel overview: Spittal an der Drau.