Iglsbach: Geology, Mining and Trails

Iglsbach combines a landscape shaped by geology with a history of medieval copper mining and trails for different interests. When planning your stay, you can therefore choose from several focuses: rock formation, mining history, hiking or mountain biking. The trails differ in their starting points and themes. Choose according to whether you are more interested in nature and geology, want to hike a route or would like to go mountain biking.

Geology and Forest

The Greywacke Zone geosite near Iglsbach consists of black phyllites formed from dark, clay-rich deposits in the deep sea. The rocks are intensely foliated and, in places, folded more than once. Characteristic minerals include mica, quartz, occasionally feldspar, chlorite and iron oxide. To understand the geology, you can consider the rock’s formation, structure and mineral content as distinct but related perspectives: the deposits relate to its origins, foliation and folding to its structure, and the minerals listed to its composition. These aspects appeal to different interests without reducing the geosite to a single feature.

The Zauberwald offers a different natural highlight: a trail climbs through a coniferous forest whose branches bear long beard lichens. While the geosite raises questions about rocks and their formation, the Zauberwald draws attention to the type of forest and its lichen growth. The uphill route is also a practical consideration when choosing your tour.

Mining History and Traces Today

Copper mining at Iglsbach was of great economic importance in the Middle Ages. The Iglsbach mines lie at the eastern foot of the Hochgründeck. Today, old slag heaps and mining equipment are difficult to find along the Iglsbach. So, when considering what to expect from a search for traces of mining, their present-day visibility is just as relevant as their historical significance.

Choose a Trail Based on the Activity

The trail to the Hochgründeck starts in Hüttau, runs through the Iglsbach Valley and begins to climb at the Gasthaus Klamm. The two trails to the Hochgründeck and the Heinrich-Kiener-Haus meet at the Hofersattel. The Hüttau–Hochgründeck mountain bike route (SW65) starts at the Iglsbach junction in Hüttau. The specific directions therefore differ: for the trail to the Hochgründeck, the valley route and start of the climb are given; for the mountain bike route, the junction is specified. First choose the activity you want, then use the relevant starting point for orientation.

Meditation Trail and Pilgrim Accommodation

The Hochgründeck Meditation Trail is part of the St. Rupert Pilgrim Way and passes the Vordersattlegghof. Its themes include self-discovery, dialogue between religions and the spirituality of creation. Alongside its route, these themes give the trail a spiritual focus. The Vordersattlegghof is recommended as accommodation for pilgrims. If you plan to stay there, confirm opening hours and availability directly before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Filzmoos, Bad Gastein, Tenneck, Eben Im Pongau, Palfen, Reitdorf, Lammertal, Radstadt

View the wider travel overview: Sankt Johann Im Pongau.