Zirbitzkogel

Zirbitzkogel with Zirbitzkogelhaus

Pd5

The Zirbitzkogel is 2396m above sea level. A. the highest elevation of Seetaler Alps. Located just south of the upper Murtal in Styria, near the border to Carinthia. On its southern slope springs the Lavant, a left tributary of the Drava.

His name does not derive, as is often assumed, on the places stock picture in the territory pine, but by the Slovenian zirbiza, which can be translated as Red Alm and to the frequently occurring Alpenrose (Rhododendron ferrugineum ) points. In the area of this Rhododendron plant is called Almrausch, possibly an indication of the toxicity of the plant.

Built is the Zirbitzkogel of crystalline rocks; Schists, gneisses and granites prevail. Despite its relatively low altitude, it has distinct high mountain character. His relief was formed by Ice Age glaciers and subsequent landslides. In very well-watered area are some cirque lakes, such as the two Winterleitenhütte lakes.

Until the subalpine zone closed spruce forests, which are detached from loosened spruce, larch and Zirbenbeständen rich ( pine - larch forest ). The summit area is dominated by a wide -area, interspersed by nearly flat plateau Krumm harrow lawn. Known by ornithologists was the summit area as breeding habitat of the Dotterel, which almost every year until 1995 there was brooding in a few pairs. Then no more broods were observed, but probably observed individual migrant and resting individuals. In more exposed locations wind outweigh Gemsheide and various lichens.

In lepidopterists the area for some very rare species, including the endemic Elophos zirbitzensis is known.

The well-developed tourist Zirbitzkogel is a very popular hiking and ski touring area. Is at its peak the Zirbitzkogelhaus, more cabins are located along the ascent route. Starting points an ascent of Zirbitzkogel are St. Anne or St. Wolfgang in shelter on the northern route and the southern route on Neumarkt.

The Zirbitzkogelgebiet was added to the list of Natura 2000 areas and is recognized as a European nature reserve since May 2006.

• Winterleitenhütte Hut ( 1,782 m ) northeast of the Zirbitzkogel, situated in the area of the training area enamel.
• Alps Sabathy ( 1,620 m ), at the eastern foot of the Zirbitzkogel
• Zirbitzkogelhaus ( 2,376 m), just below the summit of the Zirbitzkogel
• Waldheimhütte ( 1,614 meters), halfway between the shelter and the Zirbitzkogel
• Tonnerhütte (1,600 meters), halfway between mills ( place ) and Zirbitzkogel

Pictures

Zirbitzkogel from west

Wildsee

Summit cross in winter

Panorama board at Zirbitzkogelgipfel