At Iglsbach, the Greywacke Zone geosite and the history of medieval copper mining take centre stage. There are also trails on Hochgründeck: a footpath, a meditation trail and a mountain bike route. For your planning, it is worth distinguishing between the different themes and starting points.

Black phyllites and Greywacke geology

The Greywacke Zone geosite near Iglsbach consists of black phyllites formed from dark, clay-rich deposits in the deep sea. Characteristic minerals include mica and quartz, occasionally feldspar, as well as chlorite and iron oxide. The rocks are intensely foliated and, in some cases, folded multiple times. The geological story therefore covers both the origin of the rock and its described structure. Visitors interested in geology will find specific points of interest here: its formation from deep-sea deposits, its mineral composition, and its foliation and folding.

Another aspect of the landscape is the Zauberwald (Enchanted Forest). A trail there climbs through a coniferous forest, where long beard lichens grow on the branches. The details of the forest and the rocks offer different points of interest: the phyllites and their minerals here, and the forest with its striking branch lichens there.

Copper mining and hard-to-find traces

Copper mining at Iglsbach was of great economic importance in the Middle Ages. The Iglsbach mines lie at the eastern foot of Hochgründeck. However, old slag heaps and mining equipment along Iglsbach are now difficult to find. Exploring the mining history therefore involves two distinct aspects: the historical importance of copper mining and the limited visibility of its old traces. Do not plan on these remains as stops that are certain to be visible.

Trails on foot and by mountain bike

The trail to Hochgründeck starts in Hüttau and runs through the Iglsbachtal valley. The ascent begins at the Gasthaus Klamm inn. The two trails to Hochgründeck and Heinrich-Kiener-Haus meet at the Hofersattel. These named destinations are a useful point of reference when considering the trail options.

Another activity is the Hüttau-Hochgründeck mountain bike route (SW65). It begins at the Iglsbach junction in Hüttau. The footpath to Hochgründeck and the mountain bike route are both associated with Hüttau, but their starting points are described differently: Hüttau is given as the starting point for the footpath, while the route starts at the Iglsbach junction in Hüttau. Keep this specific distinction in mind when planning.

Meditation trail and pilgrim accommodation

The Hochgründeck meditation trail is part of the St. Rupert Pilgrimage Way and passes the Vordersattlegghof farm. Its themes are self-discovery, interreligious dialogue and spirituality of creation. While the description of the trail to Hochgründeck gives its route and destinations, the meditation trail has its own thematic focus. This makes it another option for anyone who wants to include these themes in their plans as well as the route itself.

Vordersattlegghof is recommended as pilgrim accommodation. If you would like to stay there overnight, check availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Großarl, Altenmarkt Im Pongau, Filzmoos, Mühlbach Am Hochkönig, Werfen, Mandling, Forstau, Feuersang

To the overarching travel overview: Sankt Johann Im Pongau.