Wildlife preserve Gerzkopf with the so-called black pond
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Picturesque nature reserve Gerzkopf

High altitude biotope in SalzburgerLand - legendary and protected

Through pristine landscapes, old spruce forests and dense mountain pine belt, the hiker reaches the local mountain of Lungötz, the Gerzkopf. On the way we meet peat ponds and peat moss carpets, a unique natural jewel. This mountain contains an intact habitat for an extraordinary flora and fauna around the raised moor which has become rare in SalzburgerLand and Austria. Therefore, the Gerzkopf was declared a nature reserve in 2006 and subsequently integrated into the European network of protected areas according to Flora-Fauna-Habitat Directive as a Natura 2000 site.

 

High moor bordered by the pine belt ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz
The moor as an intact habitat of rare species ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz
41/5000 The summit of Gerzkopf is almost reached ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz
View on the Gosaukamm ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz

On the way to the summit happiness

76/5000 Reward after the ascent: a unique panorama of the Salzburg mountains

From Lungötz, Neubachtal, over the Klotzenbergweg to above the forest pool Waldbad. Here, the hiker turns right via Schlappen to Vordersbach and on through the forest. The hunting lodge forms the entrance to the nature reserve, now the path leads past gnarled pines, ponds and lakes. The last 50 meters require strength again, before you can enjoy the magnificent view at 1728 m above sea level. The Gosaukamm with its distinctive Bischofsmütze dominates the panorama to the east, the Dachstein massif is just as visible as the Niedere Tauern. On fine days you can see the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain in the Hohe Tauern. Subsequently, the 360 ° panorama extends to the Tennengebirge and to the Untersberg at the gates of Salzburg.
Rare "Lady´s slipper" in nature reserve Gerzkopf ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz

Orchids and Dragonflies

Unique flora & fauna

Orchids are exotics that only thrive in the greenhouses in the Alps? Far from it, about 70 orchid species are known in Austria. Annaberg-Lungötz in the Dachstein-West hiking region has produced a particularly wide variety, due to its geological structure; almost all Central European orchid species are found here. Depending on the flowering season you can discover wild beauties, such as the orchid, called "lady's slipper" or even the rare "forest birds". It's buzzing at Gerzkopf! The moor offers optimal conditions for dragonflies, nine of which have been identified at Gerzkopf. The "Blutrote Heide" is easily recognizable by its red body color.
Interesting information all around. ©Max Ampferer/art of sight

Theme bords on the Gerzkopf

Worth knowing compactly packed

Why do sweet blueberries like it sour? What is a swinging lawn and where can you see flying emeralds? In order to pay attention to the many highlights on the Gerzkopf, information boards have been created that are dedicated to the special habitats as well as the animal and plant species. But also tradition and the world of legends are clearly explained. At the summit, two panorama panels were also installed, which provide information about the surrounding peaks in the Tennengebirge, the Gosaukamm and the Dachsteingebirge.
Is it the treasure of the "black pond"? ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz
Martha Dullnig
Legendary upland moor
According to an old legend, a golden wagon sunk into the bog "black pond" a long time ago. On some days, the drawbar of the wagon should still become visible. Whoever manages to pull the wagon out of the water will be blessed with wealth throughout his life. A farmer had once noticed the golden drawbar and wanted to raise the treasure. But then he heard another farmer looking after his sheep. He quickly covered the site with mountain pines so as not to have to share the wealth. When the other farmer was gone, he now wanted to lift the car - but there was no trace of him left ...

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