Findenigkofel (2.016 m)

Level of difficulty: Medium

13.7 km

Distance
4.8 h

Duration
1504 vm

Lowest elevation
1983 vm

Highest elevation
829 vm
829 vm

Findenigkofel (2.016 m)

The Findenigkofel (Monte Lodin) is one of the easier to manage summits of the Carnic Alps. After visiting the more than 2.000 m high mountain with its lovely „gnarly“ wooden cross, awaits a very special alpine gem during the descent – Lake Zollner See.

Suggestion

Records show that Gailtal Valley cheese was produced on the alpine farms as early as the 13th century. The tradition of cheesemaking has been passed on by the farming families from generation to generation for the past 700 years. The alpine dairy farmers contribute to the preservation of this beautiful cultural landscape by using the resources, which nature provides, with great care.

So auch auf der Straniger Alm, einer von 13 Mitgliedsalmen in dieser Region, die den „Gailtaler Almkäse g.U.“ nach einer traditionellen, festgeschriebenen Methode erzeugen. Das „g.U.“ steht europaweit für „Geschützten Ursprung“ - von der Schmackhaftigkeit und Ehrlichkeit dieses Produktes werden sie sich nach der erlebnisreichen Bergtour auf den Findenigkofel und den Zollner See sicher selbst überzeugen wollen.

In der Almhütte auf der Straniger Alm.

Equipment

Depending on season but the following items are always necessary:

Practical hiking clothes, windbreaker jacket, headwear, rainwear, mountain boots, packed lunch/snacks, sufficient beverages, change of clothes, various personal items like camera and mobile phone, sun screen, sun glasses, First Aid kit, etc.

Directions

A well-maintained gravel road begins at the southern edge of the valley village Stranig near Kirchbach. This road leads 850 altitude metres up to the Straniger Alm.

A first glimpse

Some impressions of the tour

Directions

DIRECTIONS (Ascent):

Starting from the Straniger Alm at a leisurely pace, walk along the gravel path toward the Waidegger Alm. The path’s several serpentines (short cuts available) lead up to westerly-situated saddle of the Waidegger Alm. You can either walk directly onto the alpine pasture or continue in direction Findeningkofel by turning left just before the Waidegger Alm. It does not really make a difference since you are already on the Carnic High Altitude Trail 403, which you will leave by turning left after a couple of hundred metres.

Climb to the beginning of the Findening’s eastern crest by using a few serpentines on a clearly visible trail. The remaining ascent to the crest leads past the already mentioned restored fortifications of the First World War. The summit is reached after a few more metres at a leisurely pace. Please take great care when in the summit area since its northern slopes are almost vertical.

DIRECTIONS (Descent):

Having enjoyed the impressive panoramic view and after a well-earned rest at the summit, turn in westerly direction and walk across the entire summit base of the Findenigkofel. A short descent is followed by a short ascent onto a small dome-shaped hill. From there, take the Carnic High Altitude Trail (signpost on a plateau) as your return route. Walk in westerly direction and you will arrive at Lake Zollner See after around half an hour.

Here, you have to make a decision:

Either you stop here for a short rest or you carry on directly to the Lake Zollner See hut (approx. 20 minutes) where the hut proprietors Andreas, Emanuela and young Leonhard await their guests and serve dishes mainly made from local products. To make it easier for you to decide: you will pass the hut again on your way back.

Refreshed and full of energy, carry on walking on the Carnic High Altitude Trail in easterly direction back to the Straniger Alm. We are sure you will be disappointed that the exciting part of this Southern Alps long-distance hiking trail, beneath the steep northern slopes of the Findenigkofel, finishes already after just two hours.

More info