Stories from Bad Kleinkirchheim

Author: Ed Wohlfahrt

There was a lot going on during those days around the New Year. Maybe I noticed it because I generally prefer quieter spots in January. St. Lorenzen, between the village of Ebene Reichenau and Hochrindl is just such a spot. In addition, there’s a path starting in Kircherl which brings hikers (or ski mountaineers) first to the little and then to the big Speikkofel (2,270 m). Both of them are actually just gentle hills, which you need comparatively little condition for. I had my eye on the little one, but while on the way I decided that I didn’t really need to reach any peak that day.

The path from St. Lorenzen leads you by the “Tone-Keusche” and then goes a bit uphill. You reach timberline after hiking through a lovely, snowy pine forest. From this point on you orient yourself along the fence going north until you reach the little Speikkofel - about 2 hours. The path leading to its big brother leads over a downhill passage further on towards the north. After about 40 minutes you reach the highest point. You go down the same way.

I didn’t reach the peak for several reasons, and one of them was my shoes, which weren’t really the right ones. Thank goodness I could recuperate in the Gasthof Pertlwirt with a cup of tea and rum. The Gasthaus is located directly next to the church of St. Lorenzen and offers delicious Carinthian cuisine.

Tip: If there’s fresh snow, then both the little and the big Speikkofel are perfect for ski touring. Not too far, not too steep and easy to get to with the car. This is one of the main reasons that they belong to my favorite Carinthian ski touring mountains.

Directions: Through Ebene Reichenau. Turn right in town to the direction of Gurk. After about 3 km turn left to the direction of St. Lorenzen.

Parking: Directly next to the Church of St. Lorenzen.

Directions: Path no. 155 begins directly behind the church and is clearly marked. Walking time: The little Speikkofel is easily reachable in about 2 hours, the big one in about 2 ½ hours.