Page 187 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Austria

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h Eisenerzer Alpen
Road map E4. Eisenerz: @ * 4,300.
n Dr-Theodor-Körner-Platz 1, (03848)
2511-81.
You can reach the Eisenerzer
Alpen (Iron Ore Alps) by
following the steep, narrow
valley of the Enns river. This
gorge, called Gesäuse, begins
a short distance from Admont,
near Hieflau. The entrance to the
gorge presents great views of
the river and the Hochtor massif,
rising 2,369 m (7,772 ft) above.
The surrounding area is used as
a training ground for advanced
mountaineering and as a base
for expeditions to the neigh-
bouring peaks. Easily the most
famous mountain in the
Eisenerzer Alpen is Erzberg,
which has has been exploited
for its large iron ore deposits
since ancient times. It looks like
a stepped pyramid, the red
pigment contrasting with the
Richly ornamented interior of Admont’s library green forests and meadows.
The area around Erzberg is the
(236 ft) long. The ceiling frescoes the Niedere (Lower) Tauern, largest iron ore basin in this part
by Bartolomeo Altomonte show which extend to Salzburger of Europe. In Eisenerz, an old
vast allegorical scenes of the Land. Other ranges in the Niedere mining town at the foot of
arts, the natural sciences and Tauern include Radstädter Erzberg, visitors can join an
religion. The abbey’s south (see p232), Schladminger underground tour with
wing has been converted into (see pp182–3) and Wölzer Tauern. Abenteuer Erzberg, which
a museum showcasing Hohentauern was founded includes a ride on a large dump
both historic treasures and by the Celts. From the 12th truck. The village also has a lovely
modern art. century it became important old town and the fine 16th-
as a com mercial centre along century church of St Oswald.
E Benedictine Abbey Hohentauernpass, the mountain
Tel (03613) 2312-604. Library & pass connecting the Enns and E Abenteuer Erzberg
Museum: Open mid-Mar–Oct: Mur valleys. St Bartolomäus Erzberg 1. Tel (03848) 3200.
10am–5pm daily; Nov–Feb: on church has magnificent Open May–Oct daily.
request. ∑ stiftadmont.at carvings by Josef Stammel. 8 10am–3pm; obligatory.
The Hohentauernpass & ∑ abenteuer-erzberg.at
Environs: 5 km (3 miles) beyond crosses the range at a height of
Admont, high above the Enns 1,260 m (4,134 ft). A drive along
river, stands the 15th- Hohentauernpassstrasse
century pilgrimage church is one of the best ways
of Frauenberg, rebuilt in the to enjoy the superb
Baroque style. It has a beautiful mountain scenery.
altarpiece by Josef Stammel. From the north,
you pass through
Rottenmann with
g Hohentauern its old city walls;
Möderbrugg, a former
Road map E4. * 430. @
n (03618) 335. ∑ hohentauern.at centre of the metal
industry; Oberzeiring
Hohentauern (1,274 m/4,180 ft) and its disused salt
is the highest village in the mine; and Hanfelden,
Rottenmanner Tauern, sur- with its large ruined
rounded by more than 20 peaks castle. Nearby is the
higher than 2,000 m (6,560 ft). ruined Schloss The shimmering Erzberg – the red iron-ore mountain
This mountain range is part of Reifenstein. in the Eisenerzer Alpen

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