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Watch “9 Places – 9 Treasures” live from October 26 ORF ON
In “9 Places – 9 Treasures”, nine unique, partially hidden places from nine federal states were presented again this year. In a big live show on a national holiday, federal state couples, which included a “Federal State Today” host and a celebrity, campaigned for “their” candidate. In the end, the visitors chose the most beautiful place in Austria.
Styria can be happy with third place this year, with Maria Dafferl in Lower Austria taking second place. The Kadauner Valley in Pongau, Salzburg, has been voted Austria’s most beautiful spot – and in A live final with Salzburg’s treasure (salzburg.ORF.at).
Three victories have already gone to the big show in Styria with the Grüner See in Styria (2014), the Struts-Mühle in Styria (2020) and the Friedenskircherl am Stöderzingen in Styria (2022) – which is also the most beautiful location in Friedenskirche (October 26, 2023).
Lower Kiglachi is situated at an altitude of 1,921 meters and spans about 16 hectares like a fjord for more than one kilometer in a southwest-northeast direction; Upper Kiglachi is considerably smaller with an area of just three hectares – together they create an amazing natural experience.
A diverse natural experience
The other trail, well-marked and easy to find, is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Schladminger Tavern and offers a varied natural experience. First you hike across green alpine meadows where cows and sheep graze. The trail climbs gradually and passes some gurgling streams and springs. During the climb, an impressive panorama opens up with the peaks of the Schladminger Tavern in the background.
The first part of the hike can be easily completed by hiking bus: it runs from the Planet Planai bus stop in the World Cup city of Schladming several times a day via Roermoos to Preenectal to Guellem.
After a leisurely walk of about an hour, you reach a view point from which you have one of the most beautiful views of the beautiful lakes. There is a summit on a small hill, to the right of which is the “Kiglachihet” and after 30 minutes of hiking you reach the “Ignaz-Matis-Hatte”. This hike is a perfect combination of easy accessibility, breathtaking nature and convenient refreshments.
Formed by mining
In the past, the landscape around Kiglachen was characterized by mining, as tool finds such as sharp hammers and horseshoes show – silver, cobalt and other raw materials were mined for centuries, especially in the southeast at Wetteranger. The old “bull-killing story” also known as the “miners’ crime at Kiglachi” may have come from this period.
According to old stories, the silver mines at Kiklach in the Schladminger Obertal once brought great wealth. However, the miners who gained wealth and reputation as a result became proud and bold – they started all kinds of mischief and riots. One day, they got a bold idea to steal a bull from a nearby alpine pasture. They skinned the animal alive, wrapped it around its horns, and chased it down the valley. At the Glockenhäusl, the tortured bull finally falls dead.
After some time, the punishment for this heinous act was announced. “Giglach, close the hole, the squires are too arrogant!” Heard the call of a warning bird.
As the miners were playing cards again in the pit, the same scryer heard the sound of the stream and warned again – but this time he was met with only sneers and laughter. After a while, the stream burst into the pit with a great flood, and all were drowned. Only the monk who gave the warnings was able to save himself. In one breath 300 women became widows, many children left destitute and distressed.
Precious liquid crystals in mountains
The presence of copper mining in the lake area is historically proven. Alpine houses outside the Giglachbach Valley served as shelter for many miners. A Miner’s Cross at the side of the trail today is a reminder of the mountain’s blessing of the past.
The antics of the miners and the devastating punishment for their arrogance are a thing of the past – today hikers enjoy the beauty and untouched nature of the mountains and the tranquility of the clear, gentle salmon lakes.
