The Nockberge Mountains are a geological rarity. Gentle mountain peaks in the middle of the otherwise rugged Alps are their characteristic feature. The name “Nocke” is derived from the rounded shapes of the peaks, which are up to 2,440 metres high. Parts of these peaks remained ice-free during the last ice age or were locally glaciated. Many small high-altitude lakes are relics of these former cirque glaciers. The ice-free areas formed retreats for numerous plants and small animals.

The base of the Nockberge is formed by crystalline rock which is over 500 million years old and overlaid in the east by a younger layer of limestone and dolomite. The water that seeps away there heats up on its way down and reappears in the Kleinkirchheim valley as 36 °C warm thermal water.

Life in the mountains has never been easy, but it is a driving force for innovation, a teacher of quality and a guide to the essentials. The products which are created here are as unique as the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve: unadulterated, original and balanced.

The tasks of a biosphere reserve cover a broad spectrum for the protection and promotion of the region – from the preservation of the landscape to the conservation of cultural diversity and the involvement of the population in the development of the region. The trend towards more regionality is clearly noticeable in the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. There are numerous biosphere park partner products, ranging from agricultural and culinary products such as dairy and meat products, bread and honey to handcrafted products such as skis, snowboards and furnishings made from Swiss stone pine. Producers of beer, gin, ice cream, sprouts and various Swiss stone pine products are also among the biosphere park’s treasures.