Almenland Summer Alpine Pasture / Tourist Attraction / Nature Park

A green alpine pasture landscape with a wind turbine on the Sommeralm in the Almenland Nature Park.

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Adjacent to the Teichalm lies the Sommeralm, offering a unique alpine landscape. This area also consists of several sections located in the various nature park municipalities of St. Kathrein am Offenegg and Passail, but there are also parts that belong to the municipalities of Gasen or Breitenau am Hochlantsch. Here, the largest areas are pastures where mainly cattle, but also horses and sheep, are allowed to spend the summer.

The summer alp is especially popular in early June during the well-known “Ross auslassen” event. Here, several horses are let loose around the windmill to enjoy the cool summer air.

The Plankogel

The hike up the Plankogel is one of the most popular in the Almenland Nature Park; it offers fantastic views of the summit cross, located at an altitude of about 1,500 meters. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, with views extending far beyond the boundaries of the nature park and Eastern Styria. The Plankogel and the Sommeralm are also popular spots for model airplane enthusiasts. The Stoakoglhütte, at the foot of the Plankogel, is the perfect place to stop for a break during the hike.

About the Plankogel Loop

Wind turbine

Another sight that cannot be missed is the wind turbine on the Sommeralm, located at approximately 1,400 meters above sea level—making it one of the highest wind turbines in Europe. This wind turbine stands 118 meters tall and has a rotor diameter of 126 meters, making it a landmark visible from afar. It supplies 2,500 households in the surrounding area with energy generated by the Almwind wind farm.

Hiking on the Teichalm in the Almenland Nature Park

The Siebenkögel

If you’d like to explore the Sommeralm in depth, set out on the Siebenkögel Loop Trail. The trail leads from alpine pasture to alpine pasture with no major inclines, and the Plankogel is once again the highlight. Parts of the trail run directly through pastures—so please be sure to follow the rules of hiking etiquette and know how to interact safely with grazing livestock!

To the Siebenkögel Loop Trail