Hochobir from Schaidasattel

From Schaidasattel (1069 m) we climb first via the Simon-Rieger-Steig to the Kazmunov Cross (1690 m). Near the cross, located on a small forest clearing, is the mouth of an old tunnel, which reminds of the centuries-long mining activities on this mountain. Then the ascent continues less strenuously over the southeast flank of the Kuhberg to the Obir meadows. Especially in spring or early summer, during the alpine flower blooming season, there are real carpets of colorful blossoms here. Finally, one crosses above the ruins of the Rainer Shelter to the climb to the summit of Hochobir (2139 m).

From the summit, formed from massive benches of Wetterstein limestone, you enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the Klagenfurt Basin, the Drau Valley, the Karawanks, the Koschuta, and the Steiner Alps. With good visibility, you can see to the northwest the High Tauern with the snow-covered summits of Hochalmspitze and Großglockner. The highest point on Hochobir is marked by the remains of the Hannwarte, a meteorological station built here in 1891, which was then the highest meteorological station in Austria-Hungary and provided weather data until 1947. Right next to it, a small wooden cross marks the summit. The 7 m high metal cross stands slightly apart from the highest point.

After descending from the summit, the path first passes the ruins of the Rainer Shelter (2040 m). The building originally served as accommodation for miners who extracted lead ore here at the summit area. Later it was used as an alpine shelter and from 1846 also as a weather station. The Hannwarte at the summit was also managed from here. To transmit the meteorological data to the valley, a telegraph cable was laid in 1882 to the Rainer Shelter – remnants of this cable can still be found on the descent. In the Second World War, the Rainer Shelter was used as an observation post for anti-aircraft defense and was therefore set on fire by partisans in 1944.

The further descent leads past the staffed Eisenkappler Hut (1553 m). If you take the bend just before the hut a little further, you cross extensive scree slopes, further silent witnesses of the mining tradition of this region. After a long rest at the hut, we continue the descent over the meadows of Obiralm, partly briefly on forest roads and over a secured rope section back to Schaidasattel.