Hochobir, Mountain summit in Carinthia, Austria
Hochobir is a 2139-meter peak in Carinthia that rises distinctly from neighboring mountains and offers sweeping views across the Karawanken range and the Drau Valley. The route ascends from the Eisenkappler Hütte via a well-marked trail, with the final section becoming steeper as it approaches the summit and the views expand across the border landscape.
The mountain became important for scientific observation starting in the 19th century when the Rainer Schutzhaus was built in 1877 as a weather station. During World War II, German forces used the facility before it eventually fell into decline, leaving only ruins visible today.
The mountain sits at the border between Austria and Slovenia and served as a crossing point for alpine trade routes over the centuries. Today, visitors can sense how closely the mountain communities on both sides have been connected through their shared landscape.
Access is via a toll road that climbs to the Eisenkappler Hütte at 1560 meters, where parking is available. From there, a roughly 5.8-kilometer trail leads to the summit, taking several hours depending on your pace and fitness, and requiring secure footing on steeper sections.
Beneath the summit lie the remains of the Hann-Warte, Austria's first mountain weather station, which has collected climate and weather data since its founding in the early 19th century. The area was also known for its lead and zinc deposits where mining took place before these activities ceased.
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