Gentle cupolas of crystalline rock, the "Nocken" ("dumplings"), characterize this Carinthian landscape. After massive protests by the population against the planned development of a ski resort, the Nockberge region was declared a "national park" by the Carinthian government in 1987. This area in which the borders of Salzburg, Styria and Carinthia meet covers 18,663 hectares and lies 1,300 to 2,440 metres above sea level.

Centuries of agricultural tradition - with remarkable alpine dairy farming even in the highest regions - can be found here. This strongly cultivated nature is the reason for IUCN classification in category V ("Protected Landscape"); only small parts could perhaps develop into natural landscapes again. Special features in the fauna of the region are certainly the dotterel, Pygmy Owl, Golden Eagle and further 66 species of breeding birds.