Spirkenwald Oberer Tritt is a small yet remarkable protected area in the Austrian Rätikon range, home to hardy stands of mountain pine (Spirken) surviving at elevations above 1700 m. It's a destination for those seeking untouched, rarely visited alpine nature far from the crowds.

The landscape here is shaped by tough, resilient pines that manage to thrive on poor, nutrient-scarce limestone and gypsum soils where few other trees could survive. The atmosphere is raw and peaceful — rocky terrain typical of high mountain country, with views toward the surrounding Rätikon peaks. In summer, the area impresses with its silence and unique vegetation, while in winter deep snow makes it largely inaccessible.

How to get there

• From the municipality of Nenzing — no public road leads directly into the protected area; access is on foot via mountain trail, time and difficulty depending on the chosen route
• Careful trip planning is recommended, as there is no tourist infrastructure on site

Practical information

• The area sees little use as a recreational destination
• No public road leads into the protected zone
• Designated as a Natura 2000 site protecting the priority habitat of mountain pine (Pinus uncinata)

Spirkenwald Oberer Tritt is one of four protected areas in the Rätikon established to safeguard mountain pine populations — together they cover nearly half of Austria's entire Spirke population.