Austria - Project Partner

Geopark Karnische Alpen

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The Geopark Karnische Alpen (Carnic Alps Geopark) encompasses the territory including 8 municipalities situated in the Lesach and Gail valleys, from the boundary with eastern Tyrol to the city of Villach, along the entire southern boundary with Italy. Inside this area, approximately 80 locations of geological interest can be visited, including fossil sites, bearing witness to the Palaeozoic Era, the Periadriatic Line and the Gailtal Fault, remains of the mining activities that were carried out here in the past as well as quaternary deposits dating back to the last Ice Age.

The landscape context is characterised by an exemplary settlement pattern, Nature 2000 areas such as the Gail gorge and natural monuments, such as the petrified forest of Laas.

The Carnic Alps Geopark Visitor Centre, in Dellach, hosts a considerable collection of rocks and fossils dating back to 500 million years ago. Along the itinerary, it is possible to have first-hand experience of an earthquake, watch slideshows and take a look at artefacts, experiment with interactive workstations.

There are several proposals for the public: ranging between the guided geological excursions to conferences, temporary exhibitions, themed tours and educational activities at the Visitor Centre, aimed at school children.

In November 2015, the Carnic Alps Geopark obtained the prestigious recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark!