Archaeological finds have shown that the historic iron ore mining area was already settled around 1800-1200 BC. It later was part of the Celtic kingdom of Noricum, which was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 15 BC.
The parish of Saint Hermagoras in the Duchy of Carinthia was first mentioned in an 1169 document, probably a foundation of the Patriarchs of Aquileia. Due to its strategic location, it quickly prospered, obtained market rights in 1288, and became the main settlement of the Gail valley.
Hermagor obtained town privileges on 10 October 1930, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Carinthian plebiscite. The present-day municipality of Hermagor-Pressegger See was established by a merger of several formerly independent communes in the course of a 1973 administrative reform.
Population
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±%
1869
5,366
—
1880
5,821
+8.5%
1890
5,797
−0.4%
1900
6,030
+4.0%
1910
6,621
+9.8%
1923
6,095
−7.9%
1934
6,296
+3.3%
1939
6,760
+7.4%
1951
7,219
+6.8%
1961
7,036
−2.5%
1971
7,238
+2.9%
1981
7,079
−2.2%
1991
7,403
+4.6%
2001
7,232
−2.3%
2011
7,082
−2.1%
2020
6,886
−2.8%
2021
6,960
+1.1%
Points of interest
Möderndorf Castle, including the Gail Valley Museum[3]
Garnitzenklamm,[4] canyon with numerous waterfalls
Egger Alm,[5] seasonal mountain pasture with regional cheese production (Gailtaler Almkäse)
Wurzer Dirndl,[6] local production of alpine style traditional clothing (Dirndl)
Economy
The economy of Hermagor today largely depends on tourism, especially skiing around Nassfeld Pass, the largest ski area in Carinthia. Pressegger See and the surrounding mountains are also a traditional summer retreat and a popular destination for hikers.
Politics
Town hall
Seats in the municipal assembly (Stadtrat) as of 2015 local elections:
