Hiking in Carinthia

A guest post from Hotel GUT Trattlerhof & Chalets in Bad Kleinkirchheim, Carinthia [ADVERTISEMENT].

When you think of the Alps, the rugged peaks of the Tyrolean Alps are probably the first to come to mind, but have you seen the gentler, yet no less impressive Carinthian Alps? Here, the lush alpine meadows slumber beneath the rounded peaks of the Carinthian Nock Mountains on the southern side of the Alps. In our article we introduce you to the versatility of this mountain range. In addition to the world of lakes and thermal spas, the Bad Kleinkirchheim region also leaves nothing to be desired for active vacationers. No matter if you prefer hiking boots or the mountain bike.

Versatility of the Bad Kleinkirchheim region in the Carinthian Nock Mountains

Winding paths lead past crystal clear lakes, rustic alpine pastures and the unique flora and fauna that will amaze even you as an experienced hiker on the ascent. The Bad Kleinkirchheim region offers an ideal starting point for numerous adventures and tours – in addition to approximately 800 kilometers of marked hiking trails and 750 kilometers of developed bike and mountain bike trails, you can also experience Europe’s longest flow country trail. You can explore the Carinthian Nock Mountains either on your own or on a guided tour through the UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Park – there is plenty to discover.

Versatile hiking in the Carinthian Nock Mountains

Starting from the Bad Kleinkirchheim region, long-distance hiking trails for professionals as well as easier day trips can be made into the magnificent nature of the Carinthian Nock Mountains. Whether you are a nature lover or a passionate mountain sports enthusiast, all outdoor fans are equally well catered for here. The Hotel GUT Trattlerhof & Chalets is the perfect starting point for your hiking vacation in the Carinthian Nockberge: not only the location in the middle of the hiking paradise, but also the expertise of Trattler’s employees before and after your hike promise an unforgettable vacation with lots of action, nature and relaxation. Here you can slip directly from the hotel room or self-catering chalet into your hiking boots and explore the region on your own or you can be inspired by the ideas of the staff.

The Kirchheimer Talrunde is a great way to start your hiking vacation, which offers you not only a wonderful view of Bad Kleinkirchheim, but also a culinary highlight: the circular route leads directly past the Trattlers Einkehr hut restaurant, where in addition to a rustic snack, regional delicacies, Rauchkuchl specialties, as well as freshly caught trout and char from the restaurant’s own pond are offered. The entire round covers a length of just under 13 kilometers, but can be adapted due to the many entry options and shortcuts.

If you want to breathe in some more mountain air, the Kaiserburgbahn offers you a pleasant and stress-free ascent to the Nockberge. The mountain station is also the starting point for several circular hikes such as the Feldpannalm-Runde or the Wöllaner Nock-Alpinrunde. The best way to reach the Nockberge Biosphere Park and the numerous associated routes is with the Brunnach Biosphere Park Railway. Here you can also find your inner balance on Carinthia’s first Mountain Yoga Trail at almost 2,000 meters above sea level: on a circular path in the biosphere park, various stations guide you to different yoga exercises, and the special smell of the mountains and the sensational view of the alpine world contribute their own part to your balance.

Likewise, the Nockberge-Trail will make your eyes pop as an outdoor enthusiast: eight stages take you from Katschberg in the north through the Nockberge Biosphere Park to Millstätter See in the south. Stage 5 leads to Bad Kleinkirchheim, where, among other things, two thermal spas in the village offer pure relaxation.

Another hiking highlight is the Alpe-Adria-Trail, which is about 750 kilometers long and connects Carinthia, Slovenia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia in 43 stages. It leads from the foot of the Großglockner to the Adriatic Sea, three of its stages run through the area of the Nockberge Biosphere Park and to Bad Kleinkirchheim.

Versatile biking in the Carinthian Nockberge

On a total of 750 kilometers of bike paths and mountain bike trails you can absolutely let off steam on two wheels and in some cases even bike up to the summits and enjoy the unique view of the Nockberge and the surrounding mountain world.

In addition to five natural single trails and guided bike tours, the Bad Kleinkirchheim region also offers technique training and makes your biker heart beat faster with the longest Flow Cournty Trail in Europe with a length of 15 kilometers and a gradient of up to 8%. If you are still a beginner, you can challenge yourself on the nock/bike training course with pumps, northshore elements, stone field, root carpet, berms and steps. There are also over 20 tours for you as a road bike enthusiast.

An outstanding feature of the Bad Kleinkirchheim bike region is the fact that all routes and trails can be combined with other routes. For the e-bikers among us, the Hotel GUT Trattlerhof & Chalets provides e-bike charging stations at the hut restaurant Trattlers Einkehr, so that after the stop everyone – both biker and bike – can go on tour again freshly strengthened.

Versatile Relaxation in the Carinthian Nock Mountains

After an energy-sapping hike, a ride with the mountain bike over hill and dale or just to relax: the mountain-lake region Bad Kleinkirchheim helps you to recover and regenerate. In addition to clear mountain lakes and streams, both lake Millstätter See and lake Brennsee as well as the two local thermal spas invite you to jump into the cool water.

The Brennsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria and, in addition to idyllic recreation, also offers you numerous water sports opportunities: from stand-up paddling and kayaking to sailing and surfing, here you will get your money’s worth with young and old. The Millstätter See is only a few kilometers away from the hotel. From June to September, all Trattlerhof guests can benefit from free lake access at lake Millstätter See: sunbathing, swimming and simply relaxing on about 20,000 m², the largest natural lake bath.

Bad Kleinkirchheim can even score with two thermal baths in the village. Here, the Thermal Römerbad offers you a distinctive sauna and wellness landscape, while you can experience more of a family adventure at the Therme St. Kathrein. In addition to the largest water surface in Carinthia, the 86-meter-long slide offers fun for the whole family.

If you prefer it a little more comfortable, you can regenerate tired muscles during your stay at the Hotel GUT Trattlerhof & Chalets in the hotel’s own “forest wellness area” and let your adventures pass in review. In the bathing and sauna area on approx. 1000m² with panorama sauna, organic Swiss stone pine sauna, relaxation room with cuddly bunks and a new forest view relaxation pool in the outdoor area you can relax and plan your next tour.
For those who like it sporty, the panorama fitness room with the latest Techno-Gym equipment is perfect.

Conclusion: In terms of versatility for outdoor fans, the Bad Kleinkirchheim region is hard to beat.

Whether beginner or professional, hiker or biker – the Carinthian Nockberge offer you variety and unique experiences. Here you can find the perfect vacation mix of adventure and relaxation, nature and action. Family-friendly, sporty and unique experiences are always on the program in the Bad Kleinkirchheim region.