Dobratsch Nature Park – Diverse nature and breathtaking views
The Dobratsch Nature Park is a paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. With its varied hiking trails, alpine meadows and impressive panoramic views, it offers an unforgettable nature experience. The highest peak of the Dobratsch massif beckons with a breathtaking view over Carinthia and the surrounding Alps. Here you will find peace, fresh mountain air and a variety of opportunities to explore the region's unique flora and fauna.
The Villach Alpine Road is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic routes in Austria. Over a length of 16.5 kilometers, you have magnificent views of the Karawanks in Carinthia and the Julian Alps in Italy and Slovenia. You drive comfortably by car to an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level. But there is a lot to discover on the way to your destination! You can find a detailed report in our blog!
Short info:
- Where does the Villach Alpine Road begin? The fun ride starts in the district of Villach-Möltschach, where the ticket office is located. First, the route goes quickly uphill in several bends.
- How much does the Villach Alpine Road cost? During the winter months (November 15th to April 15th) there is no toll. In summer the toll costs ~22€. Here you can find all prices and opening hours. With the Carinthia Card the use is free!
- How high is it to the last parking space? From Villach-Möltschach up to the Rosstratte car park at 1,732 m above sea level you overcome 1,200 m of altitude
- What are the highlights? View of the ski jump, the city of Villach, the Finkenstein castle ruins and surrounding Alps, the Rote Wand and the Alpine garden “Villacher Alpe”
The route in detail:
PO observation deck Arenablick
Turn 2: Here you have a view of the ski jump.
P1, viewing rest at 770 m
There is a large rest area here, but we skip it because there is not much to see.
P2 city and lake view, 862m
From here you also have a very nice view of the city of Villach.
P3 Waldrast, 965m
Here is another rest area with a view of the Finkenstein castle ruins. It's very nice, but where are the castle ruins? Do we think we're too stupid for that, or are they just those few stones in the foreground?
P4 Schüttblick, 1,020m
Here you have a beautiful view of the landslide area “Schütt” and the Julian Alps and Karawanks.
P5 Dreiländerblick, 1,307 m
As the name suggests, you have a view of 3 countries: Austria, Slovenia and Italy.
P6 Alpengarten, 1,483m
Around 800 alpine plants from three climate zones thrive here in an area of 10,000 square meters. A special feature of the garden is that almost half of all the plants were in their original place of growth. From here, too, you have a wonderful view of the Alps and the Rote Wand.
Separate entrance fee, open from the beginning of June to the end of August, daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (time required: approximately 1 hour). Here you can find all information.
P6 observation deck Rote Wand
This highlight can be reached from the same car park. Here you have a magnificent view 400 m down over the cliff face and a distant view of the Karawanks and Julian Alps.
By the way, you don't have to cross the street, there is a very nice boardwalk through the forest.
P8 Berggasthof Aichingerhütte
The exhibition “Rulers of the Skies – the Bird World of the Dobratsch Nature Park” is also located here. There is also a beautiful panoramic view of the lakes here, but we skipped this stop.
P11 Rosstratte, 1,732 m
We have reached the last car park, from here we can only continue on foot. From here you have a wonderful view of the mountains all around. We want to hike to the Dobratsch summit, but before that we fortify ourselves in the Rosstrattenstüberl. In the imperial weather we enjoy our lunch outside.
This is the starting point for many hikes. Two of the highest pilgrimage churches in the Eastern Alps are also located here.
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