Fairytale meadow in Bodental: A magical place in the Karawanks
The fairytale meadow in the idyllic Bodental, near the Slovenian border, is a picturesque place that rightly bears its name. Nestled in the impressive mountain landscape of the Karawanks, the meadow offers a unique mixture of peace and nature experience. Here, visitors find a place where time seems to stand still and is the perfect starting point for hikes and relaxed excursions.
Short info:
- Where is it located: Märchenwiese, 9163 Bodental, Carinthia
- Height: 1,050 meters
- Suitable for: families, nature lovers, hikers
- Difficulty level: Light
- Accessibility: On foot from the Bodental car park (approx. 30 minutes)
- Best time of year to visit: spring to autumn
- Special highlights: Breathtaking view of the Hochstuhl and the Karawanks
The Magic of the Fairytale Meadow
The fairytale meadow owes its name to the fairytale-like sight that greets visitors upon arrival. Surrounded by dense forests and mighty mountain peaks, this place seems like something out of a picture book. The unobstructed view of the majestic Hochstuhl, the highest peak in the Karawanks, is particularly impressive. The interplay of the expansive meadow, peaceful atmosphere and dramatic mountain backdrop makes this place so special.
Hiking to the Fairytale Meadow
The path to the fairy tale meadow begins at the car park in Bodental, where the Gasthaus Bodenbauer From there, a well-signposted hiking trail takes you through a shady forest to the meadow in about 30 minutes. The trail is easy to manage and therefore ideal for families with children. Along the way, you have the opportunity to admire the region's diverse flora and enjoy the sound of the nearby torrent.
For ambitious hikers, the Märchenwiese offers an ideal starting point for further tours, for example to the Hochstuhl or to the nearby Vellacher Kotschna, another natural highlight in the Karawanks.
Perfect for families
The Fairytale Meadow is a wonderful place for family outings. Children can move freely on the large meadow and explore nature, while adults enjoy the peace and fresh mountain air. The flat landscape and easy access make the trip pleasant even for smaller children or older people.
Close to the fairy tale meadow is the idyllic fairy tale forest, which is particularly popular with children. Short hikes and exploration tours through the forest invite you to adventure and make the trip an unforgettable experience.
The Fairytale Meadow in the Changing Seasons
The fairytale meadow is worth a visit at any time of year, but it is particularly at its most beautiful in spring and summer. The meadow flowers bloom in bright colors, while the mountains in the background form an impressive backdrop. In autumn, the golden light bathes the landscape in a warm atmosphere that is particularly romantic.
In winter, however, the fairytale meadow is transformed into a magical, snowy winter paradise. Snowshoe hikers and cross-country skiers get their money's worth here, and the winter silence makes the place even more magical.
refreshment options
Not far from the fairy tale meadow, in the Bodental, there are various places to stop for a break. The "Sodom" inn is particularly recommended, serving regional specialties and homemade delicacies. This is a wonderful place to linger after a hike and enjoy Carinthian hospitality.
You can only reach the fairy tale meadow on foot. There are numerous worthwhile hiking trails, one of the most popular is via the Tscheppaschlucht and that Meerauge. You can also get closer by car. The shortest way is to park your car on the street in front of the Gasthaus Bodenbauer (Bodental 125, 9163 Ferlach). From here, a wide forest path leads to the meadow. The path is also manageable with children or strollers. One way takes about 20-30 minutes.
The Fairytale Meadow
The most impressive thing about the meadow is the view: a lush green meadow, behind it an incredible mountain panorama, which incidentally served as the backdrop for the film about Ötzi's village life. The fairytale meadow is a true paradise for flower lovers. Many different flowers grow here, including gentian, alpine rose, edelweiss and many others. The meadow is also a popular habitat for many animals, including deer, stags, chamois and marmots. On the fairytale meadow you can enjoy nature, hike, picnic and simply relax.
English 
German 
Italian 
Czech 
Hungarian