There’s hardly a better starting point for exciting adventure tours! From the Alpencamp, you can quickly and conveniently reach some of the region’s most fascinating destinations.
For example, the “Petrified Forest,” a natural monument over 280 million years old. Or the three mountain reservoir lakes—Grünsee, Valentinsee, and Cellonsee—nestled in the enchanting landscape around the Plöcken Pass. Here, you can hike and stroll, watch anglers at work, or visit the state-of-the-art Hydrosolar demonstration power plant.
How about a trip the next day to the visitor center of the GeoPark Carnic Alps? In this extraordinary center, you’ll experience an exciting journey through 500 million years of Earth’s history.
And if you’re in the mood for a leisurely hike with wonderful views over the Gail Valley, the rustic Ödenhütte is the perfect destination!
For unique snapshots and unforgettable goosebump moments
Every region has its special sights—but when camping in Kötschach, you can look forward to some truly exceptional highlights. One of them is Gurina near Dellach, an impressive Iron Age and Roman settlement situated on a beautiful high plateau. The archaeological park makes the excavations of recent years visible, allowing you to admire, for example, the impressive Temple of Hercules and reconstructions of ancient burial mounds.
You might also like to hike a stage or two of the famous Marian Pilgrimage Trail. This approximately 266-kilometer route is officially divided into ten stages of varying lengths—but which sections you choose is entirely up to you. Comprehensive signage and information boards about the sacred sites along the way are, of course, provided.
Be sure to visit the magnificent Gailtal Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church, with its elaborate frescoes. And if you’re interested in the region’s past, the “Museum 1915–18” vividly illustrates the senselessness of war through the authentic stories of ordinary soldiers.
For active holidaymakers: movement on land and water
Whether it’s fly fishing in the River Gail, mountain lake fishing at the picturesque Zollnersee at 1,780 meters, kayaking in the Lesachtal, or rafting in the Isel and Möll valleys—if you enjoy being in or around the water, Kötschach-Mauthen is the perfect holiday destination.
And if you prefer staying in the saddle, the region offers fantastic routes for mountain bikers and cyclists. Examples include the Carnic Cycle Path R3 to Villach (85 kilometers) or the route from the mountaineering village of Mauthen to the Zollnersee Hut.
Speaking of saddles: you can also explore the area on horseback! Popular options include guided rides along the Gail River or relaxing carriage rides for the whole family.
For those seeking altitude, there are also several via ferrata routes: Frischenkofel (2,238 m / Via Ferrata Senza Confini), Mauthner Klamm (Klabautersteig, grades A and B, with some C sections), and Hoher Trieb (2,199 m / northeast ridge via ferrata, grade B).