Around Reisach, a fantastic landscape of mountains and bathing lakes invites you to enjoy unforgettable hikes along dreamlike trails. A true highlight is the Alpe-Adria Trail, which stretches for around 750 kilometers across 43 stages, connecting the three regions of Carinthia, Slovenia, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Practically right on your doorstep is also the Carnic High Trail, which runs along the border between Austria and neighboring Italy. Known as the “Peace Trail,” it extends over 156 kilometers. Eleven mountain huts and 30 easy hiking peaks offer nature experiences of the highest quality.
A bit more spectacular is a hike to the Garnitzenklamm gorge, located about 2.5 kilometers south of Hermagor, carved into the rock of the Carnic Alps. The four-kilometer-long gorge is estimated to be around 10,000 years old—where natural phenomena and geological history come together! Inside the gorge, you can experience the breathtaking power of water up close. After heavy rainfall, massive torrents often rush through the ravine, and floods in past decades have repeatedly destroyed bridges and walkways. Due to the unique microclimate within the gorge, many rare plant species have settled here over time, including auricula and Turk’s cap lily.
Welcome to the “bathtub” of the Gail Valley!
Fancy a dip in the up to 28°C warm waters of Lake Pressegger See? It’s not called the “bathtub of the Gail Valley” for nothing—thanks to the many hours of sunshine, it reaches pleasant swimming temperatures early in the summer. While adults enjoy the beautiful scenery, stroll along the shore, or simply soak up the sun, plenty of adventures await younger visitors.
On the one hand, there are the many animals that live in the tall reeds around the lake; on the other, there are exciting play opportunities. A popular meeting spot for children is the beautifully designed adventure playground “In the Realm of the Lake Witch,” which offers a wide range of attractions.
But it doesn’t always have to be a lake!
The River Gail forms the vibrant lifeline of the region, winding its way through the most beautiful landscapes of the Gail Valley. Its banks invite you to relax, play, and enjoy. Whether it’s a cozy picnic under shady trees, a refreshing dip on a hot day, or simply admiring the diverse, colorful vegetation—the flowing water has a soothing effect on both body and mind.
The river often serves as a “natural guide” for cyclists, and in some sections, it even offers adventurous rafting, canoeing, and kayaking experiences.
Alpencamping Reisach: explore charming villages and experience Carinthian charm
If you’re camping in Reisach, you shouldn’t miss a stroll through this lovely village. At its heart stands the enchanting parish church, a late classical building with round-arched windows. Another noteworthy church can be found southeast of the village in the river plain.
A visit to the charming mountaineering village of Mauthen is also highly recommended. Nestled between the Carnic and Gailtal Alps, it boasts a long alpine tradition. Tip: In recent years, the Alpine Flower Trail has been created on the Mauthner Alm, leading you past countless beautiful mountain flowers. You can enjoy breathtaking views from the Enzianhütte, located at the foot of the Mauthner Alm at 1,501 meters—on a clear day, you can even see as far as the Karawanks!
And if the weather doesn’t cooperate for a while during your camping holiday in Reisach—no problem: visit the fascinating Gailtal Local History Museum in Hermagor or the Aquarena in Kötschach-Mauthen. Who knows, the sun might come out again right afterwards!