Obervellach, located in the district of Spittal an der Drau in Austria, is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The small municipality impresses with its idyllic location at the foot of the Hohe Tauern and thus offers a multitude of possibilities for varied tours.
Maps and trails
The 10 most beautiful hikes in Obervellach
Hiking Trail
· Hohe Tauern National Park Region
Rabisch Gorge
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
2.3 km
1:00 h
167 m
20 m
The path through the Rabisch Gorge leads through nature impressively shaped by water.
Hiking Trail
· Hohe Tauern National Park Region
Groppenstein Gorge Obervellach
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
2.9 km
1:30 h
219 m
222 m
The gorge is a breathtaking natural gem and a special natural spectacle in the air and spa resort Obervellach, located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Over a length of 2.5 km, you hike past spectacular boardwalks and bridges along rapids and waterfalls with up to 30 m in height. Experience a "fountain of health" with peace and vitality.
Hiking Trail
· Hohe Tauern National Park Region
Groppenstein and Rabisch Gorge
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
5.5 km
2:30 h
479 m
9 m
The Groppenstein and Rabisch Gorge connect the two national park communities Mallnitz and Obervellach and together form the longest gorge trail in Carinthia. Wildly romantic rockslide scenes, fantastic waterfalls, fascinating plunge pools - an experience for all the senses, in the shadow of the picturesque Groppenstein Castle!
Hiking Trail
· Hohe Tauern National Park Region
Raggaschlucht
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
3.4 km
2:00 h
274 m
274 m
Roaring waterfalls - Wild waters, masterpiece of creation - breathtaking boardwalks
Hiking Trail
· Hohe Tauern National Park Region
Hike to the Edenhütte snack station
recommended route
Difficulty
T2
moderate
11.7 km
3:50 h
629 m
628 m
Varied circular hike from Flattach to the idyllic Edenhütte snack station at 1,320 meters above sea level.
Hiking Trail
· Hohe Tauern National Park Region
Mallnitz - Rabisch - Obervellach (Stage 7: Alpe-Adria-Trail)
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
24 km
5:49 h
568 m
1,053 m
Two spectacular gorges and a historic town center from the gold mining era. On the varied stage from Mallnitz to Obervellach, nature and cultural landscapes captivate.
Hiking Trail
· Kreuzeck Group
Approach from Obervellach to the Polinik hut
recommended route
Difficulty
T2
moderate
6.8 km
3:30 h
1,200 m
10 m
Normal route to the Polinik Hut
Hiking Trail
· Hohe Tauern National Park Region
From Mallnitz via Theatersteig to Himmelbauer
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
Open
6.4 km
2:00 h
274 m
168 m
Beautiful hike with little elevation gain from the Mallnitz high valley up to the Himmelbauer high above the Mölltal. This place has a rarely beautiful atmosphere!
Hiking Trail
· Hohe Tauern National Park Region
Himmelbauer - Lonza - Mallnitz
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
15.2 km
7:00 h
1,043 m
1,137 m
The hike "over the Lonza," as the route is called by locals, leads over intact alpine meadows, through picturesque larch forests, and finally over an exceptionally scenic mountain ridge to the summit of the Lonzaköpfel, which offers an (almost) 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountain world of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
ATTENTION: currently, forestry work is being carried out in the area of Häusleralm
Variant from Mallnitz to the "Lonza": ASCENT or DESCENT via Oswaldhütte - Watzingeralm - to the Lonza - Watzingeralm - Oswaldhütte - Mallnitz
Hiking Trail
· Hohe Tauern National Park Region
MAGIC OF THE NIGHT: Night hike through the Groppensteinschlucht starting 24 June 2025
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
2.9 km
1:30 h
219 m
222 m
The Groppensteinschlucht captivates, both by day and by night. The illumination of the gorge then highlights special formations of rocks and walls, ravines and waterfalls, roots, trees, lichens - accents of light. At the same time, perception in the dark is sharpened - more intensely than during the day, the roaring and rushing, occasionally the murmuring of the water is perceived. The few stars visible through the opening of the gorge appear more distant than usual.
The geographical location of Obervellach is particularly impressive. Surrounded by majestic mountains and green valleys, the municipality lies nestled in a picturesque landscape. The Hohe Tauern with its rugged peaks offer breathtaking views and invite you to take challenging mountain tours. However, less experienced hikers also get their money's worth here: gentle hills and cosy alpine meadows allow for relaxed walks in the midst of untouched nature.
The numerous tourist attractions along the hiking routes are particularly worth seeing. An absolute highlight, for example, is the Maltatal valley, which stretches southwest of Obervellach. Here you will find the highest waterfall in Carinthia, the "Groppensteinschlucht". This spectacular gorge can be explored on a well-developed hiking trail and promises unforgettable impressions.
Families with children will also find suitable hiking opportunities in Obervellach. The "bear nature trail", for example, leads through a forest full of adventure stations and tells exciting stories about the local animal world. Here children can playfully discover and learn about nature.
The best seasons for hiking in Obervellach are spring, summer and autumn. In the warm months there are numerous tours where you can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. In spring, the meadows blossom in colourful hues and in autumn, the deciduous forests bathe the valley in a golden light.
Some popular places for hiking in Obervellach include the Maltatal valley with its waterfalls, the bear nature trail for family excursions and various alpine pastures such as the Pöllingerhütte or the Eggeralm. These not only offer a magnificent view of the surrounding mountain landscape, but also cosy places to stop for refreshments.
All in all, Obervellach thus offers a multitude of possibilities for varied hikes. Whether challenging mountain tours or relaxed strolls through green valleys - everyone will find their perfect route here. The impressive landscape and numerous sights make a trip to Obervellach an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages.
The numerous tourist attractions along the hiking routes are particularly worth seeing. An absolute highlight, for example, is the Maltatal valley, which stretches southwest of Obervellach. Here you will find the highest waterfall in Carinthia, the "Groppensteinschlucht". This spectacular gorge can be explored on a well-developed hiking trail and promises unforgettable impressions.
Families with children will also find suitable hiking opportunities in Obervellach. The "bear nature trail", for example, leads through a forest full of adventure stations and tells exciting stories about the local animal world. Here children can playfully discover and learn about nature.
The best seasons for hiking in Obervellach are spring, summer and autumn. In the warm months there are numerous tours where you can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. In spring, the meadows blossom in colourful hues and in autumn, the deciduous forests bathe the valley in a golden light.
Some popular places for hiking in Obervellach include the Maltatal valley with its waterfalls, the bear nature trail for family excursions and various alpine pastures such as the Pöllingerhütte or the Eggeralm. These not only offer a magnificent view of the surrounding mountain landscape, but also cosy places to stop for refreshments.
All in all, Obervellach thus offers a multitude of possibilities for varied hikes. Whether challenging mountain tours or relaxed strolls through green valleys - everyone will find their perfect route here. The impressive landscape and numerous sights make a trip to Obervellach an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages.
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Localization
Parts of this content were machine translated from German.

