Gailtal cycle path R3a
Author’s recommendation
- The Gailtal cycle path R3a is the direct connection of the cycle path R3 (runs from Kötschach-Mauthen to Villach). The two route variants meet in Möderndorf at the Gail bridge as well as in Görtschach at the Gail bridge.
- Along the R3a you can also choose to continue via the R3b (Hermagor-Weißbriach) into the Gitschtal. The two variants meet at the L25 in Hermagor.
- You can also take the train from Görtschach back to Möderndorf via Hermagor - or also in the opposite direction.
- At the Gail bridge in Görtschach, the R3a ends and from here you can use the option to continue either via the R3 or via the HP10.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
FAIR PLAY & RESPECT:Awareness for nature – landowners – your health.... and safety on the mountain have the highest priority on your tour and the associated tour planning!
Therefore, before every bike tour, inform yourself about the rules of conduct - Safety on the Mountain - as well as the current weather conditions.
Waste disposal:
Waste is not always avoidable - in nature it has no place and must be disposed of properly (preferably in the valley or at home).
Emergency numbers:
European emergency number: 112 (accessible from any available network)
Alpine emergency Austria: 140
Tips and suggestions
Are you looking for bike tips in the region or a certified guide for a guided bike tour?You will find this and many more info at - Tour tips and provider info
Dining options:
In Hermagor and the surrounding towns along the route there are many year-round open dining options - details at Service A-Z.
Some highlights along the cycle route:
- A visit to Möderndorf castle reflects the history of the middle Gail valley. The castle is located in close proximity to the cycle path.
- Detour to the Slowtrail RW_N16 around Lake Pressegger
- two beaches on the north side of Lake Pressegger
- Adventure playgrounds
- Carinthian adventure park
- Pressegger chapel
- Gailspitze
Roadbook
Möderndorf Gail bridge - Hermagor - Untervellach - Presseggen - Hermagor-Presseggersee beach - Görtschach - Görtschach Gail bridge
Start / End point:
From the Gail bridge in Möderndorf head north, crossing the Gail, along the L23. Shortly thereafter, at the next crossroads, turn right (not sharp right), heading northeast.
The route runs near the forest edge, to the right of the Gössering, over an asphalted, gently hilly path below the Neudorf settlement to the junction with the L25. At this point, turn left and drive a very short distance along the L25, before turning right at the third exit onto an asphalted side road. The route passes behind a timber storage area and then at the first opportunity turns right. You now follow this road eastward, parallel to the B111 and the Gailtal railway, passing through the "Burgermoos".
At Obervellach, south of the railway crossing, you reach a crossroads; here turn left and immediately afterwards turn right again and now follow the path immediately to the right of the railway line for a short time. Subsequently, the route runs to the right of the Vella stream through a wooded section until you finally reach the center of Untervellach. Turn right, pass the fountain, keep left until the side road meets the L26 at the larger intersection. Here, turn onto the L26 and proceed to the next junction, where you turn left onto the asphalted path.
The route continues, crossing the open spaces below the Troj settlement, heading east. After a few minutes, you arrive at another fork with a side road. Here turn left (to the right you would reach the path around Lake Pressegger through the portal), and immediately afterwards turn right onto the L26.
Soon after, you reach the Hermagor-Presseggersee beach - continue along the L26 towards Villach. At the fork just before the railway crossing in Presseggen, turn right, shortly after turn left and follow the asphalted side road. There is a left bend and at the subsequent crossroads turn right - along the side road which leads you past the Presseggen church. Follow the road, cross the Gailtal railway tracks and stay on the path parallel to the rails for a few minutes, which eventually bends and joins the L25.
At the L25 turn right and follow the road past the Görtschach-Förolach station until the fork after the right bend. Here you leave the L25 turning left and follow the cycle path past the Gailspitze until you reach the Gail bridge Görtschach. You cross the Gail and finish the cycle path - here you meet again the R3 or the HP10.
Return route:
The return route follows the same path as the outgoing route or follows the path of the R3. The indicated time includes the time needed for the outbound journey but not the return journey.
Gailtaler Heimatmuseum
Info& Servicecenter Nassfeld - Pressegger See
Manfred Essl - Papin Radverleih
Verleih & Servicestation R3a Strandbad Hermagor Pressegger See
Strand Hermagor - Pressegger See
Public transport
The most sustainable travel option is by train to Hermagor (coming from Villach) and from there by bus towards Möderndorf.From Kötschach-Mauthen or Weißbriach you can reach the starting point of the winter hike by bus towards Hermagor and then change to the bus towards Möderndorf in Hermagor.
Details at - Nassfeld Mobility Info as well as Kärntner Linien route planner
Directions
Arrival by car:Coming from Kötschach-Mauthen or Villach via the B111 (Gailtal federal road) drive to Hermagor and there turn onto L23 (Eggeralm road) towards Möderndorf.
Parking
Coming from Kötschach-Mauthen or Villach via the B111 (Gailtal federal road) drive to Hermagor and there turn onto L23 (Eggeralm road) towards Möderndorf.Coordinates
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions
Unanswered