Rail & Trail "Feldkirchen - town gem on the Tiebel" (town walk)

Feldkirchen - The essence of the town
The charming town of Feldkirchen is nestled in the gentle hills of a valley basin of the Tiebel river. At the intersection of two important Roman transportation routes - through the Tiebel and Glan valleys - a flourishing settlement grew out of a Roman rest stop. The early establishment of the market in 1176, even before St. Veit and Klagenfurt, underlines the outstanding importance of the town. The Tiebel was the lifeline of the market: it supplied 130 tradesmen with water for their work. The long tradition of craftsmanship helped Feldkirchen to earn its nickname "town of craftsmen". After the devastating market fire of 1834, the market center blossomed in the Biedermeier style and is now one of the most beautiful town squares in Carinthia. However, the town was not declared a town until 1930.

Incidentally, the name "Feldkirchen" is derived from the "church in the field". The associated settlement was located slightly to the south, near the crossroads of the trade routes. This knowledge helps to understand the unusual townscape of Feldkirchen. However, the question arises as to the reason for the separation of the church and the town. An idea?

Feldkirchen - Discover on foot
From Feldkirchen train station in Carinthia, we walk to the relaxing Tiebelpark - the town's summer living room. Along the still narrow Tiebel river, benches invite you to linger and raised beds invite you to garden. It's hard to imagine that the river was once divided into several branches to supply the numerous trades with water. From the park, we already have our next destination in sight: the impressive parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. As a "church in the field", it gave Feldkirchen its name. The basilica is one of the oldest churches in Carinthia and, together with the cemetery, reflects the architecture of all stylistic eras - a real rarity! Of the four defensive towers that once fortified the church, only the north-eastern one still stands today. Now we walk along rural settlements up the side of the hill. Shortly before the highest point, a wonderful panoramic view opens up in a small park: Feldkirchen and the surrounding countryside lie at our feet! Shortly afterwards, the picturesque Trinitatis church awaits us.

Through housing estates and the idyllic forest moat of the Flatschacher Bach stream, we return to the town center. The castle-like Bamberg Amthof - the landmark of Feldkirchen - is a reminder of the over 700-year rule of the Bamberg diocese. Incidentally, it was the second fortified complex in the town alongside the church. On the way through the old town, you will be amazed by the wonderful architectural details. So be sure to take your time! The crowning glory is the picturesque main square with its ornate Biedermeier façades - a real highlight! After the quarter of the authorities, we walk along Bahnhofstrasse through the quarter of the lower trades before returning to the starting point.