Rail & Trail "Fragrant herbal village of Irschen, mountain meadows & panoramic descent"

From the secluded Irschen railroad station on the southern edge of the wide valley plain, we hike gently uphill on quiet side roads to the northern edge. First through coniferous forest, then across meadows and fields, always with the magnificent peaks of the Kreuzeck group in view. After a short forest flank, a hidden plateau opens up: the rural cultural landscape and the contemporary village of Irschen against an alpine backdrop exude lively mountain village flair. Small country lanes take us up to the pretty herb village - a nature and culture highlight! The lively village community has dedicated itself to local herbs and their traditional and modern use. This seems to have a long tradition, as the floral frescoes in the village church of St. Dionysius confirm. The charming Kräuterstadel is an insider meeting place: this is where people exchange ideas, taste creations, laugh and enjoy. The herb garden opposite is more like a lovingly designed herb park - a jewel! On the narrow road to the Leppneralm, we first hike through coniferous forest, then up the steep mountain flank past proud mountain farms with great views. The farming community of Leppen was established at a time when mining - gold, silver, copper, iron and lead - flourished in Irschen. Above, an ancient , beautiful footpath leads through the steep forest ditch of the roaring Mödritschbach stream to the next valley flank. After an atmospheric mountain forest, we cross the inconspicuous highest point of this tour in Griebitsch - respect!

At the first farm is Rosemary's herb garden, which you can visit if you ask politely. We then hike downhill on narrow farm roads and tracks along the steep valley flank. The rustic, cultivated farming landscape opens up sublime panoramic views of the Gailtal Alps, while the dense mountain forest draws our gaze inwards. The Suppersberg saddle was once a mining area, as was Glatschach further down. A final, steep footpath takes us down to the rural scattered village of Dellach - once characterized by mining. Finally, the Dellach train station in the Drau Valley is not far away.