Rail & Trail “Millstätter See Ridge – from natural idyll to courtly Spittal"

From Rothenthurn station in the Drau valley, quiet feeder roads lead up along the side of the ridge. On a first terrain terrace, behind a light row of trees, hides the charming Rothenthurn Castle with a pond – a typical noble residence with an estate from the era of the lordly administration of the Drau valley. Through small woods and rural meadows, the road winds over further terrain steps up to the remote hillside settlement of Winkl.

Now we dive into the magnificent mountain forest of the Millstätter See Ridge and a delightful forest ridge hike begins. On gentle ups and downs, quiet forest and forest roads lead over the ridge. The viewpoint ”Lug-ins-Land” opens hidden deep views into the Drau valley and makes the mentioned glacial polish consciously visible. The multifaceted coniferous forest encourages reflection in the rhythm of walking – a break in the best sense. Finally, we reach the forest oasis of St. Wolfgang: the picturesque St. Wolfgang church, the rural country idyll, and the majestic view of the Goldeck peak make the heart beat faster. 

Here we leave our ridge and descend via steeper forest paths into the urban area of Spittal an der Drau. After the Lieser bridge with its namesake hospital, we stroll over the bourgeois main square to the magnificent Porcia Castle – one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings north of the Alps! It tells of the splendid era of imperial court culture. The flair of the town is best enjoyed in one of the terrace cafés – so take your time, as the Spittal-Millstättersee station is not far away.