Rail & Trail "Over the Kanzianiberg to the panoramic balcony of the Baumgartnerhöhe"

Our tour begins at Finkenstein railroad station in the gently landscaped basin of Lake Faak. We cross the basin slightly uphill through loosely built-up residential areas. On the outskirts of Finkenstein, we immerse ourselves in the rustic spruce forests of the mighty Karawanken mountains. The undulating ascent to the striking, free-standing Waldkogel of the Kanzianiberget begins. From a small promontory, a magnificent view opens up over the valley. The final ascent to the church of St. Kanzian, which is enthroned on the forest roof of the Kanziani mountain, starts in a hidden forest saddle. Congratulations! The pretty church was first mentioned in 1301. The first fortified settlement in Carinthia is said to have been located on this plateau around 4,500 years ago. Who would have thought it?

After the descent, we briefly follow the road from the saddle, then hike through wonderful spruce forest up the gently rising flank of the Karawanken. "Mountain solitude!" comes to mind. After a forest ditch, the flank becomes steeper, then a beautiful panoramic high-level trail leads through a cultivated rural landscape over to the Baumgartnerhöhe (919 m) - our second "summit". Congratulations! The Faaker See basin lies at our feet, with the turquoise lake shimmering in the center - a real wow moment. The tasty Carinthian cuisine at the Baumgartnerhof is a culinary delight.

The descent is via the old ski slope down the steep mountain flank. The ruins of Finkenstein Castle, visible from afar, are enthroned on the opposite slope. Today it is an internationally renowned event location with a breathtaking mix of scenery, historic walls and art! A final steep forest descent takes us down into the wide plain of the Faaker See basin. We finally reach Faak am See railroad station through rural settlements and farmland.