Rail & Trail "Tscheltschnigkogel - summit happiness above the Kurpark"

This short, enjoyable circular hike to the summit begins at Villach Warmbad station. The modern architecture of the thermal spa impresses right from the start: clear lines characterize the front, while the back impresses with its stylized, jagged rock look. After the charming spa park, the path leads over a small step in the terrain to a forest plateau on the slopes of the Dobratsch. We circle the peaceful forest oasis of Napoleonwiese, where 40,000 Napoleonic soldiers once camped. Then the ascent to the summit begins: a leisurely footpath leads through the atmospheric mixed forest up the steep mountain flank. On the Genottehöhe, a meadow path opens up the first views and the increasing altitude becomes noticeable. Back in the forest, we reach the forest summit of the Tscheltschnigkogel (696 m). Congratulations! The view sweeps far across the Villach basin to the Karawanken. Well, summit happiness can be so close.

The descent is initially via the back of the summit cone. In the beautiful mixed mountain forest, we hike past the mystical Durezza shaft cave and then follow the forest flank down into the hidden valley of the Maibachl. At a small viewing point, large bathing pools can be discovered in the ditch - evidence of the popularity of this warm, temporary healing spring. We return to the starting point through the idyllic spa gardens.