Pollenitz—Feldkirchen’s legendary local mountain

The starting point for this varied hike is the Feldkirchen train station. From here, the route first follows Bahnhofstraße past the Feldkirchen fire station toward the village of Lindl.

Below the Lindl Chapel—a 19th-century Catholic chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary—the trail continues through the residential area along Kuchlbrunnweg. The chapel’s vaulted ceiling, painted by the DeCillia family of artists from Feldkirchen, is particularly worth seeing.

At the end of the paved Kuchlbrunnweg, a forest trail begins, which first passes by the former FIS Kurikkala ski jump. All that remains of the former facility today is the landing area. The ski jump was built after World War II and expanded in the 1960s. In its heyday, various championships and competitions of the Carinthian-Slovenian Ski Jumping Tour took place here. The facility was finally abandoned in 1998.

The hike then continues steadily uphill along a forest trail. Along the way, the route passes the Toniloch and the Kuchlbrunn, which are the settings for the well-known Feldkirchen legend “The Maiden with the Veil.” After a short, steep stretch through the woods , the trail continues along a paved path toward the Buttazoni family’s Kraut snack bar.

Even on the way there, a magnificent view opens up over the Bleistätter Moor and Lake Ossiach. Behind them rise the Gerlitzen Mountains and the striking Dobratsch. At the snack bar, the hike leads between the barn and the residential building, across a pasture, and then continues along a meadow path toward the summit plateau of the Pollenitz. This is a particularly good spot to take a break on the snack bar’s terrace.

Pollenitz – Views, Horses, and Viticulture

On the Pollenitz’s summit plateau, at an elevation of about 750 meters, an impressive panoramic view of the Carinthian landscape awaits. Horse lovers can observe the Icelandic horses at theKöck Icelandic Horse Farm. Another highlight is the Köck Winery: the Pollenitz is home to one of Austria’s highest-altitude vineyards.

For a cozy stop, head to Gasthof Wadl, where regional specialties are served.

From the Pollenitz, the hike first follows the paved access road toward Feldkirchen. After about 500 meters, the route branches off to the right onto a forest trail. The path continues through the forest to the Rottendorf parish church.

Built in the 15th century, this Gothic church is dedicated to St. Wolfgang and St. Magdalene. Its striking, fortified appearance reflects its function as a fortified church. A particularly distinctive feature is the cast-iron bay window above the entrance portal.

From the Rottendorf church, a forest path leads on to Kuchlbrunnweg. The route then passes through the residential area, by the Lindl Chapel, and back to the starting point at the Feldkirchen train station.

Alternative Route via Bösenlacken

As an alternative, the hike can be extended or altered at Gasthof Wadl via a steep descent toward the village of Bösenlacken. From Hotel Nudelbacher, the route follows the sidewalk along the municipal road back toward Feldkirchen and to the starting point.

Walking time: approx. 3 hours

Note: Between the Kraut snack bar—run by the Buttazoni family—and the Köck riding stable, the route crosses a pasture. You can therefore expect to encounter cows grazing freely here. Please behave appropriately and keep a safe distance from the animals.