Slow Trail Wernberg Monastery

Starting from the monastery gate directly at the parking lot of Wernberg Monastery, you walk downhill in a few minutes to the two idyllic monastery ponds, which are managed by the Villach Sports and Breeding Fishery Association. Even here, a short pause with a view of the venerable monastery walls is offered. Numerous fish species are bred in the ponds and later released into rivers, streams, or lakes.

Accompanied by numerous information boards about the local fauna, after crossing two streams you reach the shore of the Drauschleife. The hammock invites the hiker to relax and let the eyes wander over the water.

The further path leads up a narrow zig-zag trail to a small viewpoint. The most strenuous part would be done, as it then only goes downhill and after a few minutes you reach the viewing platform. With good binoculars, numerous bird species can be perfectly observed and discovered here.

Going downhill again to the shore of the Drauschleife and without further elevation changes, you reach the Drau at an ornithologically interesting still water area. Besides the Drauschleife, this represents a valuable habitat for breeding birds as well as migratory bird species.

The indicated walking time refers only to the route from Wernberg Monastery to the Drau. For the return trip, about 1 more hour should be planned.