Three Countries Route

Starting from Villach, the route goes via a detour to Landskron Castle and further on to Wernberg, from where the Rosental valley is reached. Whether St. Niklas, Rosegg, St. Jakob or Feistritz – each area impresses with its unique natural character. At Kirschentheuer, the route turns towards the Loiblpass (1367 m), the border pass between Carinthia and Slovenia in the eastern Karawanks. After Tržič, it is recommended to head towards Lesce to avoid the main traffic to Bled. In Lake Bled, at the foot of the Julian Alps, there is a small island with the Mary’s Church and its famous wishing bell. The route continues to Bohinjska Bistrica, where a detour to Lake Bohinj is recommended. Returning via Bohinjska Bistrica, the route leads over Podbrdo to Tolmin, which should not be missed thanks to good signposting. All fish lovers will especially enjoy this route, as Kobarid is known for its excellently managed fish restaurants. The return journey passes through Bovec, located on the Soča River. The Soča is known among whitewater sports enthusiasts for its crystal-clear waters, white rocks with many gorges and canyons. Over the Predil Pass, the route leads to Italy, to Tarvisio, where shopping provides a change of pace. Via Hohenthurn, Nötsch (with the Museum of the Nötsch Circle) and Bad Bleiberg (with the Bad Bleiberg thermal spa and the underground adventure tunnel Terra Mystica), the route bypasses the Villach Alps (Dobratsch Nature Park). The drive up the Dobratsch via the Villach Alpine Road is a crowning finale to this route.