Dellach im Drautal: Castle, Trails and Nature

Dellach im Drautal brings together a variety of discoveries: a Romanesque castle complex on a rock above the Drau, a waterfall at the entrance to the Lower Draßnitztal valley, and a natural phenomenon that is constantly forming anew. There are also trails with different profiles, church art and shared leisure activities. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can plan your stay around whether architectural history, nature or exercise is your main focus.

A Castle, Church Art and Unique Natural Features

Schloss Stein is a Romanesque castle complex dating from the 12th century. It stands on a steeply rising rock about 200 metres above the valley floor, on the south side of the Drau between Dellach and Irschen. There is another special feature on the slope below the castle: a protected, very rare type of vegetation featuring tree-like junipers grows there. The castle complex and the juniper population represent two different aspects of this place—one tells the story of medieval architecture, while the other shapes the natural landscape on the slope.

Different historical periods also come together in the parish church of Dellach im Drautal. The church is Late Baroque; its choir contains a Late Gothic core with a mural from the late 15th century. Those interested in architectural history will find another distinct feature here alongside the castle, representing a different historical period.

The Tuffbachl offers a geological contrast: at the Lappenbach stream, known as the Tuffbachl, new calcareous tufa rock is constantly forming above the vlg. Schuster farmstead in the village of Stein. This is caused by highly mineralised spring water and the interaction of certain lichens and mosses. Unlike a structure dating from a particular period, the calcareous tufa continues to form—a special feature that draws attention to natural processes.

Trails with Different Profiles

The Weittal Waterfall is at the entrance to the Lower Draßnitztal valley. From the village of Unterdraßnitz, it can be reached after a walk of about 1.5 hours at an elevation of around 1,500 metres. This gives you an approximate walking time and a specific starting point for planning an excursion.

The Schloss-Stein loop has a different profile: it starts on flat natural ground and continues to the Drau bridge, then climbs steeply through the forest to the castle. This distinguishes two very different trail descriptions: for the Weittal Waterfall, the approximate walking time is the key detail; for the Schloss-Stein loop, it is the transition from a flat start to a steep ascent.

The Nordic walking arena in Dellach im Drautal has four routes. An information board next to the Drau bridge provides an overview of the routes. This option complements the two walking trails described above, offering another way to make your stay active.

Leisure, Summer Concerts and a Therapeutic Climate Gallery

The 18-hole mini-golf course in Dellach im Drautal offers fun for the whole family. There are also regular spa concerts in summer; if you would like to attend one, it is best to check the current dates. Family-friendly leisure and a seasonal cultural programme are two different ways to enjoy your stay.

The Barbara therapeutic climate gallery has been a health tourism attraction since 2008. An old mining tunnel was reopened and extended for the recognised therapeutic resource; the Margaretha therapeutic spring also rises inside it. Important for planning: the Barbara therapeutic climate gallery is currently closed for therapies. Its history and its current closure for therapies are both part of the picture.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Dellach im Drautal, let your preferred holiday activities guide your choice: architectural history, natural phenomena, walking trails and shared leisure activities each offer a different way to plan your days here.

Discover more destinations: Tschierweg, Rennweg am Katschberg, Napplach, Asten, Emberg, Radenthein, Greifenburg, Kleblach Lind.

Back to the main travel overview: Spittal an der Drau.