Discover Gallizien: Riparian Forest, Waterfall and Church Art

Gallizien combines impressive natural areas with a remarkable history of church art and craftsmanship. Those planning a trip with varied interests will find opportunities here for observing nature, cycling, mountain and water experiences, as well as cultural discoveries. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether you would like to focus on the landscape, excursions or the town’s historical sights.

Riparian Forest, Former River Channel and Waterfall

A defining landscape feature is the Möchlinger Au, which extends across the municipalities of Gallizien and St. Kanzian am Klopeiner See. The Möchlinger riparian forest is considered Carinthia’s largest riparian forest complex. The Möchlinger former river channel is also part of this natural area and serves as an important breeding and resting site for many bird species. For travellers who enjoy taking a closer look, this opens up a different way of experiencing the landscape: Not only prominent viewpoints, but also waterways and habitats can shape the character of an excursion.

Wildenstein Waterfall is located in the municipality of Gallizien and has a drop of 54 metres. This makes it an obvious destination for a day focused on a nature experience. Freibach Reservoir is also located in the municipality of Gallizien. Those who would like to experience different landscapes can include these destinations in their personal travel plans without limiting their holiday to a single activity.

Another distinctive elevation is the Hochobir. At 2,139 metres, it is the highest mountain massif of the Northern Karawanks in Carinthia.

Churches, Art and Regional History

Gallizien’s four churches display architectural styles ranging from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Romanesque architecture takes centre stage in the parish church, Gothic architecture in Abtei, Late Gothic architecture in Möchling and Baroque architecture in Glantschach. This sequence makes the town’s history readable through different architectural forms. The Möchling parish church and Möchling cemetery are also protected monuments.

The parish church of Abtei/Apače has Late Gothic star-rib vaults on wall shafts inside. The Baroque high altar features Late Gothic figures of Saint Leonard and the two Johns dating from around 1500. The church’s period of construction is dated to the 16th century based on recorded dates of 1521/38 and the consecration date of 1561. Those interested in church art can examine individual details here. The series of Lenten veils in Gallizien was restored in 2016 and complements the cultural perspective on the town.

Near Wildenstein Waterfall is the Pasterk family’s craft museum. It is a small attraction for visitors and can be planned as a separate cultural highlight alongside the churches and landscape destinations.

Cycle Path, Mountain Route and Special Activities

Lake Linsendorf is located directly on the Drau Cycle Path. The Mostschenke Linsendorf is also situated on the Drau Cycle Path and offers homemade snacks as well as seasonal dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from Carinthia. This allows an active holiday to combine the cycle path with a regional stop for refreshments. Those looking for a holiday apartment and planning cycling tours can pay attention to the accommodation’s exact location and consider which planned stops fit well into their daily itinerary.

The Karawanken Trail includes a stage from Gallizien via Kleinobir to Freibach Reservoir. The route provides another opportunity to experience the landscape along a defined section. Fly-fishing can also be practised in Gallizien. At Leitner Island Horse Farm, visitors are taught horse care, feeding, saddling, bridling and riding. This also provides activities where the practical interaction with animals, rather than simply covering a distance, is the main focus.

Gallizien as a Starting Point for Planning Your Trip

The choice of accommodation should suit the experiences you would like to place at the centre of your trip. Nature enthusiasts can consider the riparian forest, former river channel and waterfall, while travellers interested in culture can include the churches, craft museum and restored series of Lenten veils in their plans. For cyclists, the Drau Cycle Path, Lake Linsendorf and Mostschenke Linsendorf are relevant attractions; mountain enthusiasts will find a different focus in Hochobir and the Karawanken Trail. This allows you to tailor your search for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Gallizien to your personal pace of travel and interests.

For further orientation, you can also take a look at Trögern, Klopein, Bad Eisenkappel, Eberndorf, Hart, Ruden, Oberseidendorf and Seelach.

For the overarching travel overview: Völkermarkt.