Discover Gitschtal: Gorge, churches and trails

Gitschtal lies between Weißensee and Nassfeld. Nature, outdoor activities, historic churches and regional cuisine offer different ways to experience this holiday destination. Several signposted routes start in Weißbriach; in the Gösseringgraben, a nature trail meets the area’s mining history. When choosing a holiday apartment in Gitschtal, your interests can help you decide: would you like to focus on hiking and cycling, discover churches or get to know the regional cuisine? This lets you plan your holiday around specific interests.

Gorges, trails and active excursions

The Weißenbachklamm is a limestone tufa gorge. Secured ladders and walkways make it easier to get around, although seasonal conditions may play a role. If you are planning a visit, take the conditions at your intended time into account. The Gitschtalradweg R3b runs from Weißbriach via St. Lorenzen, Jadersdorf and other places to Hermagor. This sequence of places gives you an overview when planning your route.

Hikers can explore a 200-kilometre network of trails in Gitschtal. A route to Reißkofel from Weißbriach follows the Gailtaler Höhenweg 229 to Napalnalm. The Reißkofel summit route reaches an elevation of 2,371 metres and requires alpine experience and sure-footedness. The alpine requirements explicitly stated for the summit route also distinguish it from the route to the alpine pasture. For alpine excursions, you should also take seasonal conditions into account. Gitschtal also has cross-country skiing trails; their maintenance depends on the season.

Bauerngolf courses are themed around daily life on the farm and imaginatively decorated with farming equipment. This offers a distinct alternative to cycling and hiking routes: agricultural motifs shape the courses here.

Nature and history in the Gösseringgraben

The nature trail in the Gösseringgraben invites you on a journey of discovery. Hikes through the gorge also reveal remnants of the area’s mining past and brief explanations of ore processing. Nature experiences and insights into historic ore processing thus sit side by side in this stretch of the valley.

Churches and architectural history

Several churches in Weißbriach tell stories of different periods of construction. The Protestant church was built between 1882 and 1886. Its intricately decorated, carved altar was designed based on plans by Theophil Frey. St. Johann zu Weißbriach is considered probably the oldest church in Gitschtal; its bell dates from the 15th century.

Weißbriach parish church is a Late Gothic building dating from around 1520. Its wall paintings date from 1616 and 1620. In St. Lorenzen, the Gothic choir appears to have been completed as early as 1527; the Neo-Gothic nave and other parts were added mostly in the second half of the 19th century. The different dates and architectural styles offer a tangible insight into the region’s church history.

Regional cuisine and seasonal planning

Kohlröslhütte is a popular excursion destination, offering delicious food and panoramic views. As it may operate seasonally, check its current opening hours before your visit. The Gitschtaler Local Food concept connects Gitschtal with its source products and ingredients, as well as their artisanal production and creation. This makes regional cuisine a distinct focus for a holiday.

The Gitschtaler Krautfest traditionally takes place on the first Sunday in October. Food on offer includes cabbage dishes such as cabbage lasagne, cabbage pizza and sweet specialities. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the date for your chosen year. A public transport timetable is available for the Hermagor–Weißbriach–Weißensee connection. If you plan to use this route, check the details for your travel date before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Kirchbach, Tröpolach, Sankt Stefan An Der Gail, Görtschach, Waidegg, Birnbaum, Paßriach, Maria Luggau.

Return to the main travel overview: Hermagor.