Discover Berg im Drautal

Berg im Drautal combines nature experiences, riverside landscapes, ecclesiastical art and regional culinary culture. Those planning a trip with a variety of ideas for each day will find paths through gorges, opportunities on the water, historic sacred buildings and activities for families. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore important to consider whether you would prefer to focus on hiking, culture, water activities or shared excursions with children.

Hiking between gorges, alpine pastures and the Way of St. James

In the centre of Berg im Drautal, you can join the Way of St. James directly. The regional hiking options also include a network of hiking trails in the Oberdrautal Outdoor Park; the holiday resort has been awarded the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. Guided hikes are offered on the Emberger Alm. Those looking to experience a special landscape can choose the accessible Geißloch Gorge: large limestone formations and a renovated historic lime kiln characterise the route. A hiking trail approximately one kilometre long, with around 100 metres of elevation gain, leads through the gorge.

The Ochsenschlucht Gorge offers a different experience, with a family-friendly, adventurous hike, a natural playground and a campfire grill. The Sensopark features five sensory-meditative hikes with exercises for body and soul. This provides both active and more relaxed activities for different day plans.

Experiences on the Drau and excursions for different interests

Cyclists can use the Drau Cycle Path in Berg im Drautal, while canoeing is offered on the Drau as a leisure activity. A place of elaborate craftsmanship is also located a few minutes from the Drau Cycle Path and directly next to the railway station, at a canoe and inflatable-boat launch and landing site. Paragliding and hang-gliding are also practised on the Emberger Alm. Amateur astronomers who have not brought their own equipment can use the Emberger Alm holiday observatory. The observatory can be rented; guided tours can be booked on request and are held regularly.

A stay with children can also be varied and enjoyable. The Berg im Drautal leisure swimming pool has two pools, including a children's pool with a 38-metre-long water slide. There is also a paddling pool, a large sunbathing lawn, a children's playground and a beach volleyball court.

Churches, frescoes and regional history

The Catholic parish church of the Nativity of Mary and the cemetery in Berg im Drautal are protected as historical monuments by ordinance. The parish church was converted into a fortified church in the 15th century and was first mentioned in documents in 1267. Wall paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries have been preserved in the nave. The Romanesque charnel house known as “Michelele” stands on the north side of the church; its ceiling frescoes are of great art-historical significance.

The filial church of St. Athanas was first mentioned in documents in 1443 and was originally dedicated to Saint Nonnosus. The remains of two monumental cycles of standing figures, originally positioned one above the other and dating from different periods, have been preserved. Both depict Jesus Christ with the twelve Apostles. The church, also popularly known as “St. Athanas”, was formerly a pilgrimage church and today its high altar provides a setting for sacred concerts. It stands in an open field near the Drau, beside the Drautal federal road. The Catholic filial church of St. Athanasius and the remains of walls from demolished buildings are also protected as historical monuments by ordinance.

Culinary delights and practical information

The local character includes the Slow Food Village Berg. Grapes, sweet chestnuts and almost forgotten varieties of fruit and grain thrive there. Traditionally, the Slow Food Village holds its culinary breakfast in autumn. The Binter farm shop sells cheese, bacon, sausages and dairy products. Stops like these complement a day that would otherwise be shaped by hiking, water activities or culture.

For getting around locally, the Postbus Shuttle Oberes Drautal has been available as an on-demand service for residents and tourists since 15 October 2025. It can be booked via the Postbus Shuttle app or by telephone on 0800 80 88 08. When looking for a holiday apartment in Berg im Drautal, you can use your planned activities as a guide: the Way of St. James, the gorges, the Drau, the churches and the activities on the Emberger Alm each appeal to different travel plans.

Further destinations for your planning: Winklern, Kleblach Lind, Lieserbrücke, Asten, Techendorf, Söbriach, Oberkolbnitz and Emberg.

To the overarching travel overview: Spittal an der Drau.