Stall: Mountain Trails, Church History and Herbal Knowledge

Stall combines views of high mountains with hiking trails, local history and a range of ways to enjoy active days on vacation. The Hohe Tauern National Park borders Stall; the surrounding mountain ranges rise to majestic peaks over 3,000 metres high. Here, landscapes stretch from the valley to high-alpine regions.

Hiking trails from the valley to the high mountains

There are around 90 kilometres of well-maintained farm and hiking trails around Stall. They lead from the valley past rustic alpine pastures and huts to high-mountain regions. When choosing a holiday apartment in Stall, you can consider whether these trails suit the kind of vacation you want—or whether culture, water and winter activities matter more.

One specific hiking section is the 10.8-kilometre stretch of the Alpe-Adria-Trail from Marterle to Stall. It follows the historic Staller Kirchweg downhill towards Stall, with protected alpine flowers along the way. The distance and direction help you plan your hike without specifying a walking time. For cycling enthusiasts, the Glocknerradweg R8 runs through the Möll Valley in a high-alpine setting and alongside one of Austria’s cleanest rivers.

Church history and traces of different eras

The parish church of Stall was first mentioned in a document in 1336. After a devastating fire, it was rebuilt and reconsecrated on 21 August 1831. Its three neo-Gothic altars and the pulpit were added in 1847; the church also houses preserved statues from the 16th and 17th centuries. These dates tell the story of several chapters: from the first documented mention and reconstruction to its later furnishings.

An annual walking pilgrimage begins at the parish church on St James’s Day. If you are interested, check the current date locally. Gold and silver mining is also part of the area’s history: it is thought to have contributed to Stall’s early settlement, while mining in the Hohe Tauern region reached its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries.

In Steinwand stands the “Fercher von Steinwand Memorial School,” built between 1930 and 1932. The “Josefikirchlein” chapel was built beside the school around the same time. Together, the two buildings form another clearly dated part of local cultural history.

Water activities and winter options

At Lake Gößnitz, the “Wake Stall” facility has a wakeboarding course, with riders travelling between supports 200 metres apart. Canyoning in the Wölla Gorge near Stall includes abseiling, jumping, sliding and swimming. A heated swimming pool adds to the water activities; its seasonal opening hours may vary, so check them before making plans.

There are various options in winter. The approximately 200-metre-long “Tauchnerfeld” lift gives children and beginners in particular the chance to learn to ski or improve their technique. Opening hours may vary by season. On the shady side of the valley, there is also a five-kilometre cross-country ski trail with a skating lane; conditions may change. This means there are two distinct options: a short lift focused on learning and practice, and a trail for classic cross-country skiing and skating.

Herbal knowledge on a guided tour

On a guided tour of the herb farm, you can learn about various wild plants and traditional medicinal herbs from monastery gardens. After the tour, participants gather herbs and turn them into natural products, including pesto, juices, balms, tinctures and seasoning blends. The tour also includes tastings of herbal syrups, teas, liqueurs and spreads. Alongside hiking trails and sports activities, the programme offers an insight into how local herbs are used.

When choosing your holiday apartment in Stall, the different attractions may help you decide: mountain trails and the Alpe-Adria-Trail section, church history, herbal knowledge, water activities or winter sports. Plan your vacation around what you would like to experience locally, and check the dates and conditions for seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations: Oberdrauburg, Obervellach, Eisentratten, Görtschach, Söbriach, Mörtschach, Tschierweg

Go to the main travel overview: Spittal An Der Drau.