In Albeck, a watermill that is still in use, marked hiking trails and winter activities on the Hochrindl offer different reasons to visit. For a well-planned trip, it is worth deciding early what you would like to focus on: some visits require advance booking, and snow conditions can affect winter walks.
Mill technology and distinctive craftsmanship
In the municipality of Albeck, the Sirnitz Mill has been a working watermill since 1997 and is still in use today. On designated milling days, it offers milling demonstrations and guided tours. Advance booking through the local mill association is required. If you plan to attend a demonstration, be sure to book ahead.
The Wegscheiderkreuz in Albeck Obere Schattseite is another example of traditional construction. It has a wooden back wall and a pitched roof covered with wooden shingles. Curved bargeboards and a cast-iron figure of Christ are also among its features. If you are interested in craftsmanship, you will find specific details here that illustrate the design of the wayside cross.
Hiking destinations and remarkable trees
More than 200 km of marked hiking trails in the municipality lead to viewpoints, natural monuments, churches and ruins. For a shorter hike with a clearly described route, the Kneipp trail starts in Sirnitz and runs for around 1.5 km into the Enge Gurk gorge to a small waterfall.
The trees near Hochwiditsch are another distinctive feature of the landscape. Here stands the 1,000-year-old larch, with a trunk circumference of more than 8 m. The Wetterlärche larch near Hochwiditsch was placed under nature protection in 1967. In the wider landscape, Sirnitz-Hochrindl lies within the Nockberge Nature and Landscape Protection Area.
Winter activities on the Hochrindl
The Hochrindl ski area offers 20 km of ski runs with views of Carinthia. If you would rather go for a winter walk than ski downhill, a 3 km trail leads from the car park on the Hochrindl to the Anderle Cross. Winter trail preparation may vary depending on snow conditions, so check what applies to your visit in advance.
You can hire snowshoes and poles from the Hochrindl Ski School by booking in advance. The “Hiking in the Realm of King Waldgeist” trail starts and ends at the Herzl Hut on the Hochrindl. Access arrangements may change seasonally, so check the current conditions before your visit.
Culture, history and regional cuisine
The Albeck Castle ruins lie in the wider area around Albeck. This historically significant building was constructed as a castle in the 10th century and was first mentioned in a document in 1155. These dates place the site in a long history without narrowing the focus to anything other than the topics relevant to a visit today.
Schloss Albeck Restaurant serves local fish dishes such as trout, char and Carinthian lax. The fish come from the local Hammer organic fish farm at the foot of the castle hill. Restaurant details and information about the fish’s origin may change: if you have a particular dish or this origin in mind, check the latest information before your visit. Christina Kranz offers herb workshops; check upcoming dates in advance.
Getting there and choosing accommodation
Albeck can be reached via the Gurk Valley on roads B 94 and B 93, or from Feldkirchen via B 93. Then fit your planned visits into your travel itinerary. Advance booking or checking dates beforehand is important for milling days, snowshoe hire and workshops; for seasonal winter activities, you should also check the conditions on site.
Discover more destinations: Albeck Obere Schattseite, Sirnitz-Sonnseite, Sirnitz, Glanegg, Hochrindl-Kegel, Vorwald, Hochrindl-Alpl, Hochrindl.
Return to the main travel overview: Feldkirchen.
