Birnbaum is a starting point for numerous hikes, and the views extend far beyond the village: From here, you can see the villages of Nostra and Wodmaier opposite, the Wolayertal and the Plenge. When planning your stay, it’s worth distinguishing between trails by their character. A circular route connects Birnbaum with two outlying villages, the mountain hike to Grifitzbühel is listed with its distance and duration, and snowshoe hikes lead to other destinations. This can help you decide which activities you want to shape your stay before looking for a hotel.
Landscape and Hiking Trails
The Plenge features in two different views: From Birnbaum, it is one of the distinctive features of the landscape; on the GrifitzbĂĽhel hike, it is mentioned as part of the panoramic view from the viewpoint. This gives you a specific landmark to look for when comparing the view from the village with the one from the trail.
The Birnbaum–Wodmaier–Nostra–Birnbaum circular route starts and ends in Birnbaum and passes through Wodmaier and Nostra. Near Sonnhof, it crosses a stream by the little St. Anton chapel. The sequence of villages makes this circular route a way to connect Birnbaum and the outlying villages on a single hike. If you choose this route, check current trail and weather conditions before setting out.
The mountain hike to GrifitzbĂĽhel is listed as 14.8 kilometres long and taking about 6.5 hours; it is rated moderate. The route leads from Birnbaum to Kornat and follows the road as far as the last farm, Stramitzer. Its stated duration makes it easier to plan for time than a route for which no walking time is given. Check current trail and weather conditions before setting out.
Snowshoe Hikes and Cycling Tours
The two snowshoe hikes also offer different experiences. The Nostra–Wodmaier tour starts in Birnbaum, passes through Nostra and the Wolayertal to the Hubertus Chapel, then returns to Birnbaum via Wodmaier and the Gail. By contrast, the snowshoe hike to Grifitzbühel starts at the highest farms in Kornat, which can be reached from Birnbaum. It leads across lightly wooded alpine pastureland to the summit at 1,861 metres, where there is a cross. Thus, the first route is defined by its sequence of villages and the Hubertus Chapel, while the other focuses on the summit and its elevation. Before setting out on the Nostra–Wodmaier tour, check winter conditions and avalanche warnings; for the snowshoe hike to Grifitzbühel, check winter conditions.
Another option is the Birnbaum–Podlanig–Wodmaier cycling and e-bike tour, which leads from Birnbaum via Podlanig to the outlying village of Wodmaier.
Historical Traces in the Lesachtal
In Kornat, St. John’s Church stands on the hillside above Birnbaum at an elevation of 1,032 metres. It was first mentioned in a document in 1376. Another historical connection leads to the Wolayertal: In August 1908, Archduke Franz Ferdinand visited Birnbaum and went chamois hunting in the Wolayertal from the settlement.
The wider regional context may also be of interest when planning your trip: The Lesachtal is a member of the “Austrian Mountaineering Villages” initiative, which promotes nature-friendly and sustainable tourism. In the Lesachtal, you can take part in a workshop and knead the dough for Lesachtal bread by hand, following traditional recipes. So, as well as trails, regional culture and a hands-on activity are among the possible themes for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Dellach, Jenig, Egg bei Hermagor, Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, Gitschtal, Vorderberg, Mellweg, Sankt Lorenzen Im Lesachtal
Back to the regional travel overview: Hermagor.
