Gitschtal lies between Lake Weissensee and Nassfeld. When looking for a holiday apartment, it may help to first decide what you would like to focus on during your trip: hiking, discovering historic churches or sampling regional cuisine. The valley offers something for all three interests – from a 200-kilometre network of hiking trails to distinctive buildings and culinary experiences.
Hiking and trails in Gitschtal
A striking natural attraction is Weißenbach Gorge, a limestone tufa gorge. Secured ladders and walkways make it easier to get around. This provides specific information about the route infrastructure when planning a hike; seasonal conditions may still play a role. For those considering a longer hike, Gitschtal has a network of hiking trails spanning 200 kilometres in total.
The Reißkofel route from Weißbriach follows the Gailtaler Höhenweg 229 to Napalnalm. The Reißkofel summit route is a different hike: it reaches an altitude of 2,371 metres and requires alpine experience and sure-footedness. The two route descriptions highlight different requirements – the destination of Napalnalm for one, and the altitude and explicitly stated alpine prerequisites for the other.
The Gitschtal cycle route R3b also provides a named connection through the region: it runs from Weißbriach via St. Lorenzen and Jadersdorf, as well as other places, to Hermagor. This makes it possible to choose a route based on a clearly described stretch. There is also a public transport timetable for the Hermagor–Weißbriach–Weissensee connection. If you plan to use this connection during your trip, check the departure times for your travel date.
The Gösseringgraben offers a different kind of hiking experience. A nature trail invites visitors to explore the area; while hiking through the gorge, you can also discover traces of its mining past and short explanations of ore processing. Nature and industrial history are two aspects of the same area.
Churches and architectural history
Several churches in Weißbriach tell the story of different periods of construction. The Protestant Church was built between 1882 and 1886. Its distinctive features include an elaborately decorated, carved altar designed to plans by Theophil Frey. St. Johann zu Weißbriach is considered to be probably the oldest church in Gitschtal; its bell dates from the 15th century.
The parish church in Weißbriach also has its own historical context: the Late Gothic building was constructed around 1520, and the wall paintings date from 1616 and 1620. In St. Lorenzen, the Gothic choir of the Catholic Church appears to have been completed as early as 1527. The Neo-Gothic nave and other parts of the building were added mainly in the second half of the 19th century. Visiting the churches makes it possible to compare architectural styles and decorative features from different centuries.
Regional cuisine and other activities
Kohlröslhütte is a popular destination for a day trip, with tasty food and panoramic views. As it is open seasonally, check separately whether it will be open when you visit. The Local Food concept provides a broader connection to regional cuisine: it describes the source products, ingredients, and their artisanal production and creation as originating in Gitschtal.
One specific culinary occasion is the Gitschtal Krautfest, traditionally held on the first Sunday in October. The food on offer includes dishes featuring cabbage, such as cabbage lasagne and cabbage pizza, as well as sweet specialities. Bergbauerngolf, meanwhile, features holes themed around daily life on a farm and imaginatively decorated with farming implements. There is also an offering for cross-country skiers in Gitschtal; cross-country skiing is a seasonal activity that should be taken into account when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Birnbaum, Sittmoos, Weißbriach, Schlanitzen, Vorderberg, Egg bei Hermagor, Forst, Radnig
Return to the main travel overview: Hermagor.
