Rattendorf offers a range of experiences: a late Gothic parish church, a circular trail of around 4.5 kilometres focused on water and nature, and an alpine pasture give your trip several distinct focal points. When looking for a hotel in Rattendorf, it may help to first decide whether you want to focus mainly on architecture, a walk or a mountain hike. The places and activities mentioned appeal to different interests and can be prioritised according to the kind of stay you want.
Late Gothic architecture in Rattendorf
Rattendorf Parish Church is a late Gothic church dating from the beginning of the 16th century. The choir features a stellar rib vault with interlacing ribs above wall piers with twisted columns. This helps place the building in its historical period, while the design of the choir provides a distinct point of interest for travellers interested in culture. The late Gothic style and the vault form complement each other and give the church a distinctive architectural character.
Circular trail with water and history
The Rattendorf nature trail and water adventure trail form a circular route of around 4.5 km. The water adventure trail runs partly along the protective embankment around the village of Rattendorf. Visible remains of an old Roman fortification, known as the “Heidenmauer” (Heathen Wall), can be seen along the route. The walk thus combines nature and water with a named historical structure. If you would rather take a walk than aim for a single summit, this offers a different focus from a mountain hike.
Hochwipfel and Rattendorfer Alm
Hochwipfel rises to 2,195 m west of the Rattendorfer Alm. The descent from the Hochwipfel hike can also be made via the Rattendorfer Riegelalm as a circular route. This offers a choice of different hiking plans: the nature and water trail, a circular route of around 4.5 km, or the Hochwipfel hike, with the option of taking a circular route on the descent via the Rattendorfer Riegelalm.
The Rattendorfer Alm is at an elevation of 1,535 m. Visitors are treated to homemade products and local specialities there. If you would like to include regional produce in your plans as well as hiking, this is a culinary point of interest. A tour of the cheese dairy and stable is possible by prior arrangement. If you would like to visit these areas, make sure to arrange this in advance.
Getting there and the surrounding area
You can also plan your journey by public transport: one option is to take the train from Villach to Hermagor, then the bus from Hermagor to Rattendorf. Check the timetables before setting off. If you are looking for a hotel in Rattendorf and plan to arrive by train, you can include this connection in your travel plans.
Nearby, the Heidenmauer or Hadnmauer, up to 1.5 m wide, crosses the Gail Valley west of Rattendorf and extends in a straight line as far as Jenig. It adds a regional point of interest, with a course described as extending across the Gail Valley, to the area’s cultural and hiking attractions.
Discover more destinations: Schlanitzen, Egg near Hermagor, Paßriach, Forst, Lesachtal, Maria Luggau, Dellach, Jenig.
For the broader travel overview: Hermagor.
