Berg im Drautal combines hiking with historic churches and activities along the Drau. You can join the Way of St. James right in the town center; there are also gorges, a Sensopark and other leisure activities. To help plan your visit, consider the different highlights: you can focus on cultural history, specific hiking trails, cycling and water activities, or seasonal offerings.
Churches and Art History
The Catholic parish church of the Nativity of Mary and its cemetery are protected as historic monuments by decree. Berg Parish Church was first mentioned in official records in 1267 and was converted into a fortified church in the 15th century. The nave contains wall paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries. The parish church therefore brings together different historical aspects: its early mention in official records, its later defensive role and paintings from two centuries.
The branch church of St. Athanas was first mentioned in official records in 1443 and was originally dedicated to Saint Nonnosus. Remnants of two monumental cycles of standing figures, originally arranged one above the other and created at different times, have been preserved. Both depict Jesus Christ with the twelve Apostles. The church stands in an open field near the Drau, beside the Drautal federal highway. Also known locally as “St. Athanas,” the church was once a pilgrimage church; today, its tall altar provides a setting for sacred concerts.
Different Ways to Hike
The Way of St. James is accessible right in the town center. The Sensopark offers a different kind of hike: it features five sensory-meditative walks with exercises for body and soul. So, if you want to explore on foot, you can choose between a pilgrimage route and trails with a distinctive focus on exercises.
The accessible GeiĂźlochklamm gorge features impressive limestone formations and a restored historic lime kiln. A hiking trail around one kilometer long, with an elevation gain of about 100 meters, leads through the gorge. The Ochsenschluchtklamm gorge offers a different kind of experience: a family-friendly, adventurous hike with a natural playground and a campfire grill. The GeiĂźlochklamm thus combines specific trail details with a historic lime kiln, while the Ochsenschluchtklamm offers additional amenities for an outing.
The Drau, Emberger Alm and Leisure
Cyclists can use the Drau Cycle Path in Berg im Drautal, and canoe trips are offered on the Drau. Emberger Alm has a family ski area with ten kilometers of pistes and four lifts. Operating times and conditions vary by season. Guided hikes are also offered from the alpine pasture, where paragliding and hang-gliding take place as well.
The Emberger Alm holiday observatory is available to amateur astronomers who are interested but do not have their own equipment, and it can be rented. Guided tours take place regularly and can be booked on request. Check availability before you travel. For water-based leisure, the Berg im Drautal adventure swimming pool has two swimming pools, including a children's pool with a 38-meter water slide. Other facilities include a splash pool, a large sunbathing lawn, a children's playground and a beach volleyball court.
Local Produce and Autumn Events
The Genussfrühstück (gourmet breakfast) is traditionally held in autumn in the Slow Food Village of Berg; specific dates may vary. The Binter-Hof farm shop sells cheese, bacon, sausages and dairy products. Berg im Drautal’s favorable climate is also ideal for growing wine grapes, sweet chestnuts and almost-forgotten varieties of fruit and grain. These attractions complement the hiking and cultural offerings with regional food and agricultural traditions.
On-Demand Shuttle
Since October 15, 2025, the Postbus Shuttle Oberes Drautal has been operating in Berg im Drautal as an on-demand service for residents and tourists. It can be booked using the Postbus Shuttle app or by calling 0800 80 88 08. Service and booking details may change; check booking options before your trip.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Bad Kleinkirchheim, Söbriach, Obergottesfeld, Radenthein, Döllach, Flattach, Heiligenblut am Großglockner, Pfaffenberg.
Back to the regional travel overview: Spittal an der Drau.
