Mallnitz combines clearly named trails with visible traces of earlier transport and cultural history. There is also the BIOS National Park Centre with its themed exhibition and the Tauernbad with its sauna. When planning a stay, you can therefore weigh up tours, history and a focus on wellness rather than centring your trip on a single activity. Mallnitz-Obervellach ICE railway station is right at the entrance to the village.
Trails with different destinations
The starting points and destinations of the trails described here vary considerably. The Seebachtal nature trail runs from the information stand at Lake Stappitz to the Schwussnerhütte. The Rabisch Gorge circular trail runs from the entrance to the Dösental valley via Haus Huber to Lassach. The Häusleralm hut hike starts at the sports ground in Mallnitz and leads via the Dlaskawald forest and Lemperleboden to the Häusleralm. For the Mallnitz Tauern Roman Road, the route is described as starting at the Jamnigalm car park and continuing via Wirtriegel, Laschgwald and Glitschboden to the Tauernkreuz. The Dösental valley block glacier trail runs from the Arthur-von-Schmidhaus to the Mallnitzer Scharte.
The Rabisch Gorge trail is explicitly described as a circular trail; for the other trails mentioned, the focus is on their starting points and destinations. This gives you a practical first way to compare the tours: the key is which starting point and destination suit your planned outing. The routes lead to different named places, from Lassach and the Häusleralm to the Schwussnerhütte, the Tauernkreuz or the Mallnitzer Scharte.
Roman roads and historical traces
The history of transport is evident in several distinct forms. Under Roman rule, roads suitable for wheeled traffic were built across the Korntauern and Mallnitzer Tauern; their remains can still be clearly traced in the landscape today. The historic Roman road across the Hohe Tauern to Böckstein is a separate route: it follows old trade roads, passes Lake Tauernsee and connects natural and cultural landscapes.
Another historical connection is the discovery of a Celtic silver coin at the Mallnitzer Tauern. It is regarded as evidence of the Celts’ presence in Mallnitz. History is thus encountered here both in visible road remains and in archaeological traces. Those interested in more recent architecture will find a different point of reference at the Christkönigkirche Mallnitz: it was built in 1974/75 to the plans of architect DI Kurt Miessler, under Pastor Jakob Santer.
Exhibition and activities at the BIOS
At the BIOS National Park Centre Mallnitz, the “univerzoom nationalpark” exhibition features numerous interactive experience stations. Topics include rockslides, wilderness and a diverse range of wildlife. Interactive guided tours complement a visit to the exhibition; groups must book in advance. Workshops are also offered in the “rangerlabs” research workshops. Advance booking is also required for group workshops. The BIOS therefore focuses both on exhibition topics and guided activities.
Tauernbad and getting there
The Tauernbad Mallnitz offers a different focus: following renovations in autumn 2017, access to the swimming pool and sauna was made barrier-free and is accessible to all guests. This adds a wellness option to the selection of trails and cultural attractions.
First decide which route or experience you want to shape your stay, and include its starting point in your plans. Mallnitz-Obervellach ICE railway station is right at the entrance to the village; check the timetable for your travel dates, as transport information can change seasonally.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Innerfragant, Schüttbach, Lainach, Winkl, Berg Im Drautal, Dellach Im Drautal, Rennweg Am Katschberg, Katschberghöhe.
Return to the main travel overview: Spittal An Der Drau.
