Groppenstein Gorge and Obervellach’s historic buildings offer different ways to explore the area. Obervellach is located in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park. When looking for a hotel, you can consider whether you want to focus your stay on the gorge and outdoor activities, history or food culture.

Exploring the Gorge and Hiking Trails

The trail through Groppenstein Gorge is 2.5 kilometres long. Walkways and bridges run alongside rapids and waterfalls with drops of up to 30 metres. The gorge offers a specific point of reference for anyone looking to combine their stay with a hike.

The starting point is in Raufen on the B106, where parking is available. The Groppenstein Gorge–Rabisch Gorge hike takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours and is steep in places.

The Alpe-Adria Trail also passes through the municipalities of Obervellach and Reißeck. Stages 7, 8 and 9 are part of this route. So, in addition to the specific hike between Groppenstein and Rabisch gorges, there are other named stages associated with hiking in Obervellach and the neighbouring municipality of Reißeck.

Market Square, Art and Castle History

Obervellach’s historic market square lies in the town centre and is surrounded by historic buildings. The Glocknerradweg R8 cycle route passes directly through the historic main square, which dates back to the heyday of gold mining. Two aspects are therefore part of the town’s history: the square as a historic place and its role along the cycle route.

A triptych by Jan van Scorel is incorporated into a Baroque altar in St. Martin’s Parish Church. This places the artwork in a specific architectural context: it is part of the altar, not simply a painting exhibited independently of it.

Trabuschgen Castle also tells the story of several building phases. The Counts of Khuenburg built the oldest part during the 15th-century heyday of metal mining. At the end of the 16th century, Adam Stampfer bought the castle and converted it into a representative Baroque family residence with a magnificent façade. Trabuschgen Castle is privately owned. The sequence of events distinguishes the older section from the later renovations; both are part of the castle’s history.

Outdoor Activities, Schroth Cure and Food Culture

Motorikpark® Mölltal has around 30 stations. They are available year-round for training coordination, motor skills and the mind, and use is free of charge. Alongside hiking, this offers another way to make physical activity a focus of your stay, without choosing a route with a set hiking time.

People have been able to take the so-called Schroth cure in Obervellach for almost 200 years. It includes healthy eating, massages and steam wraps. The combination of these elements makes the Schroth cure a distinct focus alongside hiking and cultural attractions.

As a Slow Food Village, Obervellach champions local food and a healthy, high-quality food culture. This adds a culinary perspective to the area’s history and architecture: local food and its associated food culture form a distinct part of the area’s profile. When looking for accommodation in Obervellach, you can use these different interests to guide your choice.

Discover more destinations: Penk, Emberg, Bad Kleinkirchheim, Lieserbrücke, Kleblach Lind, Teuchl, Dellach Im Drautal, Stall

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