Paternion brings together nature and cycling along the Drau with a rich history of architecture and art. The Drau Cycle Path passes through an unspoilt floodplain in the municipality, while the area’s cultural heritage ranges from a Roman fortress to a Renaissance house with biblical imagery. This means visitors can choose between different interests: spending time by the river and on the cycle route, or taking a closer look at local architecture and art.

The Drau, the cycle path and seasonal activities

The Drau Cycle Path runs through the floodplain in the municipality of Paternion. The Lansach–Feffernitz Drau ferry has a special connection to the route: the market towns of Paternion and Weißenstein rebuilt it as part of a tourism project on the Drau Cycle Path R1 and connected it to the regional cycle route. They also revived a centuries-old tradition. Depending on the weather, the ferry operates during the summer months, often until September. If you plan to cross the river, check in advance whether the ferry will be running on the day of your visit.

Visitors with an angling guest card can fish along approximately 10 km of the Drau. The outdoor swimming pool in Paternion operates during the summer months, with opening hours covering the period from May to September. These activities have different requirements: you need an angling guest card to fish, while the pool’s seasonal opening hours are important when planning a visit. Check these details in advance if you are arranging your stay around them.

Architectural heritage and history

The Romans built a fortress on Dueler Hill around 400 AD. The foundations of an early Christian pillar basilica can still be seen there. Paternion Parish Church also reflects different periods of construction: it was built in the Gothic style around 1350 and extended in the Baroque style in 1765. The church is dedicated to Saint Paternianus. It also contains Roman gravestones and a votive altar to Mithras, the Persian god of light.

The Plazottahaus is a two-storey Renaissance building. During renovation work in 1989, a sgraffito frieze dated 1585 was uncovered on its main façade. It depicts scenes from the Old and New Testaments in an imagery influenced by the Reformation. The house therefore offers not only an example of Renaissance architecture, but also a tangible insight into religious imagery. The Plazottahaus townhouse is protected as a historic monument under a decision pursuant to Section 3.

Another striking feature is the white marble market fountain, created by Franz Ehrenhöfer. Anna Plazotta donated it to the market square. A stone fairy holding a bunch of keys sits atop one of the fountain’s small, crenellated towers. Paternion Castle is also a protected historic building.

Art in different forms

In Feffernitz, Haus Grünspan is housed in a former stable building and serves as an exhibition space for contemporary art. Another artistic highlight is the Himmelstreppe in Pöllan: the 21-step artwork is located near the village of Feistritz an der Drau and appears to lead into empty space. Together with the market fountain, it shows the different forms art can take in Paternion: a fountain figure in the townscape or an independent artwork with an unusual form.

For the main travel overview: Villach.