Bad Eisenkappel offers several clear focal points for planning your trip: the panoramic circular hiking trail, trails to the Hochobir, the protected high valley of Vellacher Kotschna, as well as cultural attractions and an annual tradition. When comparing hiking options, different details are available: for the panoramic trail, the circular route and approximate length are given; for the hike through Vellacher Kotschna, the duration and elevation gain are also provided. This lets you decide early whether a particular hike or a cultural event should be the focus of your getaway.
Hiking: Circular Trail, Summit and High Valley
The well-marked panoramic circular hiking trail runs around the town of Bad Eisenkappel and is approximately 14.5 km long. As a circular route, it offers a continuous tour around the town; its approximate length is a useful, specific reference for planning your day.
The Hochobir is 2,139 m high. From the summit, you can see the surrounding mountain, valley, river and lake landscapes in every direction. Nine well-signposted and marked hiking trails lead to the summit from all directions. This gives you different options when choosing a route: a circular hike around the town, or trails that take you to the summit of the Hochobir.
Vellacher Kotschna is a protected high valley with numerous springs and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It was declared the municipality’s second nature reserve. A moderately difficult hike leads through the high valley from the starting point at 1,000 m to the Sanntaler Sattel at 2,000 m. The tour takes three hours and has an elevation gain of 1,000 m. The duration and elevation gain provide different reference points for planning: the time estimate helps you fit the hike into your day, while the elevation gain describes the route’s vertical profile.
Visiting Information for the Caves and Peršmanhof
The Obir Dripstone Caves can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The cave entrance can only be reached by the shuttle bus that runs regularly. If you plan to visit the caves, schedule the guided tour and bus together and check the visitor information in advance.
Peršmanhof can be visited from May to October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 10 am to 5 pm. Outside these opening hours, a visit can be arranged by prior appointment; this option is not available from November to March. Plan according to the month and day of the week, and check the opening hours before your trip.
Culture, Art and Tradition
The Peršmanhof Museum presents the persecution and resistance of Carinthian Slovenes across more than 100 m² of exhibition space, with a particular focus on the crimes committed against the Peršman family. The Vorspann Gallery in Bad Eisenkappel’s main square offers a different perspective: since 2004, it has been a center for contemporary art from the Alpe-Adria region. Together, these offer distinct cultural perspectives: a historical exhibition focus and contemporary art.
Another tradition is Ante Pante, which takes place annually in Bad Eisenkappel on February 1. The procession first goes to the parish church and then to the SchlossbrĂĽcke south of the market square. There, the little church models are taken off their poles and gently set into the Vellachbach stream. If you are traveling for Ante Pante, plan your trip around February 1 and check the details for the specific event.
Discover more travel destinations: Oberseidendorf, Völkermarkt, Feistritz Ob Bleiburg, Sankt Primus, Gallizien, Sankt Michael Ob Bleiburg, Wasserhofen, Koprein Petzen
Return to the main travel overview: Völkermarkt.
