The name Unterburg comes from an older name for Lake Klopein: in the 13th century, the lake was known as St. Georgs-See after the church or castle; the settlement at the foot of Georgiberg was subsequently named Unterburg.
Local history and the cultural trail
St. George’s Church was first mentioned in a document between 1060 and 1070. The beginnings of tourism in Unterburg date back to the late 19th century; three guesthouses are mentioned there in 1894. These dates point to different chapters in the area’s history: an early religious connection and, later, the development of tourism.
The Gracarca cultural trail has six stops covering different periods in regional history. Unlike the specific date associated with St. George’s Church, the trail takes in several historical periods. Clearly visible, wall-like mounds can also be found on the western side of Georgiberg. They date from no earlier than the 15th century and may have served as fortifications against the Turks.
Georgiberg and circular routes
Georgiberg is 624 metres high and lies southeast of Lake Klopein. The Georgiberg Tour starts at the distinctive bend in Georgibergstraße south of Unterburg and leads to the small church on Georgiberg, with its wishing bell. As trail conditions can change, check them locally before setting out.
A regional route brochure from 2007 describes two circular routes. The 4.94-kilometre loop starts at the lido in Unterburg, follows the Gracarca forest road to Grabelsdorf and the Daniel Chapel, then returns to Unterburg. The 10.5-kilometre loop starts on the South Promenade in Unterburg, leads to Kitzelberg and Unternarrach, then continues to Grabelsdorf-Süd and returns to Unterburg via the forest road.
The routes are easy to distinguish by length and course: the shorter loop starts at the lido, while the longer one starts on the South Promenade; the listed intermediate destinations also differ. This lets you choose the route description whose length and sequence of places best suit your plans. Check local trail conditions before setting out on these routes as well.
Getting around and local highlights
The 2026 regional timetable lists public transport stops in Unterburg, on Ostuferstraße and on the South Promenade. Before travelling, check the timetable valid for your travel dates.
The Carinthian Bathhouse on Lake Klopein is located at Ostuferstraße 22 in Unterburg. Its facilities include a lake sauna, snow sauna, brine steam bath, infrared sauna and heated outdoor infinity pool. Alongside the cultural and historical highlights and circular routes, it offers a specific wellness option.
Discover more destinations: Bad Eisenkappel, Steinerberg, Bleiburg, Neuhaus, Wölfnitz, Koprein Petzen, Eberndorf, Gallizien.
Return to the regional travel overview: Völkermarkt.
