South of the town of Lienz, Amlach lies at the foot of the Rauchkofel. Forests surround the village; quiet forest paths and riverside coves are part of the landscape in and around Amlach. When planning your trip, it is worth considering three distinct highlights: the circular hike to Tristachersee, the landscape in the village and Amlach’s pilgrimage history. This makes it easy to choose whether to spend your time on the marked route, enjoying nature in the village centre or exploring the history of pilgrimage.
Hiking and Landscape
The nature trail to Tristachersee passes the “Alter See” nature habitat, reaches Tristachersee and runs along its southern shore. The “Tristachersee via the Nature Trail” circular hike starts and ends at Ulrichsbichl in Amlach. It is 7.8 kilometres long, takes about 2.5 hours and is rated moderate. The distance, approximate duration and difficulty rating offer different points of reference for planning your day: route length, time required and the stated level of difficulty.
A small stream flows through Amlach’s central park. The park offers opportunities to relax in nature right in the village. The Dolomitenhütte is located in Amlach at an altitude of 1,616 metres and offers views of the peaks of the Lienz Dolomites. Nature highlights thus range from the stream in the village centre to views of the peaks; forest paths and riverside coves shape the landscape in and around Amlach.
Pilgrimage Sites and History
The Church of St Ottilia in Amlach probably existed before it was first mentioned in a document in 1382. It is associated with a pilgrimage tradition in which St Ottilia, as well as Saints Lucia and Apollonia, were venerated; even then, many pilgrims came here. Amlach was also once a much-visited pilgrimage site for people with eye ailments. Amlach’s pilgrimage history therefore encompasses both the veneration of several saints and its former significance as a destination for those with eye ailments.
The Chapel of St Ulrich stands between the municipal centres of Amlach and Tristach; Ulrichsbichl became a popular pilgrimage site. The first stage of the Hoch und Heilig mountain pilgrimage trail passes the chapel on Ulrichsbichl, continues into the village of Amlach and then on to the Church of St Ottilia. The routes differ: the circular hike starts and ends at Ulrichsbichl, while the first pilgrimage stage passes the chapel and goes through the village to the church.
Galitzen Gorge and Refreshments
At the foot of the Lienz Dolomites, Galitzen Gorge is an adventure park on the Drau Cycle Path. At the confluence of the Galitzenbach stream and the Drau River, visitors will find the entrance to a special nature experience. The Galitzen Gorge snack station is located right on the Drau Cycle Path and at the Galitzen Gorge water adventure park, and serves traditional home-style food. Its location makes it a convenient place to stop for cyclists.
Discover more destinations: Raneburg, Sankt Jakob in Defereggen, Obertilliach, Dölsach, Bruggen, Moos, Innergschlöß, Abfaltersbach.
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