Vacation apartment including Kärnten Card (Summer 2026)

The Kirchleitn holiday resort is quietly located in the UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Park, surrounded by alpine meadows and fragrant stone pine and larch forests.

From here, you can easily reach the region’s highlights by car, yet still relax away from the hustle and bustle, right in the mountains.

The valley station of the Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach is also easily accessible on foot from the Slow Travel Resort.

Each holiday apartment features a tiled stove, a fully equipped kitchen, and enough space for the whole family.

The car-free holiday village with its own sauna, natural swimming pond, and various outdoor play areas and an indoor playroom offers plenty of variety and entertainment for all ages.

Within walking distance of the holiday apartment is the modern Brunnach gondola lift, which comfortably takes you up to almost 2,000 meters above sea level.

Directly at the mountain station is the Brunnach Activity Park with water and play stations. Children can balance, experiment with water, and playfully discover nature. Easier circular trails run around the activity park, which are well suited for families with strollers, child carriers, or dogs.

From Brunnach, peaks such as the Mallnock, Rote Burg, or Kolmnock are easy to hike. The Rosennock is also accessible for experienced hikers. The paths lead across wide alpine pastures and through stone pine forests with moderate ascents and well-marked routes.

In summer, alpine cattle graze here, so please pay attention to the signs regarding proper behavior on the alpine pasture.

For a regional Brettljause snack, you’ll find one or two alpine huts along the paths.

The Kaiserburgbahn takes you from Bad Kleinkirchheim up to over 2,000 meters above sea level.

From the top, you can see far across the Nockberge. On clear days, the view extends to the Großglockner. Several hiking trails start directly at the mountain station, from leisurely circular routes to more challenging summit tours, such as to the Wöllaner Nock. You will encounter alpine cattle mainly in the summer months.

After a tour, a Kaiserschmarrn or a portion of Carinthian Kasnudeln tastes especially good.

The popular Flow Country Trail for mountain bikers also starts directly at the mountain station. The gravel-fixed track is about 15 kilometers long and winds downhill into the valley. It is considered one of the longest flow trails in Europe and is not extremely difficult technically, but requires good basic fitness.

Before ascending, check the weather conditions on the mountain, as operations may be suspended in strong winds.

The 34-kilometer Nockalmstraße winds through the Nockberge Biosphere Park.

Along the route, there are always parking opportunities from which you can start short or longer hikes across the alpine pastures.

A popular stop is Windebensee, a high moor at about 1,950 meters above sea level. The circular path around the lake is easy to walk and offers insights into the unique moor landscape of the Nockberge. (My husky loves stopping at this lake.)

Along the Nockalmstraße, there are several inns for refreshments, serving typical Carinthian dishes such as Kasnudeln, Brettljause, or Kaiserschmarrn.

In the summer months, grazing cattle may cross the road. Therefore, drive attentively.

Before ascending, check the current weather conditions, as visibility and road conditions in the high mountains can change rapidly.

Directly on the Nockalmstraße is the Reptile Zoo with over 1,000 exotic animals such as snakes, lizards, and crocodiles.

Lake Millstatt is one of Carinthia’s most popular bathing lakes.

You can choose between several landing stages and explore the lake from the water. The undeveloped southern shore with its wooded slopes is particularly worth seeing.

On calm days, the surrounding mountains are reflected in the water, while the ship leisurely travels from one place to another.

In summer, the water reaches pleasant temperatures. Many lidos and free lake access points invite you to swim. If you wish, you can get off along the way, walk a bit along the shore, or stop at one of the towns on the lake and continue your journey later.

Landskron Castle Ruin towers above Lake Ossiach and offers a wide view over the Villach region.

The path leads through the historic defensive complex up to the castle grounds. Once at the top, you gain insights into the fortress’s history, see exhibitions with historical weapons, and learn more about life in a medieval castle.

The Eagle Arena is located within the castle ruin.

During the approximately 45-minute demonstration, you will experience eagles, falcons, and other birds of prey in free flight.

The birds start above the visitors’ heads and return to their falconers. The stands are outdoors, so you should consider sun protection or weather-appropriate clothing.

A little below the Landskron ruin lies the Monkey Mountain.

Together with a guide, you walk through the spacious outdoor enclosure of around 180 Japanese macaques. The animals move freely in the area. (You are warned that the monkeys are quite fond of taking things that are not carefully stowed away.)

During the tour, you will receive information about the social behavior and way of life of the monkeys.

Just a few minutes from Landskron, the Kanzelbahn takes you from Annenheim up to the Kanzelhöhe.

The Kanzelhöhe is a starting point for various hikes through alpine and forest landscapes.

If you don’t want to miss a breathtaking panorama over Lake Ossiach and the surrounding mountains, continue towards the summit with the open 4-seater chairlift or tackle the ascent on foot via marked paths.

The wooden Pyramidenkogel observation tower offers an impressive 360-degree panoramic view over the Carinthian lake landscape.

You can reach the uppermost observation platform at a height of almost 71 meters by panoramic lift or via 441 steps. From there, the view extends far over Lake Wörthersee, the Karawanken mountains, and even to the Nockberge.

For brave visitors, the tunnel slide inside offers a quick way back down, but this must be paid for separately on site.

Hochosterwitz Castle sits on a 160-meter-high rock cone and is one of Carinthia’s most impressive landmarks.

You can either climb the castle on foot through the 14 historic castle gates or comfortably ride up with the Fürst Max Bahn. (Lift use is not included in the admission price and must be paid for separately.)

The ascent through the gates is an exciting experience for children and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Once at the top, you can expect to see the impressive armory, a historical weapon collection, and a collection of paintings from the Renaissance.

The castle also offers an extensive cultural program with concerts and festivals.

The Großglockner High Alpine Road is one of Europe’s most famous high mountain roads and connects the Salzburg region with Carinthia. It runs for about 48 kilometers through the Hohe Tauern National Park and past Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner (3,798 m).

At several viewpoints and parking lots, you can stop, take in the mountain scenery, or go hiking. Particularly popular are the viewpoints with views of the Großglockner and the Pasterze glacier.

With a bit of luck, you might spot ibex, marmots, or chamois along the route. Please keep a sufficient distance and refrain from feeding the animals, even if they seem tame.

Along the road, there are information boards, smaller exhibitions, and thematic areas on alpine flora and fauna.