Discover Alt-Ossiach: Moorland, Nature Experiences and Cycle Paths

Alt-Ossiach combines the landscape at the eastern end of Lake Ossiach with a diverse network of paths. The Bleistätter Moor is at its centre: protected habitats, birdwatching and varied tours come together here. Those planning a trip with nature experiences, walks or days of cycling will find Alt-Ossiach a practical starting point for a range of holiday ideas.

The Bleistätter Moor as the defining landscape

The Bleistätter Moor in Alt-Ossiach lies at the eastern end of Lake Ossiach. The Tiebel Estuary–Bleistätter Moor European Protected Area was flooded in 2017 as part of a major renaturation project. One viewpoint in this landscape is the Ossiach Moor Tower, an observation tower in the Bleistätter Moor in Alt-Ossiach. This means that the moorland landscape can be experienced not only from the paths but also from an elevated perspective.

A special way to get to know this natural area is the birdwatching nature experience guided tour through the Bleistätter Moor. It provides information about the renaturation project and introduces visitors to the various habitats as well as the animal and plant life of the Tiebel Estuary/Bleistätter Moor European Protected Area. Particular emphasis is placed on the species-rich birdlife. This tour is a good option for planning your day if you would like to combine nature observation with an informative introduction.

Hiking trails for different holiday days

The Lake Ossiach Trail follows the embankment path through the Bleistätter Moor Nature Reserve to Alt-Ossiach. The forest promenade on the Lake Ossiach Trail also leads to the Gorge Trail, which is part of the Alpe-Adria Trail. These different sections of trail offer various perspectives on the moorland, forest and Gorge Trail, without requiring you to limit your trip to a single tour.

A less demanding option is Variant A of the Bleistätter Moor Slow Trail. It runs as an easy circular tour through the species-rich Tiebel Estuary nature, landscape and European protected area. Variant B of the Slow Trail, by contrast, connects the Domenig Steinhaus with Ossiach Abbey. For families with different interests, this contrast can be helpful when planning the day: one circular tour returns to the starting point, while the second variant connects two named destinations.

The Ossiach Tauern Tour No. 12 also provides clear orientation. From the village centre, it follows the cycle path towards Alt-Ossiach as far as the primary school, where it turns onto Ossiach Tauern Road. Stage 20 of the Alpe-Adria Trail leads from the historic Ossiach Abbey back towards Alt-Ossiach and then via the Ossiach Gorge Trail to Tauern Pond.

Cycling between several villages

For a cycling trip, the Lake Ossiach Cycle Path – R2 and R2A passes through Heiligen Gestade, Ostriach, Ossiach and Alt-Ossiach. The cycle path is also suitable for beginners and can therefore be included when planning holiday days of varying levels of difficulty. The Toghy Trail T02 complements this offering as a moderately difficult shared-use path. It can be used both for cycling and hiking; hikers have priority.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can therefore first decide what kind of days you prefer: birdwatching and moorland paths, an easy circular tour, a connection between culturally significant destinations or cycling tours through several villages. Alt-Ossiach is particularly suitable if the Lake Ossiach Cycle Path, the Bleistätter Moor or the route towards the Ossiach Gorge Trail are part of your travel plans.

Other places for orientation

For further searches within this offering, you can also view Glanegg, Poitschach, Stiegl, Simonhöhe, Retschitz, Hochrindl, Briefelsdorf and Hinterkoflach.

For the higher-level travel overview: Feldkirchen.