Discover Kirchbach between the Alps, trails and culinary delights

Kirchbach lies between the Gailtal Alps and the Carnic Alps, combining experiences of nature with regional history and culinary traditions. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Kirchbach can plan their stay around their own travel preferences: circular hikes and historic trails are available, as are a visit to the outdoor pool, an excursion to a church or an exploration of Gailtal cheese culture.

Hiking trails between the Gail and the Alps

Kirchbach offers several different route ideas for active days. The Treßdorf–Kirchbach Mill Trail connects Kirchbach and Treßdorf as a circular hike and continues through Treßdorf to the Treßdorf water mill. The historic Henneberg Trail runs through the municipal areas of Kirchbach and Dellach. Another option is the circular WY_N10 Kirchbach–Stranig–Treßdorf–Kirchbach route through the municipality of Kirchbach.

Those who prefer a route with as few ascents as possible will find an approximately 10-kilometre connection along the Gail River from the Gundersheim Gail Bridge to the Waidegg Gail Bridge. It runs without any significant inclines. In winter, there are opportunities for cross-country skiing in Kirchbach and the surrounding area. This makes it possible to take different travel preferences into account when choosing accommodation, without having to limit yourself to just one type of excursion.

Outdoor pool, special views and regional experiences

The solar-heated Kirchbach outdoor pool has a beach volleyball court, a playground and a large sunbathing lawn. Anyone wishing to combine exercise and time outdoors during a day of their holiday can include these facilities in their personal plans. Another unusual option is a flight that takes off from Stöfflerberg at an elevation of 1,150 metres and lands in Kirchbach opposite the outdoor pool at an elevation of 642 metres.

Regional cuisine is also part of the character of the town. Alpine dairy farming has a long tradition in Kirchbach, and Gailtal Alpine cheese is produced according to old recipes at numerous alpine pastures. The 30-kilometre cross-border Cheese Trail in the Carnic Alps can be travelled on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. In Waidegg, the Nassfeldgolf complex has an 18-hole course and an adjoining 6-hole practice course.

Discover Kirchbach’s history

Kirchbach Parish Church was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1768/69 and dates back to a late Gothic predecessor. At the western end of Kirchbach lies Thurn am Tabor Castle, first documented in 1364. The branch church of St Helena on Wieserberg, a Romanesque hall church with a late Gothic tower, is also located in the surrounding area. It can be reached via several hiking trails. On 10 September 2024, a visit was only possible to a very limited extent because of restoration work on the frescoes; those interested were advised to contact Grafendorf Parish in good time.

The MaroschHof in Treßdorf offers further insights into the region’s past; its succession of ownership can be traced back 600 years. A regular highlight in the annual calendar is the Apple Festival in Kirchbach, held on the first Sunday in October every year.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which experiences should define your holiday. For hiking, the circular routes described above, the Henneberg Trail and the route along the Gail provide useful points of reference. Those who prefer culture and regional history can include the parish church, Thurn am Tabor Castle and the area around St Helena on Wieserberg in their plans. For a holiday focused on culinary enjoyment, alpine dairy farming, Gailtal Alpine cheese and the Cheese Trail take centre stage. When making your specific choice, check the accommodation’s location and how well it fits with your personal daily itinerary.

You can also discover other places in the same area: Dellach, Schlanitzen, Sankt Stefan An Der Gail, Kötschach-Mauthen, Podlanig Im Lesachtal, Gitschtal, Vorderberg and Sankt Lorenzen Im Lesachtal.

To the higher-level travel overview: Hermagor.