Discover Rattendorf: Water Adventure Trail, Heidenmauer and Hochwipfel

Rattendorf combines traces of history, a varied circular trail and distinctive mountain destinations. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can consider the village as a starting point for a range of day-trip ideas: On the Water Adventure Trail, nature and history come together, while the parish church adds a cultural touch. For a mountain tour, the view leads up to Hochwipfel at 2,195 m.

Water Adventure Trail and traces of the past

The nature trail and the Rattendorf Water Adventure Trail are laid out as an approximately 4.5 km circular route. The Water Adventure Trail partly follows the protective embankment around the village of Rattendorf. This allows you to plan an excursion clearly as a circular walk, without having to limit yourself to a simple out-and-back route. Take the stated length into account when planning your day and choose accommodation that suits this way of exploring during your holiday.

Visible remains of an old Roman fortification, known as the “Heidenmauer”, can be seen along the Water Adventure Trail. In addition to the water experience, this gives the trail a historical focus. In the immediate area around the destination, the Heidenmauer or Hadnmauer, up to 1.5 m wide, crosses the Gail Valley west of Rattendorf and extends in a straight line as far as Jenig. Those interested in history can therefore combine their stay with a closer look at this named structure and its extent.

Parish church with Late Gothic details

The Rattendorf parish church also forms part of the village’s cultural character. It is a Late Gothic church dating from the beginning of the 16th century. The chancel is particularly defined by a star-ribbed vault made of interlacing ribs above wall piers with twisted columns. Such architectural details make the church a worthwhile subject for anyone who wants to discover not only the landscape but also the region’s architectural history while travelling.

This creates a varied day in Rattendorf: A circular trail leads to traces of water and history, while the parish church provides an architectural contrast. When looking for accommodation, you can consider whether you would prefer to combine brief cultural discoveries with a manageable circular trail or focus on a mountain tour.

Hochwipfel and Rattendorfer Alm

Hochwipfel rises west of the Rattendorfer Alm to 2,195 m. For the Hochwipfel hike, a descent via the Rattendorfer Riegelalm is also possible as part of a circular route. This information provides a concrete choice for tour planning: You can consider the mountain as a hiking destination in its own right while also including the option of a circular route via the Riegelalm. Details about the route and the level of difficulty suitable for you should be checked against your own plans and current information.

The Rattendorfer Alm lies at an altitude of 1,535 m and adds a local insight to the mountain theme. A visit to the cheese dairy and stable is possible by prior arrangement. Visitors to the alp are treated to homemade products and local specialities. For travellers who want to combine accommodation in Rattendorf with regional impressions, this stay at the alp offers a different perspective from the circular trail around the village or exploring the parish church.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Rattendorf can be reached by train from Villach to Hermagor and then by bus from Hermagor. You can take this connection into account when planning your trip. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, what matters most is therefore which excursions you want to focus on: the Water Adventure Trail with the Heidenmauer, the Late Gothic parish church, the Rattendorfer Alm or the Hochwipfel hike. This way, your accommodation search is guided by your desired mix of holiday activities rather than just by the name of the village.

Other places to consider

If you would like to compare other places for your accommodation search in addition to Rattendorf, the directory includes Schlanitzen, Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, Liesch, Kirchbach, Maria Luggau, Görtschach, Jenig and Dellach. Rattendorf itself is particularly interesting if you want to combine nature experiences, regional history and a mountain perspective in one trip.

To the higher-level travel overview: Hermagor.