Summer vacation and activities on the Katschberg
- Summer holiday
- Summer Activities
- Excursions
- Summer Impressions
Summer Holiday on the KATSCHBERG
IN KÄRNTEN THE SUN RAYS VERY CLOSE
The Penthouse is centrally located in the Katschberg holiday village at an altitude of 1,650 m. Nestling between the magnificent Salzburg Tauern Alps in the north and the gentle mountains of the Carinthian Nock region in the south, our penthouse offers guests varied, exciting surroundings to explore. A summer holiday on the sunny side of the Alps, breathing in the pristine mountain air – sheer bliss!
We will provide you with information on activities, excursions, sightseeing, children’s programmes and hiking maps when you check in.
Summer impressions
HIKING
Katschberg boasts a network of signposted trails suitable for parents with children, as well as for experienced hikers and mountain climbers, making it the ideal starting point for hikes with the whole family. These trails either begin right on our doorstep or are just a short drive away. Refreshing streams, small mountain lakes, picturesque meadows, rustic mountain cabins, the cheerful chirping of birds and the sound of cowbells – all these things together make every hike an enjoyable and memorable experience.
AINECK CHAIRLIFT and KATSCHI’S GPS TREASURE HUNT
treasure chests hidden along the way. After taking the chairlift up the mountain, you will set out on this modern scavenger hunt at the Aineck mountain station and then progress from one treasure chest to the next. You will enjoy the stunning scenery while following the trail back down to the Aineck valley station.
At an altitude of 2,220m, the Aineck mountain station also offers a spectacular panorama view of the surrounding mountains and is the starting point for some wonderful hiking trails.
Katschi´s Goldfahrt
Katschi’s Goldfahrt is a summer toboggan run that offers outdoor fun, action and adventure for the whole family. The toboggan run is designed to provide insight into the history of gold-mining at Katschberg. The “mining car” – the toboggan – drives through the gold digger’s house, takes a winding path through the woods and dark tunnels until it reaches the glittering mountain interior and the gold-panning area.
HORSE-RIDING CENTRE, PONY PASTURE AND PRITZHÜTTE
The Neuschitzer family’s horse-riding centre and stable is close by our penthouse. Horse lovers can go for a ride in the fresh mountain air, take horse-riding lessons or book a pony ride for the kids. And a horse-drawn carriage ride to the pony pasture next to the Pritzhütte in the Gontal valley is one of the highlights of the Katschberg experience. The Pritzhütte is also an attractive destination for hikers and easily accessible with a pram.
Adventurepark
The adventure park is a high ropes course with 200 stations. It is not only the largest but also the “coolest” high ropes course in all of Carinthia. Prove your skill and, above you’re your fearlessness as you move through the treetops of Katschberg forest! It takes a lot of focus and motor coordination to advance from one platform to the next across wooden elements and ropes. The reward is fun and a sense of achievement at the end of a course – for adults and children!
MOUNTAIN BIKING
With 200 km of approved forest roads and trails at their fingertips, mountain bikers are spoilt for choice at Katschberg. You can rent a modern bike right at Katschberghöhe and enjoy the trails around Katschberg, while admiring the splendid backdrop of the Hohe Tauern national park and the Nock mountains.
Golf
Just 6 km away from Katschberg, at an altitude of 1,050 m, you will find the Lungau Golf Club. This 18-hole golf course is located in the Mur valley, surrounded by the spectacular mountains of the Lungau region, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and challenging in the country. The flat fairways with natural obstacles are a delight for golf lovers.
Tennis
Our penthouse guests have free access to a tennis court laid with synthetic turf with a quartz infill. On top of that, the Katschberg sportsground is just around the corner. Stay in shape with tennis or football, or play a fun game of volleyball with your family. Balls and other equipment such as tennis rackets are available free of charge for our guests.
PLAYGROUND
Katschhausen is a very special kind of playground just a few minutes’ walk from our penthouse. Papa, Mama, Uncle Katschling, Katschlinchen and Katschling Jr. are the main characters in this magical story where children learn about things like rainbows and other natural phenomena. And there are other attractions like a petting zoo, see-saws, slides, a water world, a painting workshop and much more. This is an unforgettable experience for the little ones.
SWIMMING AND WELLNESS
If you drive down the Carinthian side to Rennweg (about 6 km), you will find a wonderful outdoor swimming pool. And in the Lungau region of Salzburg, there are outdoor pools in St. Michael, Mauterndorf and Mariapfarr (all between 6 km and 15 km away) as well as the Badeinsel waterpark with both indoor and outdoor pools in Tamsweg (21 km). The closest lake is Lake Millstatt, which is a half hour away by car.
If you’d like to treat yourself to a spa day, you can use the wellness area in the Hotel Cristallo at Katschberg (€ 30; please book in advance). The Wellnesshotel Eggerwirt in St. Michael also offers a wide range of spa and wellness treatments, which you can book the evening before (please check their website for prices: www.eggerwirt.at).
RAINY-DAY ACTIVITIES
If it happens to be rainy and outdoor activities are out of the question, there are plenty of other options. You could take a tour of one of the nearby castles and fortresses, for instance. Schloss Moosham is the third-largest castle in the Province of Salzburg, and the interactive museum in Mauterndorf Castle appeals to both young and old!
TSCHU-TSCHU-BAHN TRAIN
A ride on the Tschu-Tschu-Bahn train in the Pöllatal nature reserve not only takes you through the breathtaking scenery of the valley, but is also a way of resting your legs after a long hike. In this way, you can admire charming, vibrant villages as well as one of Carinthia’s most beautiful nature conservation areas from the comfort of the Tschu-Tschu-Bahn.
Maltatal
The many waterfalls located along the Malta High Alpine Road are the reason the Malta valley is also called the “valley of the falling water”. The “Malteiner Wasserspiele” are particularly magnificent. Here the water rushes down over several rocky tiers until it finally lands in the gorgeous “Blaue Tümpfe”.
Austria’s highest dam wall is located at an altitude of 1,933m. The “Airwalk” at the Kölnbreinsperre dam is a glass platform that allows you to look down past your feet for about 200m.
LAKE MILLSTATT
The 12 km-long Lake Millstatt is one of Carinthia’s warmest bathing lakes and there are lakefront lidos in Seeboden, Millstatt and Döbrich. You can also go for a hike along its shores and add a cultural component by visiting Millstatt Abbey and the abbey church on the sunny north shore. Or you could rent a boat or go on one of the lake cruises offered by Millstätter See Schifffahrt.
The Granatium, located in the centre of Radenthein near Lake Millstatt, is an extraordinary experience that focuses on the garnet, a gemstone that represents love and passion. Visitors can explore the mysterious, dimly lit garnet mine, see unusual garnet shapes and forms, and even try their hand at prising garnets out of the rock. An unforgettable experience for young and old alike!
Gmünd
The small medieval town of Gmünd has earned itself a reputation as a “town of artists”. For 20 years it has been placing emphasis on arts and crafts, with exhibitions, museums, galleries, international guest workshops, handicraft workshops, artist workshops and sculpture gardens that offer visitors art and culture whichever way they turn. Art lovers of all ages will enjoy the creative atmosphere in the historic streets and buildings of Gmünd.
Gmünd also has a special surprise in store for car lovers: Europe’s only private Porsche museum with more than 40 exhibits. The world’s first Porsches were built in Gmünd between 1944 and 1950.
NOCKALM ROAD
The 35km Nockalm Road is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and diverse Alpine experiences for motorists or motorcyclists.
With its 52 curves and bends, this scenic road gently winds up and down between the so-called “Nock’n”. It wonderfully showcases the great variety of the Carinthian countryside – from the largest stone pine forest of the eastern Alps to the round, green summits of the Nockberge and expansive mountain pastures.
MUR VALLEY TRAIN
“All aboard!” Allow this nostalgic train to take you back in time. Forget about speed and enjoy the scenery with a leisurely train ride. The locomotive, huffing and puffing along the narrow-gauge tracks, and the imperial-style carriages provide a fun experience for all age groups.
The Mur Valley Train also has a special offer with the potential to fulfil the classic boyhood dream of many a grown man: of once being allowed to press the buttons, operate the valves and blow the horn themselves and drive the locomotive. Under the watchful eye of an experienced train driver, of course.
RIEDING VALLEY
The Rieding Valley Nature Reserve is a treasure in the Zederhaus Valley and a wonderful destination for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. A number of lakes of various sizes are located in this conservation area. You do need to be quite sure-footed to reach some of the stunning mountain peaks such as the Mosermandl and the Faulkogel, but the reward is a spectacular view as far as the Grossglockner.
The flora of the Rieding Valley is extremely diverse, and you will discover typical Alpine plants such as gentian, alpenrose and Alpine avens as well as forest raspberries. Several restaurants serve regional specialities, most of which are produced by the owners themselves.
LAKE PREBER
In a conservation area at an altitude of 1,514 m above sea level lies the mysterious Lake Preber. The dark colour of the water’s surface is caused by suspended sediments. Certain parts of the lake are suitable for bathing, and the moor water has healing properties.
The circular trail around Lake Preber is highly recommended. This 45-minute educational trail provides information about the upland and lowland moor and the region’s flora and fauna. At the end of your hike you can fortify yourself in the newly renovated Ludlalm restaurant.
WEISSPRIACH VALLEY
The crystal-clear water of the Lonka River flows through the picturesque Weisspriach Valley in the Lungau region of Salzburg and is a paradise for holiday-makers and locals alike. The mountain stream is completely unspoiled and meanders through the untouched nature of the conservation area for several kilometres.
Together with the pristine Lake Wirpitsch, the Lonka River has been voted one of the most beautiful spots in all of Austria.