Dobratsch: Jägersteig

Two paths lead from the Rosstratte car park (also accessible by bus) to the Dobratsch: the normal forest path and the Jägersteig. The latter is the much more beautiful path, but you should not be afraid of heights because of some exposed areas.

Info: the driveway to the car park cost €20.50 for one vehicle in summer 2023.

Holiday tour number 6 On the Dobratsch The starting point of the hike is the last parking lot on the Villach Alpine Road. Driving on it costs 19 euros by car. https://www.villacher-alpenstrasse.at If you come early, you should stop at a few parking spaces on the street. We were running late again and so we went up without stopping. After the first steep ascent, you have to decide whether to take the easy, slightly longer, easy path or the shorter, difficult path to the summit. We went the short one, the Jägersteig. I would like to point out right away that if there is an alpine trail, flip-flops or sandals are not the right footwear, you should be in good physical shape for this. A head for heights and surefootedness are simply required. The path is narrow and in some places right on the precipice. There are also some passages where you climb rather than walk. But it is worth overcoming the approximately 450 meters in altitude. It's just a good feeling when you've made it to the summit. Below the summit there is a hut where you can eat huge schnitzels. So the stop has to be. From the summit at 2167 meters you are expected to have a fantastic view that you can hardly get enough of. The way down to the parking lot via the supply road, on the other hand, is almost a little boring. Even if you have a great view of Villach and the lakes of Carinthia from here. The path is very coarse gravel and in some places also loose scree, so you should always be careful when walking. On a hot day, we had 32 degrees in the valley, a great way to compensate for lazing around the pool. At the parking lot, the car shows 21 degrees. Even if there are some who want to climb the mountain by bike, it is forbidden from parking lot 11 and is also punished, as we learned in the hotel.

A clear round with a moderate incline and altitude difference. The nicer path is definitely the Jägersteig, in the morning it is still shady and cool. Pleasant on hot summer days 😎. The way back is gravel and not really pleasant to go down (the Jägersteig down is not easy either). Fast friendly service in the summit restaurant and dogs are also well looked after. A great view from the top. By the way, you could take the bus up (down) to the Rosstratte from Villach, free with a guest card 😎.

The climb is not without its challenges; there are 2 to 4 crossings that you have to master carefully. It's better to go slowly and get to the destination. The view is really great; how beautiful must it be without a sea of fog.

Hike Dobratsch via Jägersteig. Some of the first snow is already lying. Some passages on the Jägersteig were washed out. Good shoes and sure-footedness are required. It is an advantage to have gloves, a hood or a headband with you.

This morning, clouds lingered on the highest mountain peaks. Since the sun was still shining, we drove up the Villach Alpine Road. With every meter of elevation, the cloud and fog soup became increasingly dense. We arrived at parking lot 11, where visibility was virtually zero in places, but the fog cleared every now and then. So we quickly slipped on our hiking boots and off we went. First, an interesting geo-educational trail lined the pleasant path. Then it was a steep climb. At the first intersection, the "Gams- und Gipfelblick" viewing platform opened up – although the surrounding mountains were still out of sight, we did spot two chamois. Contrary to our plan, we then took the Jägersteig trail, which, although rooty, rocky, and partially exposed, was still a great hike. Here, too, several chamois🥰 crossed our narrow path - it's incredible how steep and slippery the animals are able to take... As the path climbed steeply uphill again, the cooling fog dissipated, and the sun🌞 warmed us up again. Reaching the ⛰️summit (2167 m), we first visited the miners' church "Maria am Stein" (Europe's highest pilgrimage church), the miners' cross, and the Church of the Assumption of Mary (Windisch Chapel). After a short rest, we descended again via the wide panoramic path (the view is certainly great in good weather, but we preferred the hunters' trail). As soon as we reached the parking lot, dark clouds🌫️ began to drift over the mountain, making strange noises and light effects... Vaum

So, on our first day at Lake Ossiach, we went on a hike. We drove up the Villach Alpine Road. From there, we walked to the Dorbatsch summit cross and stopped at the summit house for an apple strudel. We hiked the Alpine route, which was really challenging. I highly recommend it.