7. The Villach Alpine Road and the Dobratsch
The best way to see the Villacher Alpes up close is via the Villach Alpine Road. This spectacular 17-kilometer toll road winds its way from Villach high up to the 2,166-meter Dobratsch, the region’s highest peak and a popular natural park and tourist attraction. Along with the dramatic panoramic views of Villach, the road leads to the 1,732-meter Rosstratte, with its views from the Julian Alps all the way to the Karawanken mountains and the Carinthian lake plateau.
From here, a number of excellent hiking trails of various lengths spread out across the landscape. A highlight for kids is the mountaintop adventure playground with its fun observation towers, tunnels, climbing area, and slides. Chairlifts are available to take walkers farther up the Dobratsch. From here, an hour or two climb (depending on how often you stop to admire the views) will take you to the summit, where you can visit the two small pilgrimage churches located here.
Address: Villacher Alpenstraße 11, 9500 Villach, Austria
8. Unwind in Warmbad Villach: Kärnten Therme
Just three kilometers from Villach, on the old town’s southern outskirts, lies the famous spa of Warmbad Villach. Sitting at an elevation of 501 meters, the spa’s warm mineral springs are noted for their treatment of rheumatism, circulatory disorders, and nervous diseases.
The newest and most luxurious of Warmbad’s spas is the Kärnten Therme spa, a stunning state-of-the-art facility that includes a large thermal swimming pool with a treatment complex, an open-air pool with a sauna, a fun pool with numerous leisure facilities and slides, as well as a thermal pool.
Address: Kadischenallee 25, 9504 Warmbad-Villach, Austria
