On our research trip to the Lesachtal in Carinthia we discovered a real insider tip! The peaks rise high above the Lesachtal, which the Gail has cut into the mountains here. In the north there are the Gailtal Alps and the Lienz Dolomites. In the south rise the Carnic Alps. The border with Italy runs across their peaks. The Lesachtal is a place where you can find peace while camping or on a farm holiday. In the Lesachtal you can also go hiking from the inns and hotels. These are usually on the north side of the valley, where there are some flat areas.
Going on holiday in the Lesachtal is still a real insider tip! The Lesachtal in Carinthia is especially known among mountaineers and hikers. It is hidden on the border with Italy between the Gailtal in Carinthia and South Tyrol. Hiking in the Lesach Valley is a dream! A valley that could hardly be more beautiful. Villages nestle into the mountain slopes. With a population of just under 1300 locals in the entire valley, the villages are not large. These include Liesing, Maria Luggau, Birnbaum and St. Lorenzen. The eastern part of the valley belongs to Kötschach-Mauthen.
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The Lesachtal has always been remote. This is also one of the reasons why Slavs only settled in the valley in the 7th century AD. They were followed 100 – 200 years later by settlers from Bavaria. They came from the Pustertal from the west into the narrow valley on the Gail. The costume and the court forms of the farms in the Lesach Valley go back to them. Linguistically, the Lesachtal also differs from Carinthia. The people here speak East Tyrolean, albeit with regional peculiarities.
Places and sights in the Lesachtal
In addition to the mountains, the sights in the Lesachtal are above all the churches and the monastery in Maria Luggau.
- Liesing Parish Church
- Pilgrimage Church of Maria Schnee
- Maria Luggau Monastery
- Luggauer mills (see below in the text)
- Church in Oberfrohn
- Branch church in Obergail
- Church in Rau
- Church of St. Radegund
- Church in Chelch
- Johann Lexer violin making museum
Hike and collect herbs in the Lesach Valley
One stop on our gourmet tour through the Slow Food Travel Region of Carinthia is the town of Klebas in the Lesach Valley. This valley is considered to be the most natural valley in Europe. It's no wonder that Sandra Egartner works with wild herbs, which she finds in abundance on the valley's mountain meadows. “Herb season is in May and June,” she explains to us during our herbal tour of the meadows that surround The small mountain hotel, she operates with her husband.
She greets us this summer with a refreshing drink and the words: “Now guess what I made this juice out of?” The glass smells intensely of flowers. The aroma seems familiar to me, but I cannot classify it. Finally, she takes pity on me and explains: “This is juice from lilac flower syrup “. A juice that I have to make myself for next spring, I think to myself.
Then she takes her basket and off she goes to collect herbs. Sandra Egartner stops at plants that I never notice. “This is the Gundel vine. The wild thyme grows there. I also need nettle. Chive flowers decorate our soup.” Before each of these plants, she tells what it can be used for. For some, she warns. “There are similar plants that are poisonous. When collecting, you should make sure that it is the right plant.” One thing quickly becomes clear to me on our tour. I have a lot to learn before I can go looking for wild herbs myself.
Wild herb soup
Finally, we have collected enough herbs to cook a wild herb soup in the kitchen of the hotel. This is fast and easy. Sandra washes the herbs, cuts an onion and purées the whole thing in the blender. Then add some water, season with vegetable salt and let it boil. Finally, add a sip of cream before decorating the wildflower leaves soup. Done is the wild herb soup! And delicious.
If you want to join a wild herb tour with a wild herb soup at the end, you can do that here:
Das kleine Berghotel in the Lesachtal
9653 Liesing
Klebas 7
A Overnight stay in Das kleine Berghotel * (advertisement) you can book here
Hike on the Mühlenweg in the Lesach Valley
We meet Brigitte Lugger at the farm shop in Maria Luggau. Even today, the mountain farmers in this mountaineering village in the Lesach Valley grind their grain in their own mills. Brigitte Lugger founded the Lesachtaler Mühlenverein with her husband and four other mountain farmers. The reason for founding the association was that they could only secure the water rights for their mills together. This is how the Mühlenweg in the Lesachtal was created.
The Five Mills
In the Lesachtal, where the Trattenbach flows down the mountainside into the valley, the five mills of the mountain farmers in the Lesachtal are lined up one behind the other. They bear the names of their owners. The Hanselermühle, The Vorbetermühle, The Großnmühle. The Richter-Freibergermühle. The Mattlammühle. In the Hanselermühle, Brigitte Lugger shows us a collection of farm implements, some of which were used to grind the grain. Others were used to process wool, hemp, and flax.
Brigitte Lugger used to be a teacher in Maria Luggau in the Lesachtal. As such, she was interested in the history of her homeland. Once there were 24 mills on the mountain slopes around the village. Most of them have since disappeared or been converted into huts. This is where vacationers live today. The mills along the Mühlenweg are all the more impressive. These continue to do their original day's work to this day.
Guided tours: Fridays, 10am all summer until the end of September.
Meeting point: Maria Luggau farm shop
Insider tips Lesachtal for connoisseurs
- Every year on the first weekend in September, the Lesachtal Bread Festival takes place in Liesing. You can watch the bread being baked. Carinthian specialties are also served at the farmer's buffet. Wines from Austria are served with it. The Handwerksgasse, where you can buy products from the Lesach Valley, is also definitely worth a visit.
- In the farm shop in Maria Luggau you can buy specialties from the Lesach Valley. Then you can still enjoy them at home.
- There is a herb garden at the Mühlenstüberl in Liesing (Obergail 31, A-9653 Liesing im Lesachtal). There, Simone Matouch offers a herb tour every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in summer, followed by a tasting of her products, which she prepares herself. Registration at: Tel. +43 650 8830657
- In Obergail you will find the Lesachtal bee educational trail. This is freely accessible and can be visited on your own. However, you can also take a guided tour. Then you can take a look inside a beehive. You can also try the honey afterwards and buy it from the beekeeper. These tours are offered in the summer months. Registration at: Tel. +43 664 113 60 98
Overnight stays at Maria Luggau * here.
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What you need for hiking in the Lesachtal
- We recommend comfortable walking shoes for the hike. Many hiking trails are alpine and require equipment for mountain tours.
- Practical for traveling is a large backpack in which you store a drink, snack, a jacket and store odds and ends. A lunch box and other practical utensils for hikers can be found here.
- Do you have everything? With our hiking checklist you can easily check that.
Where to stay in the Lesachtal
You won't find any hotel complexes in the Lesach Valley. Instead, you have the opportunity to experience the region authentically in nature or on a farm. Or would you like a wellness holiday?
Make a farm holiday in the Lesachtal
The Lesachtal is also ideal for a farm holiday. These are spread all over the valley. The towns are small. Many of the farms are off the beaten track. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy nature on your doorstep - whether hiking or everyday life on the farm.
You can also go on farm holidays in the Lesachtal by visiting the factories and producers in the valley. It doesn't matter whether you watch the bread being baked or take part in a herbal tour. You get to know the local people. Find out more about their work in the valley. Try their juices, jellies, vinegars and oils, pestos. Depending on the season, the offer in their manufactories varies. It's fun to try their produce. Perhaps you will also get suggestions for your home during your visit.
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Lesachtal Camping is possible
Despite its steep slopes, camping is also possible in the Lesachtal. Panorama Camping Lesachtal, Klebas 30, 9653 Klebas, Austria offers 50 pitches and is open from mid-May to mid-October. Panorama Camping Lesachtal is located above the outdoor pool. There is a via ferrata and a forest adventure site nearby.
Lesachtal Camping is also available in Maria Luggau. The campsite of the Gasthof Luggau, Maria Luggau 34, 9655 Maria Luggau, Austria, is located on two terraces on the south side of the Gail valley. It is in the middle of nature and is therefore a good starting point for hikes. Kayaking and rafting are possible in the whitewater river Gail. The pool at the campsite is more child-friendly, however. There is also a playground and a barbecue area.
Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you can find information here, for example, as well as booking options. Or would you prefer to stay overnight instead in a roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- Practical camper accessories here.
- Austria has a comprehensive network of campsites, there are parking spaces in all parts of the country, you can stay overnight for a maximum of one night outside of campsites and parking spaces. But be careful: there are regional bans (Tyrol, Vienna). Camping Guide for Austria * (advertisement) you can be bought here, for example.
- Here you will find tips for Cooking in the camper
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
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Frequently asked questions about the Lesachtal
When is the best time to travel to the Lesachtal?
The best time to visit the Lesach Valley depends on the activities you plan to do:
- Spring (April – June): Perfect for easy hikes, blooming alpine meadows and moderate temperatures.
- Summer (July – September): Ideal for challenging mountain tours, outdoor activities and pleasant hiking weather. Most of the alpine pastures are also open during this time.
- Autumn (October – November): A quiet time for leisurely hikes with golden autumn colours and fewer tourists.
- Winter (December – March): Ideal for ski tours, winter hiking and snowshoe hikes, as the Lesachtal is considered to be particularly snow-sure.
Which hikes in the Lesachtal are particularly recommended?
The Lesachtal offers a variety of hikes for every level. Here are some highlights:
- Liebalm circular hike: An easy tour with great views of the valley.
- Kartitscher Almweg: Family-friendly route with alpine huts for refreshment.
- Hike to the Wolayersee Hut: A more demanding mountain tour with spectacular views of the lake.
- Carnic High Trail: A multi-day long-distance hike along the border between Austria and Italy for experienced hikers.
Where can you stay overnight in the Lesachtal?
There are numerous accommodation options in the Lesachtal, including:
- Traditional mountain huts: For nature lovers and hikers, e.g. Wolayersee-Hütte.
- Cozy guesthouses and inns: family-run accommodation with regional cuisine.
- Wellness hotels: For relaxation after hiking, e.g. the Almwellness Hotel Tuffbad.
- Holiday apartments: Ideal for self-catering and longer stays.
Which regional specialties should you try in the Lesachtal?
The Lesach Valley is also known for its original and down-to-earth cuisine. You should definitely try:
- Lesachtaler bread: Hand-baked sourdough bread that is even a UNESCO cultural heritage site.
- Schlipfkrapfen: Carinthian dumplings with potato and herb filling.
- Kaspressknödel: hearty cheese dumplings that are served in soup or with sauerkraut.
- Game dishes: venison and chamois meat from the surrounding forests.
- Kaiserschmarrn: A classic of Austrian Alpine cuisine.
What activities are there in the Lesachtal besides hiking?
In addition to hiking, there are also other leisure activities:
- Climbing & mountaineering: The Lienz Dolomites are particularly popular.
- Rafting & Canyoning: Adventure on the Gail for adrenaline lovers.
- Snowshoe hiking & ski touring: A real highlight in winter, away from the crowds.
- Wild herb workshops: Learn more about the alpine flora.
- Visit a mill: Learn how the famous Lesachtal bread is made.
Travel Arrangements
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arriving by plane and / or car
Compare and book flights here* (advertisement). The nearest airport is Salzburg. You can also rent a car there. Travel time from Salzburg by car to the Lesachtal is about 3 hours via the A10. From Munich one drives 4 hours, from Vienna approx. 5 hours as well as from Graz 3 hours 30 minutes.
Car Rentals:
Cheap rental cars – book here!
Accommodation:
For example, book yours here Accommodation in the Lesachtal*
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Do you know this?
- Holidays in Austria with hiking for slow travelers
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Farms in Kleinwalsertal - Walser culture
- Flour from the mill by the rushing brook
- Enjoy monastery beer and gardens in Schlägl monastery in the Bohemian Forest
- Holidays on the farm at the Chiemsee
You are looking for travel tips for a Enjoyment holiday? You will definitely find what you are looking for under this link. Or discover other tips for your Slow Travel Vacation.
Source for holidays in the Lesachtal: Research on site. We would like to thank Slow Food Travel Carinthia for the invitation. And we would also like to thank the producers in the Lesachtal for the insights into Carinthian cuisine. However, our opinion remains our own.
Text Lesachtal Farm Holidays for Hiking and Camping : © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
