The Villach Alpine Road is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in Carinthia and stretches for 16.5 km from Villach towards the Dobratsch mountain, the central mountain of this region. With seven hairpin bends and about 116 curves, the route climbs approximately 1,200 meters – revealing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Along the route, there are several parking lots, ideal for a relaxing break or as a starting point for a hike.
Initially, the road ascends quickly with several bends, after which the view of the Villach area, the Julian Alps, and the Karawanken mountains opens up. For a long stretch of several kilometers, the road continues along the cliff of the ridge, beyond the tree line, through alpine pastures, to the final point, Rosstratte. The Rosstratte area is at an altitude of 1,732 meters, and from here, a variety of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels begin.
The scenic view of the Villach Alpine Road
6 Recommended Attractions Along the Villach Alpine Road:
1. “Red Wall” Viewpoint (SKYWALK Rote Wand)
The Skywalk trail starts from parking lot P6, leading to the impressive “Red Wall” viewpoint (Skywalk Rote Wand). The path crosses a secure and accessible bridge to a platform that juts out over a 400-meter-deep abyss. With no steps and a gentle slope, making it suitable for strollers. The view from the “Red Wall” viewpoint is simply stunning!
2. Alpine Garden (Alpengarten)
In the Villach Alpine Garden (Villacher Alpe), right next to parking lot P6, over 800 different species of alpine plants grow.
Opening hours: Early June to late August, daily from 09:00 to 18:00. Visit duration: About an hour.
3. “From the Sea to the Mountain” (“vom Meer zum Berg”) Hiking Trail
Along the stroller-accessible geological learning path “From the Sea to the Mountain” at Rosstratte, you can learn fascinating information spanning millions of years. Find out how fossilized sea snails reached the mountain peak, or what the connection is between the Dobratsch and Swiss cheese. A fascinating journey through the history of the Dobratsch mountain.
4. Viewpoint at the Highest Point of the Alpine Road – Rosstratte
The Rosstratte is the final point and the highlight of the Villach Alpine Road. And there’s plenty for children to experience too! For example, the amazing adventure playground! At 1,732 meters above sea level, breathtaking observation towers, a spectacular tunnel system, climbing nets, and other adventure facilities await. Especially popular: the underground speaking tube and the long zip line!
Good to know: From the sun terrace at the back of the Berggasthof Rosstratten restaurant, there’s an excellent view of the playground! While you enjoy a coffee in peace, the little ones can have a blast at the playground.
5. Hiking Options:
From the Rosstratte (parking lot P11), you can continue on foot, even with children: a short and comfortable walking path, easily manageable with a stroller or buggy, leads to the observation platforms at Rosstratte. For those who want to hike a bit further, the Dobratsch summit (2,167 m) can be reached in about an hour and a half’s walk via the panoramic summit trail, an easy grassy path perfectly suited for families with young children. At the Dobratsch Gipfelhaus (summit hut), you can enjoy local food or a cold, refreshing beer. At the summit are two of the oldest churches in the Eastern Alps.
From the Aichingerhütte (parking lot P8), a hike begins to the spectacular panoramic platform “Gamsblick” (Chamois View). The trail is easy, and with a bit of luck, especially in the morning hours, you can see the many chamois (a type of alpine goat-antelope) that graze in this area. Afterwards, you return on the same path to the starting point near the Aichingerhütte. The route is 2.7 km long and takes about 50 minutes to walk.
6. Exhibitions:
The “Rulers of the Skies” (Herrscher der Lüfte) exhibition at the Aichingerhütte is dedicated to the extraordinary variety of birds found in the area.
Other Important Information for Visiting the Villach Alpine Road:
Opening Hours:
The Villach Alpine Road is open all year round. From mid-April to mid-November, there is a toll to use the road. Motorcycle ban: Between 20:00 and 07:00.
Entry restrictions to the Villach Alpine Road from the toll station:
- June 1 to August 31: from 22:00 to 04:00.
- September 1 to May 31: from 21:30 to 05:00.
Camping is legally prohibited along the Alpine Road, and there are no designated camping areas in the vicinity of the road.
Entrance Fees:
- Car: €23
- Motorcycle: €16
If you are staying at one of the guesthouses along the road, you will not have to pay extra upon exit – even after a long stay.
With the Kärnten Card (Carinthia Card): You can drive along the Villach Alpine Road, including all nature park facilities (except the Alpine Garden), once a day. For every person in the vehicle who does not have a Kärnten Card, a fee of €6 per person will be charged.
At the toll booths, your license plate will be automatically recorded by a video camera.
Live webcams from the road area
Interactive map with all attractions along the road
Address: Villacher Alpenstraße
Map:
