Liesch is located in the Gitschtal valley, on the level areas of the rock terraces at an elevation of around 750 metres. The attractions in the municipality combine nature, mining history and outdoor activities; further excursion destinations can be found in the surrounding region. When choosing accommodation, it helps to make a simple distinction: Is your main interest hiking, a historical connection or an excursion to the wider region? You can plan your trip by considering the differences below.

Hiking between ravines, alpine pastures and peaks

The municipality of Gitschtal has a network of around 200 kilometres of hiking trails. One named hiking option is the Gösseringgraben nature trail. The same ravine contains relics from the era of ore mining, as well as brief explanations of ore processing. This makes it possible to combine a hike with an insight into mining history.

Mountain hikes in the municipality range from family-friendly routes to the surrounding, mostly working alpine pastures to more challenging hikes up Golz (2,004 m) and Sattelnock (2,033 m). The Reißkofel is classified as a challenging alpine tour. These descriptions provide a comparison of the levels of difficulty: when choosing a route, you can use the stated classification rather than comparing the mountains solely by their elevation. Route conditions should also be taken into account when planning.

There are also cross-country skiing facilities in the municipality. They are another option alongside the hiking opportunities; check which facilities are suitable for your visit before making plans.

Activities and events in the municipality

The Farmgolf courses are designed around farm life and agricultural equipment. The Gitschtal outdoor adventure pool is right next to the Farmgolf facility. If you would like to plan both activities for the same day, check their respective opening hours in advance.

A recurring event is the “Gitsch Valley Cabbage Festival”: it takes place in the municipality of Gitschtal on the first Sunday in October. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates before making plans.

Culture and food in the wider surrounding region

Möderndorf Castle near Hermagor is located in the wider surrounding region of Liesch. For 25 years, it has housed the Gailtal Local History Museum, with more than 5,000 artefacts from the Georg Essl collection. The collection ranges from palaeontology and archaeology to regional folk and everyday culture. The museum therefore offers a cultural and historical focus that differs thematically from the hiking and mining attractions in the municipality.

Also in the wider surrounding region, the “Weg durchs Schilf” Slow Trail runs around Lake Pressegger. This easy hike is around six kilometres long, takes at least 1.5 hours and includes four stops. These details make the trail a more clearly defined hiking option than the municipality’s network of around 200 kilometres of trails. Allow at least the stated amount of time for the route.

For a taste of local cuisine, Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof in the wider surrounding region offers a Slow Food Travel experience for €45. It includes Castellovino, Wurzelspeck and Heuspeck to enjoy, as well as salting and smoking together with the castle owner and Gailtal bacon master. This helps preserve Alpine cultural heritage. Check in advance whether the experience is available on your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Vorderberg, Radnig, Görtschach, Mellweg, Sittmoos, Lesachtal, Forst, Paßriach.

For the overview of the wider region: Hermagor.