Döllach combines the history of gold mining with historic buildings and routes through its cultural landscape. During the gold-mining era, the village was home to the mining operators and served as a gold-processing center. If you are considering a stay in Döllach, you will find a range of themes to explore: the former processing of the precious metal, insights into architectural history, and other ways to spend time outdoors.
Gold Mining and “Tauern Gold”
The Kohlbarren is Döllach’s zinc smelter, mentioned in historical written sources between 1796 and 1834. It is one of Europe’s most significant industrial monuments. The Kohlbarren is also the starting point for a themed trail about historic “Tauern Gold.” This brings together the former importance of gold and a trail that explores the subject.
Historic Buildings in Döllach
The Putzenhof, a mining operator’s manor house, was built by Melchior Putz von Kirchheimegg around 1540–1560. The historic Putzenhof houses the “Tauern Gold” exhibition, which showcases gold treasures from the past. Since seasonal access may change, check current visitor information before your visit.
The Putzenschlössl, also known as the Bräuhaus or Köberschlössl, is around 500 years old and retains its original structure to this day. Old horse stables, a tack room with facilities for muleteers, and a forge offer a glimpse into the lives of medieval muleteers. They mainly transported wine and salt between Gemona and Salzburg across the Tauern ridge. These details offer a different perspective on the village’s history than gold processing.
The late Gothic Church of St. Andrew stands in Döllach’s village center. Döllach’s old gold-smelting works have also been put to a new use: they have been revitalized and now house an event hall.
Trails, a Natural Swimming Pool, and the Regional Setting
The Apriach Church Trail passes through a well-maintained cultural landscape of farmsteads, wayside shrines, and meadows on its way toward Döllach. A short descent leads to the village center. This adds a landscape perspective to the village’s historical themes.
The natural swimming pool has a swimming area of 1,200 square meters. It offers a different focus from the area’s architectural and mining history and can be included as a separate leisure option in your plans.
For a broader regional perspective: 63 percent of the Großkirchheim municipal area lies within the Hohe Tauern National Park. The 80-kilometer Glockner Cycle Route R8 runs from Heiligenblut through Großkirchheim to Möllbrücke. Both details offer a glimpse of the wider setting without replacing the focus on Döllach’s own architectural and mining history. The church trail leads toward Döllach, while the 80-kilometer R8 cycling route connects several places from Heiligenblut to Möllbrücke.
Discover more destinations: Greifenburg, Winklern, Katschberghöhe, Reißeck, Heiligenblut Am Großglockner, Radenthein, Flattach, Pfaffenberg.
Return to the regional travel overview: Spittal An Der Drau.
