On the Gerlitzen Alpe, options range from a short path to the summit to longer high-altitude circuits and challenging mountain trails. There are also striking views, cultural stops along the way and seasonal winter activities. The right route mainly depends on how much time you plan to spend hiking and what kind of terrain you’re looking for.
Hiking: from the summit trail to the high-altitude circuit
The marked hiking trail network on the Gerlitzen Alpe covers 147 kilometers and ranges from gentle walking paths to challenging mountain hikes. This figure may change with future updates. A prominent landmark is the 1,911-meter-high Gerlitzen summit: from there, the 360-degree panorama stretches across mountains and lakes.
For a relatively short walk to the summit, a route leads from the Pöllingerbahn mountain station at 1,660 meters to the Gerlitzen summit. It is 1.8 kilometers long and takes about 30 to 45 minutes; it is described as easy and family-friendly. Routes and conditions may change seasonally. If you’re looking for a flat walk with views of the Hohe Tauern and the Carinthian Nock Mountains, you can instead choose the path to the Kammerhütte. It starts at the mountain station of the Pöllingerbahn 2-person chairlift and takes around 30 minutes on foot.
For a longer circuit around the summit, the Traumbogen high-altitude circular trail is another option, with a walking time of about an hour and a half. Many of the places of peace and reflection created by artists line this trail. The Bergeralm circular trail passes, among other places, the Greetings to Tibet, the Landscape Acupuncture, the Noreia Celestial Ladder, the Rock Lake and the Rock Chapel. There are also activity stations for children at the Berger Alm.
The Kanzelhöhe circular trail takes about an hour and is described as suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. This sets it apart from the summit and high-altitude trails, whose terrain and walking times involve different requirements. When planning, it’s a good idea to consider each route individually rather than treating these different trails as similar walks.
More mountain activities
The forest ropes course is located at an altitude of 1,520 meters. Its stated features include 160 stations, four difficulty levels and 31 zip lines at heights between one and 18 meters. These figures may change; check the current details before visiting. The 3D archery course winds through a forest landscape. Admission, equipment, instruction and sighting in are included in the described offer; opening times depend on the season and weather.
Smaller attractions also offer a different way to enjoy your stay: on the wooden marble run, children can watch their marbles navigate funnels, spirals and wavy tracks. The Kanzelhöhe adventure arena includes a summer tubing run. The Adventurepark’s 9-hole mini-golf course is laid out on artificial turf and is open seasonally. Plan these activities as possible add-ons, and check in advance whether they’re open when you visit.
Winter activities and clear rules
In winter, there are more than twelve kilometers of groomed winter walking and snowshoe trails through snow-covered mountain scenery. The length can vary depending on seasonal conditions. For skiing, there are 26 runs of all difficulty levels, 45 kilometers of groomed pistes and 15 kilometers of natural ski routes; these published figures may change if the infrastructure is updated.
There is a specific restriction on ski touring on pistes: it is permitted only on the official Gerlitzen-Klösterle ascent route, along the ski-touring corridor on the 6.3-kilometer Klösterle valley run. It is prohibited on all other pistes. Winter-season rules may change, so check them before setting out. Another seasonal attraction is a Skiline Speedcheck on a closed course, where visitors can measure their personal top speed and receive a photo showing their speed.
Getting to Kanzelhöhe
The Kanzelbahn runs from its valley station on Lake Ossiach, at an altitude of 550 meters, directly to the Kanzelhöhe adventure arena at 1,440 meters in about ten minutes. Travel time may change if the infrastructure is updated; check the current timetable before departure. There is a parking deck with 800 free parking spaces right beside the valley station of the Gerlitzen cable cars. During peak season in particular, it’s a good idea to check availability before your visit. These two details help you plan your day on the mountain without confusing hiking times on the trails with the ride to Kanzelhöhe.
Discover more destinations: Petschnitzen, Drobollach Am Faakersee, Gummern, Äußere Einöde, Goritschach, Bad Bleiberg, Winkl, Arriach.
Back to the main travel overview: Villach.
