The Afritzerbach stream shapes the landscape of the narrow Gegendtal valley, where the village of Innere Einöde is located. The village is also a landmark on several routes: access roads to the cross-country ski trail and ski offerings at Klösterle branch off towards Arriach after Innere Einöde, while a Gerlitzen cycling tour heads towards Innere Einöde on the return journey. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between the offerings by activity and access. Cross-country skiing, ski touring, piste touring, and combining the mountain railway with cycling each have their own route characteristics.
Cross-country skiing and skiing at Klösterle
To reach the “L2 – Klösterle-Innerteuchen” cross-country ski trail, turn towards Arriach after Innere Einöde and follow Teuchner Landesstraße to the valley station of the Klösterlebahn. The trail runs through a wooded area and parallel to a quiet federal road. Trail preparation and operation may vary by season; check whether the trail is currently open before planning your visit.
To reach the “Gerlitzen – Klösterle ski touring route” from Villach, take the B98 Millstätter Straße. After Innere Einöde, turn onto Teuchen Landesstraße towards Arriach and follow it to Klösterle in Innerteuchen. For the cross-country ski trail, the valley station of the Klösterlebahn is the destination; the described access route for the ski touring trail leads to Klösterle.
The “Gerlitzen – Klösterle piste tour” is also reached from Villach via the B98 and the turn towards Arriach after Innere Einöde. It starts at the left edge of the piste and is technically easy. Its starting point therefore differs from both the destination of the cross-country ski trail and the access destination of the ski touring trail. Seasonal operation may change, so it is advisable to check before setting out.
Cycling towards Lake Ossiach
The 27 km “Leisurely gondola rides from the Gerlitzen summit to Lake Ossiach” cycling tour combines an ascent by mountain railway with a return ride by bicycle to Lake Ossiach. On the way back, it heads towards Innere Einöde. The route directions specify taking L46 Teuchern Landesstraße downhill to the Millstätter Bundesstraße B98; there, turn left towards Innere Einöde. The tour therefore combines two different modes of transport. Mountain railway and cycling services may vary by season; take this into account when planning.
The municipality’s cycling master plan from spring 2024 shows route R2B in the Innere / Äußere Einöde section. For the same section, the plan indicates a rest stop but also notes that there is no connection to it. Bear both details in mind if you are planning a break there. As route infrastructure can change, check the current route before setting out.
Choose the right tour for your stay
If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Innere Einöde, it helps to decide on your main activity first: cross-country skiing, ski touring, a piste tour, or the 27 km cycling trip. Comparing options based only on the name Gerlitzen is not enough, as access and itineraries differ. Check seasonal operating conditions and current road conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Duel, Köstenberg, Sankt Jakob Im Rosental, Verditz, Töplitsch, Zlan, Stockenboi, Arnoldstein
Back to the main travel overview: Villach.
