Winkl’s connection to Slovenian association history is reflected in the name of the Catholic Slovenian educational association Kot: its most active singers came from Winkl, which is why the association was originally named after the village. For travellers interested in cultural history as well as excursions, this offers a concrete point of connection.

Association History and Culture

Another historic name is Rožica, the first men’s choir in Sankt Jakob. It was founded in Kot in 1899. The Catholic Slovenian educational association Kot began its activities in early 1903. In the interwar period, the association staged up to four plays a year and established a library as part of its educational and cultural work. Singing, theatre and education are thus among the different themes in this association’s history.

A brief look at the timeline also makes each milestone clear: Rožica was founded in 1899, and the educational association began its activities in early 1903. The theatrical performances took place in the interwar period; they are a historical part of the association’s work, not a statement about performances today.

Hiking Trails in Sankt Jakob im Rosental

The Rasburg Trail leads from Sankt Jakob im Rosental up to the historic Rasburg Castle ruins high above the valley. It starts at the Ritter playground and follows a pleasant forest road through dense mountain forests. This hiking option thus connects a named starting point with the ruins as its destination.

Another route leads to the Berta Hut: via the E1 connection of the Julius Kugy Three-Country Trail, the route runs from the Sankt Jakob im Rosental bus stop past St. Ursula Church in Schlatten, the daffodil meadow and the Roßalm, southeast of the Berta Hut. Those choosing a route based on named waypoints can follow its stages to get their bearings. Sankt Jakob im Rosental also has many well-marked hiking trails.

The Drava, Cycling and Water

The Drava reservoir stretches for about 12 kilometres and is used for surfing and rowing. These are two different kinds of water sports. For cyclists, the 364-kilometre Drava Cycle Path passes through idyllic floodplain landscapes around Sankt Jakob im Rosental. The Drava Cycle Path R1 is designated a five-star quality cycling route. The options described are clearly distinct: at the reservoir, you can get out on the water; on the cycle path, you can ride through floodplain landscapes.

Winter Activities

There are also dedicated options for planning a winter trip: Sankt Jakob im Rosental offers winter hiking trails and cross-country ski tracks. At Fini-Planai, beginners can ski, and there is a small drag lift. Winter hiking, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing are thus available as different activities. Which ones you include in your trip depends on whether you prefer to explore on foot, on cross-country skis or on skis.

The history of transport here includes the former Winkl im Rosental stop, which remained in service until 15 December 2019.

Discover more destinations: Paternion, Latschach, Riegersdorf, Hohenthurn, Feld Am See, Stuben, Ragain, Velden Am Wörthersee

Go to the overarching travel overview: Villach.