Burgherren circuit

A wonderful family walk along easy and well-maintained forest paths by the western foothills of the Ossiacher Tauern. Here the path takes us on a historical tour through flora and fauna to breathtaking views and idyllic forest ponds. After a brief toll road ascent to the castle ruins, we start by the castle pond.

This is the starting point for the Burgherren circuit. Along the pond path we pass the former water source for the castle - the aquaduct arches with symbolic water features - and at the entrance to the Affenberg monkey park we reach the ascent to Jungfernsprung. Here is also the start of the natural path, with valuable child-friendly information about the flora and fauna. After the ascent, we reach a small forest glade where we turn right. After a few metres, an endless view of Villach, Dobratsch, the Karawanken and the Julian Alps opens up in the background. Here the Burgherren circuit branches left to Jungfernsprung - a steep cliff formation falling steeply towards Ossiacher See. The western part of Ossiacher See is at the hikers feet, while the domineering Gerlitzen draws your gaze. The wooden sculpture of the "Ossiacher See mermaid" tells the legend of the little Tauern church and is the namesake for the Jungfernsprung.

Following the signs, it is just a short distance to a little resting place where we keep to the left and reach a newly developed forest trail after a short and rooty climb and descent. We follow this forest road downwards to a little glade. Keeping to the right, the somewhat steeper section of the path at the foot of the "Weiße Wand" leads us to the branch of the same name (sign on the tree). The path in the waymarked direction now leads us to the picture frame "focus on the castle" where we receive interesting information about the history of the castle. The rest of the path leads through well-tended larch, spruce and beech trees to the "forest quiz" and on to Urleteich with the lifesize wooden sculptures of the "Meierei".

The Burgherren circuit ends by the exit portal with a farewell by the lord of the castle. It is also worth seeing the little climb through the grape vines to the Landskron castle ruins ("Weinweg") with the eagle enclosure, the terrace cafe and the restaurant.