Slow Trail Bleistätter Moor - Steindorf to Ossiach

The Carinthian Slow Trails help hikers to experience the 7 typologies of the landscapes around the Carinthian lakes. The Slow Trails focus on slow motion rather than high speed and offer relaxed & leisurely walking. They are easy to walk in terms of technique and difficulty. At the same time they are very well maintained high quality paths and lead to places with special scenic beauty which allow you to experience the Carinthian lakes.

Ossiach Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery on the southern bank of Lake Ossiach. Little is known about the origins of the monastery, since no documents were handed down. The foundation must have happened just before 1028. The Polish king Boleslaus is said to have spent his last years (from 1521 onwards) as a "dull penitent" in the monastery and has been buried on the north side of the monastery church. During a trip to Ossiach, don´t forget the visit the abbey church. In the historical walls there is now also the CMA - the Carinthian music acadacy. The CMA sees itself as a meeting place for all, who either play their own music or just simply like to listen. One of the musical highlights of the region is the Carinthian Summer music festival.

Trekking shoes, rain protection, binoculars, camera, food and drinks.

The tour starts at the Radweghöhe Domenig Steinhaus, where you turn off into the Panoramaweg and walk along the shore towards Steindorf. Here you walk along the Seestrasse for a few meters in northern direction and then you need to cross a brook on a small bridge. Follow the path along the shore of the lake. There is a playground for children and a public toilet. Through a small connecting path you will reach the path along the beach which you follow in northern direction until you get to the Gasthof Laggner. This is where a dirt road begins. After a few minutes walk the asphalt road turns into a graveled path (path No. 1). Along the embankment there are two observation towers, where you can observe the numerous inhabitants of the Bleistätter bog. At the end of the embankment turn in front of the second bridge towards the direction of Prefelnig (path no. 2). Cross the bridge towards Alt-Ossiach and the slighty ascend to the Ossiacher See Süduferstraße. Walk along this road for 300 metres and then cross it to continue along the forest path to Rappitsch. Just before you reach the entrance to the "Schluchtweg", cross the Süduferstraße again. The pave road turns into a gravel path (path no. 1). After 90 metres turn right and walk over the meadow to the parking lot of the abbey. Cross the inner courtyard of the abbey and you will reach the ferry, which you can use for your return journey.

Steindorf is generally reachable by train (ÖBB) and with the regional summer busses. Coming from the southern shore it is best to use the Lake Ossiach ferry to get to the starting point.

Click here for timetable information.

Click here for the Carinthia train station shuttle.

It is very recommendable to go on a guided tour with an ornithologist in spring.

Please help us to preserve this unique place and remove any rubbish you produce.