Press release
To the Dobratsch via the Villach Alpine Road:
The Villach Alpine Road winds 16.5 km from Villach-Möltschach to the Dobratsch (2,167 m). Breathtaking panoramic views of Villach, the Julian Alps and the largest landslide region in the eastern Alps on the southern flank of the Dobratsch are afforded along the road. The Rosstratte (1,732 m) at the end of the Villach Alpine Road offers a stunning panoramic view of the Julian Alps, the Karawanken, the Carinthian lake plateau all the way to the Alpine divide. The Rosstratte is also the point of departure for a number of hiking trails and the site of an adventure playground set up by the Villach Alpine Road. Observation towers, a tunnel system, climbing net, open-air arena, underground megaphone, hanging swing, slide and other equipment add to the fun and entertainment. Children easily learn which trees grow on the Dobratsch and which animals live above and beneath the ground.Another attractive offer is the geology trail `From the ocean to the mountain´ describing 200 million years of history, which starts right next to the playground: sea and snail shells that once lived in the Tethys Sea and were fossilized with the mud when the Alps were elevated along with the fossils to 1800 meters above sea level. This insight into the Dobratsch's geology with genuine fossils and charts is another attractive offer for young and old. Part of a former reef and a lagoon with fossilized corals and seashells are the highlight of this open-air exhibition.
The largest landslide region in the eastern Alps
Information on the largest landslide region in the eastern Alps and the geology of the Dobratsch is provided at the `Rote Wand´ observation platform. The magnificent view of the Red Wall should not be missed! This is also the best vantage point to observe the migration of unique birds of prey. In addition to information on the birds of prey, e.g. the European honey buzzard, visitors also learn about the forest birds and other rare birds found on the Dobratsch.The Dobratsch is an extraordinary karst region. One-sixth of its volume is comprised of a cave system. Its rich fauna and flora have made it Carinthia's oldest nature preserve (since 1942). The region has 900 different types of butterflies and other plants and animals that are usually found near the Mediterranean. The occurrence of bats on the Dobratsch is also unique. Mediterranean species such as the hophornbeam, the manna ash, the black pine and the Gladiolus illyricus, a wild gladiola not found anywhere else in Austria, thrive in the particularly favorable climate on the steep slopes of the southern Dobratsch wall. The highest churches in the eastern Alps are also found on the Dobratsch.
Open hours
The Villach Alpine Road is open all year round.No motorcycles between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except authorized persons.
Press contact
Villach Alpenstrassen Fremdenverkehrsgesellschaft mbH
Management: Grossglockner Hochalpenstrassen AG
Mag. Patricia Lutz
Address:
Rainerstraße 2
5020 Salzburg
Austria
Tel: +43 (0) 662 / 873 673 - 16
e-Mail: lutz@grossglockner.at
www.villacher-alpenstrasse.at