The Villach Alpine Road
The Villach Alpine Road
Great adventure and panoramic road on the Dobratsch in Carinthia
It’s 16.5 km long, has seven bends, cover 1,200 altitude metres and offers the most spectacular views and unique experiences: the Villach Alpine Road. Open all year round, the mountain road is one of a total of five premium alpine roads in Austria – each worth at least one visit! Start your driving fun in Villach-Möltschach, where the pay desk is to be found. First quickly ascend via several turns before the road opens far-reaching views of Villach, the Julian Alps and the Karawanks. Now follow the brim of the striking ridge on the wide road until it leads to the final destination Rosstratte with views of the Dobratsch summit beyond the timber line across alpine meadows.
Highlights during your drive on the Villach Alpine Road
Find out now what makes an excursion to the Dobratsch so special:- Experience nature: enjoy uniquely beautiful panoramic views in the heart of Dobratsch nature park and the grand view of the largest rockslide region of the Eastern Alps at the southern fold flank of Villach’s landmark mountain. Discover around 800 alpine plants at the Alpengarten.
- Experience views: when you’re on the Rote Wand lookout platform, a unique mountain panorama spreads before your eyes: the Julian Alps, Karawanks and Nockberge seem to be close enough to reach out and touch, and numerous lakes glisten in the sun. The chamois and summit view platform come highly recommended.
- Experience earth’s history: go back very far in time to the formation of the Dobratsch and the entire region over the course of several geological eras on the geological path “Vom Meer zum Berg” (Eng. “From Sea to Mountain”) on the Rosstratte. Enjoy the panoramic view on the relax loungers, delicacies at the Rosstrattenstüberl and the themed children’s playground.
- Experience bird life: the passage migration of around 5,000 honey buzzards in late August not only puts ornithologists under its spell. Learn more about the “king of the air” around the Dobratsch at the Aichingerhütte.
Daytrip for families, motorcyclists, vintage car drivers and nature lovers
Every visitor gets their money’s worth along the Villach Alpine Road. A pleasurable driving experience, enjoyment of nature on the walking and hiking trails, play options for children and, last but not least, culinary delights at the huts and mountain inns: find out right now about ticket prices and opening hours of the mountain road in Villach with breathtaking views!• The Villach Alpine Road: origin and route
• The Dobratsch: history, Alpengarten and summit house
• Dobratsch nature park and hiking region
• Adventure Villach Alpine Road for families
• Motors & tyres: tips for vintage car drivers, motorcyclists and bus tour operators