On Villach Alpine Road to Dobratsch Nature Park
In 2002 Dobratsch Nature Park was recognised by the Carinthian local government as the first nature park in Carinthia – that is a protected landscape area, synergising people and nature. The area incorporates the nature and conservation-protected areas in Dobratsch, Schütt and Warmbad Villach spa resort, and is surrounded by the market towns of Arnoldstein, Bad Bleiberg, Nötsch in Gailtal and the town of Villach. The Villach Alpine Road proceeds right into the heart of the Dobratsch Nature Park, after all, the nature park is intended as a habitat and recreation area where people and nature exist in harmony. GROHAG, the company operating Villach Alpine Road, endeavour – in every conceivable manner – to promote maximum sustainability with regard to the road.
GROHAG: Step by step to greater sustainability
Our daily actions in all areas are geared towards ensuring maximum sustainability and attentive use of natural resources. To do so, GROHAG implements a range of measures to safeguard and protect the environment:
- Deployment of an innovative waste separation system
- A speed of 70 (km/hr) along the entire route
- Provision of public transport with the Postbus service to supplement individual transport
- Printing of all advertising media and print materials on PEFC-certified paper from sustainably managed forests in Austria
- Switch to sustainable materials and regional products for items in the shop
- Promoting E-mobility
We are of course planning even more ideas to provide greater sustainability and environmental protection. After all, without unspoilt natural surroundings the Villach Alpine Road wouldn’t be worth visiting …
Do you have ideas as to how the Villach Alpine Road can become even more sustainable? Ideas about additional measures we could put in place to protect our natural surroundings? Then write to us!
E-Mobility & Glockner ePower
on Villacher AlpeOne challenge GROHAG has been increasingly confronted with in the last few years is the turnaround in mobility and energy towards electromobility. For this reason, a few years ago GROHAG started to invest in expanding on E-mobility. Along with discounted tariffs for E-cars and E-motorbikes, the first two E-charge points were set up on Villach Alpine Road at Aichingerhütte (1650 m).
Speed: 70 Cruising, not racing!
On Villach Alpine Road, as on all other GROHAG experience roads, the speed limit is 70 (km/hr). There are several reasons for this. On the one hand, a reduction in speed increases road safety on high Alpine, twisting roads. Racing and careless driving have no place on Villach Alpine Road! For that reason, the speed limits on this mountain road are strictly enforced. On the other hand, the 70 (km/hr) speed limit also protects the unique natural landscape in Dobratsch Nature Park. Those who drive more slowly emit fewer pollutants. And, last but not least, those who drive more slowly simply have more time to look, marvel and enjoy! Good reasons enough to enjoy Villach Alpine Road wholly in keeping with the maxim: ‘cruising not racing’.
„What we dotoday, decides how the world will looktomorrow“
(Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach)
Tip for your excursion:
pay attention to signposting
Pay attention to signposts in place. These designate various protection zones and indicate areas that are particularly protected.
Avoid making noise & keep to the paths
Be mindful of the plants and animals in the Nature Park. Always keep to the marked paths and avoid making any unnecessary noise.
take nothing away; leave nothing behind
Do not leave any objects in Dobratsch Nature Park ! Rubbish in particular can be lethal for many animals. Keep in mind the long-known mountaineering rule – what you take with you up the mountain, you bring back down again. Take nothing with you from the natural surroundings. Animals and plants are conservation-protected and are not to be removed. Minerals too are to be left where they are.
Ensure you have adequate equipment
Please be aware of the fact that along Villach Alpine Road you are in Alpine terrain. Wear decent footwear and always bring weatherproof clothing with you. Pay heed to the weather, to Alpine dangers, including avalanche and rock falls. Get information on site from people who have mountain experience about possible risks.
no Camping
Even if it is extremely tempting to pitch a tent for the night with your camper van at a legendary viewing point along Villach Alpine Road, camping and lighting fires is not permitted. There are campsites in many towns in Carinthia districts that you can avail of. Or you could stay the night in one of the inns along Villach Alpine Road
Bringing your dog with you to the mountains
Dogs are welcome along Villach Alpine Road and in Dobratsch Nature Park. Please be aware that leads are compulsory throughout the area.
Do not feed wild animals
In spite of best intentions, feeding wild animals can have fatal consequences. If they are fed too often by people, they become dependent on them for food. Animals can also get sick if they consume the wrong kinds of food.