Kötschach-Mauthen

KÖTSCHACH-MAUTHEN - SO MUCH MORE

In the Carinthian Gailtal valley, at the beginning of the Lesachtal valley, lies the market town of Kötschach-Mauthen at 710 metres above sea level. Nestled between the Gailtal and Carnic Alps, the region is known for its scenic and climatic advantages. An exceptionally high number of sunny days and the beauty of the four seasons characterise the landscape and its people.

As an important trade route, the Via Iulia Augusta has connected Kötschach-Mauthen with the southern Roman Empire since ancient times. Today, the Via Iulia Augusta connects the communities of Oberdrauburg in Austria via the Plöcken Pass to Aquileia in Italy.
Kötschach-Mauthen is small and beautiful. The village with around 3,400 inhabitants is nestled in an idyllic landscape between the Gailtal and Carnic Alps. You can breathe in the spicy air in a mild healing climate. The Romano-Slavic-Germanic melting pot has been home to a diverse culture for centuries. People cook, celebrate and live in a symbiosis of the Alps and the Adriatic, of Carnic down-to-earthness and Mediterranean temperament. Kötschach-Mauthen has a millennia-old tradition of welcoming strangers, who quickly become friends here.

"So much more’ is the motto in Kötschach-Mauthen all year round.
‘So much more’ is the offer for athletes who are looking for the challenge of mountains and waters; International glacier run, international mountain run, mountain bike routes, white water paddling, rafting, (ice) climbing tours, Austria's only underground climbing tunnel, snowshoeing, ski tours, horse riding, (fly) fishing, hydrospeed, riversauna or Gaumen-Wadl-Tour, to name just a few of the ‘so many’ ultimate kicks.

Hiking and walking trails through unspoilt meadows, forests and alpine pastures lead you on the trail of pure nature. The sea of flowers and plants in the Mussen nature reserve is unique in Europe.

The 'most delicious corner of Carinthia ’ - at home between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea
Our region is one of the world's first Slow Food Travel Destination, where slow savouring, regional delicacies and quality food production are top priorities. The lifestyle of the people - traditionally strongly characterised by the Alpe-Adria influence - stands for pride, closeness to nature, innovation and thinking outside the box. Gourmets are spoilt in the down-to-earth, cosy restaurants, inns and farmed alpine huts with home-made agricultural delicacies such as Brett'ljaus'n. Examples include Gailtaler Almkäse cheese and Gailtaler Speck bacon. Both are EU-certified brand names and are already known far beyond the borders as delicacies.

energy:self-sufficient Kötschach-Mauthen
Not only rich in great character traits, but also in clean air thanks to clean energy, the municipality has made itself completely independent of external power and committed itself to sustainability. Renewable energies have a long history in Kötschach-Mauthen. The first hydroelectric power station was built back in 1886 and Kötschach-Mauthen already had an electricity grid in 1899. The alpine location of the market town, the presence of countless mountain streams, the pioneering spirit of the Klauss family from Kötschach and the future-orientated mindset of the political community leaders have earned Kötschach-Mauthen the title of ‘energy:self-sufficient model community’.

MAUTHEN is one of Austria's mountaineering villages.
Here you can experience relaxation in harmony with nature: the popular Carnic High Trail, historic peace trails and challenging via ferratas along the Geotrail in the Carnic Alps Geopark offer countless different levels of difficulty. The Gailtaler Höhenweg or the alpine flora in the ‘Blumenberg Mussen’ nature reserve are somewhat gentler. The idyllic natural swimming pool Waldbad Mauthen or the Aquarena Kötschach-Mauthen provide cool refreshment. A kayak tour on the Gail is a more leisurely experience.

WINTER
Skiing and winter fun away from the hustle and bustle
Get on the trail of pure winter nature on guided ski tours to the unspoilt peaks of the Carnic Alps, on snowshoe hikes and Nordic walking through glistening snow or on winter walks when the sunshine dances in the snow crystals. Ice hikes and ice climbing tours lead into the fascinating world of glaciers and to waterfalls frozen in ice.
Ski tourers will also find rewarding destinations with impressive natural scenery in the surrounding area. The extensive cross-country ski trail network with its double trails including a skating track has been awarded the Carinthian cross-country ski trail seal of approval.

The ‘Aquarena’ - a water and wellness oasis* that is open all year round and where you can recharge your batteries after a hiking tour or an exciting day's skiing - is much appreciated by guests.
Skiing with the whole family, for beginners and advanced skiers, is a joy in the Family ski area Vorhegg. A winter fairytale for families comes true in Kötschach-Mauthen: children up to the age of 9 ski for FREE with the ‘Schneeflocke’ lift pass in the local family ski area (valid for stays of 3 days or more in Schneeflocke member establishments). Carinthia's largest ski area, Nassfeld, can be reached with the free ski bus. Those who prefer to encounter winter on quiet paths can book free snowshoe taster tours including guide and equipment (possible once a week) at ‘Schneeflocke member businesses’.

Our natural toboggan run gives you nostalgic winter fun. Ice skating and curling in the ice skating paradise in the mountaineering village of Mauthen are fun in the healing winter air.
Enjoy a romantic winter idyll on a horse-drawn carriage ride or discover a barely touched winter landscape in a different way - on horseback during winter riding.
A source of relaxation for the whole family is the Aquarena and the wide range of winter wellness offers - perhaps in the wellness barn at Alpencamp Kötschach-Mauthen - in the villages.

Enjoyable, relaxing, culinary, festive, celebratory, (extremely) sporty, adventurous, botanical, geological, historical, cultural, traditional, quiet, cosy, healthy, family-friendly,... in short: ‘SO MUCH MORE’ is a holiday in Kötschach-Mauthen.