Feistritz im Rosental: Roses, the Drau and industrial history

The market town of Feistritz im Rosental lies where the stream of the same name emerges from the foothills of the Karawanks. Water, roses, industrial history and mountain scenery offer different focal points for your trip. Topics to consider in your planning include the bathing lake, the Drau Cycle Path and cultural sites. This lets you choose between nature, outdoor activities, local history and art.

Industrial history on the Feistritzbach

The first ironworking sites were established on the Feistritzbach at the beginning of the 16th century. In 1840, Count Ferdinand Egger founded one of Central Europe’s most modern wire-rolling mills on the Feistritzbach. These two dates mark different periods in the area’s industrial history: early ironworking and the later production of rolled wire. The stream is therefore not only part of the geographical description, but also a point of reference for the history of work in the municipality.

Rose Park and the tradition of roses

The Rose Park is home to more than 6,000 rose bushes of select varieties. In Feistritz im Rosental, it is a tradition to unveil a new edition of the rose napkin once a year. Tourism businesses embrace the rose theme with their own rose menus, rose drinks and rose decorations; individual offerings may change. The park showcases the theme through plants, while the napkin and local dining reflect it in design and cuisine.

The Drau, the bathing lake and the Drau Cycle Path

St. Johann bathing lake can be reached by car or via the Drau Cycle Path, which follows the Drau. At the lake, you can swim and sunbathe on a spacious lawn. This gives you different options to plan around: a bike ride along the river or time at the lake. In the Rosental, the Drau has been dammed to generate energy; the river route, bathing lake and reservoir area each show a different aspect of the water landscape.

Hiking, climbing and bouldering

The Klagenfurter Hütte is a destination for hikers. In the area around Feistritz im Rosental, hikers and climbers can enjoy mountain scenery at elevations of up to 1,660 metres above sea level. Bouldering is available at BoulderGARAGE in St. Johann. Operating arrangements may change; check them before your visit. Hiking and climbing take you into the surrounding mountain landscape, while bouldering offers another activity in St. Johann.

Buildings and art

The branch church of the Holy Cross in the Suetschach/Sveče parish stands on a small hill southwest of Feistritz im Rosental; the simple building was constructed around 1720. Dating from the 17th century, Kraigher House is one of the oldest buildings in the village centre and is therefore older than the church. The castle in Feistritz im Rosental, also called Gößnitzerhof, commemorates an important family. The church, house and castle represent different historical connections: religious architecture, old buildings in the village centre and a family memorial.

Walker Gallery at Ebenau Castle is a special venue for contemporary art. The Renaissance castle of Ebenau is located in Weizelsdorf. Gorše Gallery was used for concerts, music school performances and lectures. These cultural themes add contemporary art and past event uses to the architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Lipizach, Sekirn, Krumpendorf, Auen, Techelsberg Am Wörther See, Sankt Bartlmä, Wurdach, Ottmanach.

For the overview of the wider area: Klagenfurt-Land.