Vorwald – Cycling Routes, Reptile Zoo and History

Vorwald can be explored through three specific travel interests: cycling on two routes described in different ways, the Nockalm Reptile Zoo and the settlement’s place in history. Nature and winter sports destinations in the municipality of Reichenau are also worth considering. When looking for a hotel in Vorwald, it is helpful to keep these themes distinct: the cycling routes and the zoo are directly associated with Vorwald, while the lakes and ski area mentioned are located in the municipality of Reichenau. This lets you first decide whether your stay will focus primarily on cycling, wildlife, history or a nature- or winter-sports-related theme.

Cycling: two different route connections

The easy Turracher Radweg R2C passes through the settlement of Vorwald and is 20.2 kilometres long. Its length and difficulty rating give you two specific features by which to assess the route. The RZ11 stage of the Rad-Weg des Buches Zentral serves a different purpose: it follows the Turracher Radweg to the settlement of Vorwald. This distinction is useful for finding your way: the R2C passes through the settlement, while the RZ11 stage follows the named cycle route to it.

These are two different route connections and should not be conflated. If a stated distance and difficulty rating are important to you, the R2C provides these specific details. The RZ11 description focuses on the stage’s name and its route to the settlement. Both descriptions make Vorwald an appealing destination for a trip that includes cycling, but they answer different questions about how to find your way.

Nockalm Reptile Zoo and directions

Among its venomous snakes, the Nockalm Reptile Zoo features cobras, mambas and taipans. This gives it a clear focus on reptiles and provides a specific point of interest if this is one of your travel interests. The address is Vorwald 83, 9564 Patergassen; check it again before setting out.

Vorwald in its historical context

By the year 1300, clearing had reached Vorwald. At that time, Reichenau was still forest, while Vorwald was the first settlement before the forest. This contrast places the settlement in the context of the history of the landscape: it connects the extent of the clearing with the relationship between settlement and forest at the time. For travellers interested in local history, this offers a different perspective on Vorwald from its routes and wildlife.

Nature and winter sports in the municipality of Reichenau

The Turracher Höhe, in the municipality of Reichenau, is home to three mountain lakes: Turracher See, Grünsee and Schwarzsee. The area also includes Austria’s largest contiguous Swiss stone pine forests. Reichenau is also one of the municipalities in the UNESCO Carinthian Nockberge Biosphere Park. These nature-related attractions are located in the municipality of Reichenau and complement the routes and zoo directly associated with Vorwald with another perspective on the landscape.

For winter activities, the Falkert ski area in the municipality of Reichenau offers ski runs ranging from blue to black, ski touring opportunities and a high-altitude cross-country trail. These options cover different activities: downhill skiing, ski touring and the high-altitude trail. Together with the lakes and Swiss stone pine forests, they provide an overview of nature and winter sports at the municipal level that you can take into account when planning your trip.

How Kräuterlaibchen is made

Kräuterlaibchen also offers a distinct culinary perspective. Made in the style of a raw sausage from a special blend of beef and pork, it is wrapped in alpine hay and herbs and left to mature in them for three weeks. The meat blend, wrapping and maturing time are all part of the process. If you are interested in food as well as routes and landscapes, this preparation method is a specific detail that sets it apart from the other travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Liebetig, Sankt Leonhard, Reichenau, Albeck, Stiegl, Glanegg, Oberboden, Falkertsee.

For the broader travel overview: Feldkirchen.