Gallizien: Nature, Water and Church Art

Gallizien can be considered in terms of several clearly distinct themes: a floodplain forest, water destinations within the municipality, a stage of the Karawanken Trail, the Drau Cycle Path and church art from different periods. Fly-fishing is also possible in Gallizien. If you are considering a stay here, you can first decide whether landscape, a specific cycling route connection, an activity or cultural heritage is your main priority.

Nature, Water and Route Connections

The Möchlinger Au extends across the municipalities of Gallizien and St. Kanzian am Klopeiner See. The Möchlinger floodplain forest is Carinthia’s largest floodplain forest complex. This means that, alongside individual water destinations, the focus is also on a natural area spanning two municipalities. For travellers choosing Gallizien for its landscape, the Au offers a broader setting than a single named place.

The Wildensteiner Waterfall is located in the municipality of Gallizien and has a drop of 54 metres. The Freibach Reservoir is also in the municipality. On stage 12 of the Karawanken Trail, the route runs from Gallizien via Kleinobir to the reservoir. This means the Freibach Reservoir can be considered both as an individual water destination and as the destination of a specifically named stage. For the waterfall, its height is the precise point of reference; for the reservoir, the stage describes its connection to the route.

Lake Linsendorf lies directly on the Drau Cycle Path. This differs from its connection to the Karawanken Trail stage: here, the lake’s location directly on the cycle path is the main point, while there the focus is on the route via Kleinobir to the reservoir. If you pay attention to a particular route connection when planning your trip, these two details provide different points of reference. Fly-fishing is another activity available in Gallizien. So, alongside landscape destinations, there is also a specific leisure activity and a clearly named cycle route connection to choose from.

Churches and Cultural Heritage

The four churches in Gallizien represent architectural styles spanning the Middle Ages to the 18th century: Romanesque at the parish church, Gothic at Abtei, Late Gothic at Möchling and Baroque at Glantschach. These locations represent different architectural periods. Those interested in architectural history can explore this diversity as a distinct focus alongside the nature and water destinations.

Based on historical records dating from 1521/38 and its consecration date of 1561, the parish church of Abtei/Apače is dated to the 16th century. Inside, it has Late Gothic star-ribbed vaults resting on wall piers. A star-ribbed vault is recognised by its star-shaped rib pattern; the wall piers are the projecting supports for the vaults along the walls. The Baroque high altar features Late Gothic figures of Saint Leonard and the two Saints John, dating from around 1500. The church’s furnishings thus bring together a Baroque altar and figures from an earlier stylistic period.

Möchling also offers specific points of interest for a look at cultural history: the parish church of Möchling/Mohliče and Möchling Cemetery are protected heritage sites. The series of Lenten veils in Gallizien was restored in 2016. Another small attraction is the Pasterk family craft museum near the Wildensteiner Waterfall. The combination of churches, a cemetery, Lenten veils and a craft museum adds several distinct aspects of local cultural heritage to the nature-related themes.

Discover more destinations: Gösselsdorf, Völkermarkt, Eberndorf, Ruden, Oberseidendorf, Bad Eisenkappel, Kühnsdorf, Sankt Primus

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