Irschen: Mountain Scenery, Herbs and Culture
Accommodation in Irschen
Irschen lies in the Upper Drau Valley on the sunny southern slope of the Kreuzeck Group, a southern foothill of the Hohe Tauern. This hillside location makes Irschen a starting point for a variety of hikes and mountain tours. If you would like to include such tours in your travel plans, the area offers a clear focus on the landscape. Herb-related attractions and historical themes complement this picture of Irschen.
Landscape and Trails
Burgbichl has been developed as a new destination close to the R1 Drau Cycle Path and Irschen railway stop. This provides a practical reference point for planning: you can visit the archaeological site in connection with either the cycle path or the railway stop.
Another natural attraction is the juniper grove. This natural monument in the nature and herb village of Irschen can be explored via a nature-friendly themed hiking trail. Irschen thus offers a range of different themes: mountain tours in the Kreuzeck Group, a trail to a natural monument, and the historic archaeological site of Burgbichl.
Burgbichl: Settlement and Themed Trail
Burgbichl is associated with a late antique hilltop settlement dating to approximately 400–600 AD. The themed trail leads through the settlement and takes visitors to the archaeological site's main points of interest. Information boards, panoramic views and original excavation sites are among the sights along the way. The circular walk combines directions to the archaeological sites with views of the surrounding area.
A free Irschen app for iOS and Android can enhance a visit to Burgbichl. It uses 3D technology and augmented reality. Check the app’s current availability for your device in advance.
Herbs, Garden and Festival
The Kräuter-Kraft-Kreis (Herb Power Circle) presents fire, earth, air and water as symbols of the fundamental ways in which herbs work. The four elements provide a distinct framework for interpreting the herb theme. The KräuterHausPfarrStadel sells herbal products, traditional rural crafts and agricultural goods.
The show garden is right next to the KräuterHaus PfarrStadel. It offers magnificent views of the mountain panorama, as well as colourful flower and herb beds, information boards and places to rest. For directions on foot: from the municipal office, it takes about ten minutes to reach the herb barn.
The herb festival has been held in Irschen every year in early July for decades. For the occasion, the whole village becomes a fragrant promenade of culinary delights. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates before making arrangements.
Grain, Bread and Mill History
The “From Grain to Bread” discovery trail passes through various stations and explores three key elements of breadmaking: grain, water and time. These three themes form the trail's central thread and offer a different perspective on bread than the herb theme or the archaeological sites at Burgbichl.
The historic Baierle Mill is also part of the village's milling history. It is considered a living testament to this centuries-old history.
Discover more destinations: Sankt Oswald, Stall, Pattendorf, Kleblach Lind, Radenthein, GmĂĽnd in Carinthia, Trebesing, Weinberg.
Back to the main travel overview: Spittal an der Drau.
