Discover Kirchbach: Mill Trail, Churches and Alpine Cheese

Kirchbach lies between the Gailtal Alps and the Carnic Alps. Building history, named hiking trails, alpine farming and seasonal activities each offer a different perspective.

Kirchbach’s History and Churches

Kirchbach Parish Church dates back to a late Gothic predecessor and was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1768/69. Near Kirchbach, in the municipality of Dellach, stands the branch church of St. Helena on Wieserberg. It is a Romanesque hall church with a late Gothic tower. The two buildings offer different historical points of reference: the parish church combines late Gothic origins with a Baroque remodelling, while St. Helena has a Romanesque hall church and a late Gothic tower.

At the western end of the village stands Thurn am Tabor Castle, first mentioned in an official document in 1364. In Treßdorf, the ownership history of the MaroschHof can be traced back 600 years. The castle and farm add two further aspects to the history of the area: an early documentary mention and a long, traceable succession of owners.

Hiking Trails and Routes

The Mill Hiking Trail connects Kirchbach and Treßdorf on a circular walk and continues through Treßdorf to the Treßdorf watermill. The historic Henneberg Trail lies within the municipalities of Kirchbach and Dellach. The WY_N10 Kirchbach–Stranig–Treßdorf–Kirchbach is a circular route through the municipality of Kirchbach. Those looking for a historic route will find that character explicitly in the Henneberg Trail; the Mill Hiking Trail and the WY_N10 are described as circular routes.

Another route runs from the Gundersheim Gail Bridge for about 10 kilometres, with no significant climbs, along the Gail River to the Waidegg Gail Bridge.

When to Visit and Activities

The Kirchbach Apple Festival takes place every year on the first Sunday in October. Check the exact date for your travel year before planning your stay around it. In winter, cross-country skiing is available in Kirchbach and the surrounding area. This means there are different seasonal considerations when planning your trip: the recurring festival in October and the seasonal winter activity.

The solar-heated Kirchbach outdoor pool has a beach volleyball court, a playground and a large sunbathing lawn. Check its seasonal opening hours before visiting. A flight takes off from Stöfflerberg at an elevation of 1,150 metres and lands in Kirchbach opposite the outdoor pool at an elevation of 642 metres. If you are planning this flight, confirm the arrangements in advance.

Alpine Farming and Cheese Trails

Alpine farming has a long tradition in Kirchbach. Gailtal Alpine cheese is made on numerous alpine pastures using traditional recipes.

The Cheese Hiking Trail in the Carnic Alps is 30 kilometres long and crosses the border. It can be travelled on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. The route options therefore differ in their format: in Kirchbach and the surrounding area, you can choose from circular walks and cross-country skiing, among other activities; the Cheese Hiking Trail offers three specified ways to travel its cross-border route.

Discover more destinations: Weißbriach, Kötschach-Mauthen, Schlanitzen, Liesch, Birnbaum, Mellweg, Gundersheim, Sankt Lorenzen Im Lesachtal

See the full travel overview: Hermagor.