Plescherken: Lakes, Moorland and Pile-Dwelling History

When looking for a hotel in Plescherken, the landscape and history offer two specific points of reference for planning your stay. The Penkensee Circular Trail from Plescherken runs through a moor between Lake Keutschach and Lake Hafner and continues to Lake Penkensee. The route therefore takes in not only the two lakes, but also a passage through a moor and Lake Penkensee as another destination. If you are planning your stay around nature, this change in landscape features can be a focus in its own right.

Lakes, Moorland and Landscape

Lake Hafner, near Plescherken, has largely unspoilt shores and lies in the Keutschach Valley. With its sequence of lakes and moorland, the circular trail offers a different focus from the shoreline landscape of Lake Hafner. Further afield, the moorland and lake landscape of Keutschach-Schiefling is shaped by fens, moisture-loving forests, meadows and lakes in a landscape formed by the Draugletscher glacier. This offers a perspective ranging from specific trail and shoreline features to the region’s broader landscape.

Pile-Dwelling History and Cycling Route

The prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement in Lake Keutschach is about 6,000 years old and is near Plescherken. Since 2011, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.” The two dates refer to different things: about 6,000 years is the settlement’s age, while 2011 marks the start of its UNESCO World Heritage status. The World Heritage Window at Keutschach Municipal Office presents information and original finds from the settlement. Check current access to the municipal office before visiting. This lets you distinguish the historic site in the lake from the exhibition at the municipal office.

Another trace of history is linked to the Gravel Speedway Rosental cycling route, which passes through Plescherken. Remains from the mining and gold-prospecting era of the 18th century can still be found there. The Penkensee Circular Trail and the Gravel Speedway Rosental have different focuses: the circular trail highlights lakes and moorland, while the cycling route passes through Plescherken and is associated with traces of the mining and gold-prospecting era. The two historical subjects also differ significantly in age: the pile-dwelling settlement is prehistoric, while the mining and gold-prospecting traces date from the 18th century.

Dining and Local Produce

For a meal by the lake, the 2024 municipal guide lists Seerestaurant Hafnersee at Plescherken 5. It is right on Lake Hafner, has a large sun terrace and serves daily specials, pizza and snacks. The 2024 municipal guide also lists Bauernhof Kotzian at Plescherken 20, which offers various grains and flours as well as spelt, Haden, rye, wheat and potatoes. Check seasonal availability in advance for both the restaurant and farm products. The restaurant and farm represent different aspects of dining: a meal by the lake and agricultural produce.

The 2024 municipal guide lists Strandbad Hafnersee at the address Plescherkem 5. Check seasonal public access before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Poggersdorf, Techelsberg Am Wörther See, Windisch Bleiberg, Töpriach, Pörtschach Am Wörther See, Maria Rain, Höflein, Sekull.

Go to the broader travel overview: Klagenfurt-Land.