Oberdrauburg: Culture, Nature and Trails

Oberdrauburg combines historic buildings, trails with views of the mountains, river landscapes and a range of leisure activities. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these highlights can help you decide where to go: the townscape and history are reflected in Hohenburg and the parish church of St. Oswald, while the broad valley floor and the Lauenbach streams shape the landscape outdoors.

Culture and history in Oberdrauburg

Hohenburg stands on a hill north of Oberdrauburg. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach on foot from the town center. It was first mentioned in a document in 1375, and its architecture features both Gothic and Renaissance elements. The parish church of St. Oswald offers a different insight into architectural history: it was built between 1805 and 1812, has a late Baroque-classical design and features a Gothic tower. Its features include vault paintings dating from 1809.

Archaeological finds are also part of the cultural offerings. The upper floor, which is accessible to visitors with limited mobility, displays medieval finds from the ruins of Flaschberg and Hohenburg, as well as Roman excavations from Schrötelhofer Feld. Vanni's Vogelwelt in Oberdrauburg offers a different focus: its permanent exhibition showcases birds from the Alps, tropical rainforests and the continents of Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Valley floor, river landscapes and trails

Over millions of years, the Drau has formed the flat valley floor near Oberdrauburg. It is around one kilometer wide, and a well-developed network of hiking and cycling trails runs away from road traffic. Between cultivated areas, the extensive floodplains of the Drau and the Lauenbach streams form natural refuges for many rare plant and animal species. With a little luck and patience, you can spot kingfishers by the crystal-clear, fish-rich Lauenbach streams.

For different views, take the Burgforstweg, which starts right in the historic town center. From there, you can look out over the market town, the mountains opposite, Hohenburg and Hochstadel. The Drau Cycle Path also passes through Oberdrauburg: its second stage runs from Lienz to Spittal an der Drau, passing through Flaschberg and Ötting on the way to Oberdrauburg. This offers two distinct perspectives: views of the town and mountains from the Burgforstweg, and a longer cycling route between Lienz and Spittal.

Schloßruine Flaschberg is another destination in the municipality. From Oberdrauburg, you can reach it via a country road through Ötting, Flaschberg and Pirkach to the foot of Hochstadel, or by taking a high trail branching off from Flaschberg. When planning your visit, consider not only the destination but also the described route through these villages and up to Hochstadel.

Climbing and excursions

The climbing park in the center of Oberdrauburg is suitable for beginners and advanced climbers. For a different setting, head to the Pirknerklamm gorge at the foot of Hochstadel. There you will find a moderately challenging gorge via ferrata with a climbing section beside a thundering rainbow waterfall. The descriptions distinguish between the options by location and experience, so you need not expect the same type of climbing environment at both.

Adventure pool and getting there

The Oberdrauburg adventure pool has a 58-meter water slide, a mini slide for toddlers and a Kids River pool. From Oberdrauburg station, you can reach the pool by regional bus towards Unterberg or with a short walk. Check seasonal opening before you travel. This lets you plan your pool visit as a separate activity while taking the travel options from the station into account.

Discover more destinations: Aschbach, Maltaberg, Egg, Stampfen, Pattendorf, Berg Im Drautal, Penk, Sappl

Back to the main travel overview: Spittal An Der Drau.