Winkl: Trails, Nature and Crafts

When planning a trip to Winkl, several different themes come together: paths to chapels and viewpoints, a fen, regional crafts and a seasonal toboggan run. The paths differ in their named stops; for Natura Mystica, the duration of one individual spur trail is also specified. These specific details can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Paths to chapels and viewpoints

The Heilwasser Briccius Trail leads to the legendary Briccius Chapel, high above Heiligenblut. The chapel’s Baroque altarpiece depicts 16 scenes from the legend of Briccius. The chapel and healing spring were renovated in 2004. The trail thus links a particular tradition with a specific work of art and the chapel’s healing spring.

The Kräuterwand walking trail has a different destination profile: it runs along the Winkl district, past Wolfgang Chapel and up to Kräuterwand. While the Briccius Chapel is the destination of the Heilwasser Briccius Trail, the walking trail names Wolfgang Chapel as an intermediate stop and Kräuterwand as another destination. These stops can help you choose the trails according to the theme that interests you most.

Moor, waterfall and wildlife watching

Kachl Moor is a fen and provides an important habitat for special plants and animals. The Gößnitzfall–Kachl Moor nature trail starts at the Retschitzbrücke car park in Winkl. The Natura Mystica trail includes a 15-minute spur trail to a viewing platform overlooking Gößnitzfall. The circular route passes the Feuerinsel, a rest and barbecue area in the middle of the forest. The 15-minute estimate applies to the spur trail to the viewing platform, not to the entire circular route. The attractions offer different highlights: habitat, viewpoint and resting place.

At Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, the Großglockner National Park Centre offers views of Großglockner and the Pasterze Glacier. With a little luck, you can observe marmots and ibex in their natural environment there. This adds another nature-focused option to exploring the moor and waterfall, with mountain views and the chance to spot wildlife at its heart.

Crafts and animals at Sturm Arche Farm

Sturm Arche Farm is home to Brown Mountain Sheep, Tauernschecken goats, Austrian Grey geese, Cröllwitz turkeys, Crested ducks, Sulmtaler chickens and Blue Vienna rabbits. The animals kept on the farm may change. Buttons made from natural materials sourced in the region are produced in the farm’s button workshop. The same farm therefore brings together animal husbandry and regional craftsmanship as two distinct themes.

Seasonal toboggan run

In the Winkl district, a seasonal toboggan run lies 500 m outside the centre and is 1.1 kilometres long. The two figures provide different planning information: 500 m describes its location outside the centre, while 1.1 kilometres is the length of the run. If you plan to include the toboggan run in your trip, check its availability for your travel dates in advance.

When choosing a hotel in Winkl, you can first consider the trails you plan to visit and the time of year you are travelling. The routes have different named stops; the toboggan run’s seasonal availability should also be factored in.

Discover more destinations: Schüttbach, Innerfragant, Lainach.

For the broader travel overview: Mallnitz.