Discover Heiligengeist: Church, Hiking Trail and Ski Tour

Heiligengeist brings together a small Gothic parish church, a hike to the Hundsmarhof and a ski tour on the Dobratsch. If you are looking for a hotel in Heiligengeist, you can choose your destination based on these different travel interests: cultural history, a specific hike or an outing on skis. The church, hiking trail and starting point for the ski tour each give your stay a different focus. For your planning, it is worth keeping these activities separate: hiking and ski touring differ both in activity and destination.

Culture in Heiligengeist

The Heiligengeist parish church near Villach is a small Gothic church first mentioned in historical records in 1449. This date refers to its first written mention, not necessarily the time when it was built. Remnants of wall paintings from the second quarter of the 15th century have been preserved in the church, and a wooden roof turret crowns the building. A roof turret is a tower-like structure on a roof; at the parish church, this feature is made of wood. These details do not all indicate the same thing: Gothic describes the architectural style, the wall paintings are surviving pictorial remains, and the roof turret is a single architectural feature. Those interested in architecture can use these different features to understand the church. Both dates fall within the 15th century.

Hike to the Hundsmarhof

The hiking trail from Heiligengeist to the Hundsmarhof follows Route 22 and is part of the “Way of the Book.” The route is 3 km or 6 km long, goes there and back, and takes two hours. The distance and duration answer different planning questions: the kilometre figures refer to the route, while the two-hour figure indicates the time required. Bear in mind that seasonal conditions can vary, and check conditions before setting out. The Hundsmarhof, the destination of the hike, is an alpine inn at the northern foot of Villach’s local mountain, amid green fir forests.

Ski tour on the Dobratsch

Heiligengeist is the starting point for the ski tour on the Dobratsch. The Dobratsch is close to Heiligengeist and is specially protected as a nature park. Snow and route conditions vary by season; check current conditions before setting out. The hike to the Hundsmarhof and the ski tour differ in both activity and destination: the former goes on foot to the alpine inn, while the latter takes you on a ski tour up the Dobratsch. This distinction can help you plan your stay according to whether you are looking for a walking route or a ski tour.

Find a hotel based on your travel plans

Consider whether the time required and the specified hiking destination, or the starting point for the ski tour, will be the deciding factor for you.

Discover more destinations: Ragain, St. Egyden, Schloß Treffen, Faak Am See, Paternion, Fahrendorf, Afritz, Feistritz An Der Drau

Go to the overview of the wider area: Villach.