Discover Sittersdorf

Sittersdorf combines sacred architectural heritage, wine-growing tradition and activities in the countryside. Specific points of interest include two parish churches with Romanesque features, the hike to Sittersdorfer Berg and Jegartkogel, and Lake Sonnegger See. Sittersdorf is a member municipality of the Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark. Its varied attractions help you plan your stay around the places and activities that interest you.

Churches and historic routes

The parish church of St. Philippen ob Sonnegg/Št. Lipš has a Romanesque core and was extended in the Baroque period. The parish church in Sittersdorf/Žitara vas also has Romanesque features: its core is Romanesque-Gothic. A wall and a Romanesque charnel house surround the church; the charnel house dates from the mid-12th century. Sittersdorf thus brings together different architectural periods, from Romanesque cores to Baroque extensions.

The Chapel of St. Helena in Sittersdorf was first mentioned in 1154. The history of the transport routes is also linked to the village: the historic road through Sittersdorf was part of the Salt and Iron Road. It led from Völkermarkt via Eberndorf and Sittersdorf to Eisenkappel and over the Seebergsattel. The church, chapel and road offer different ways to explore the village’s history, without focusing on just one period.

Hike to Jegartkogel

The hike to Sittersdorfer Berg and Jegartkogel starts at the Schwarz farmstead, known locally as “Volina”. From there, it leads through a pine forest to the scenic, rocky ridge of Sittersdorfer Berg. The route passes the “Reitluckn” cave and also winds through rocky formations and open stretches of woodland. This sequence brings together forest, rock and cave on a named hiking route.

The route reaches Jegartkogel. From there, you can enjoy views of the Steiner Alps, Hochobir and Klein Obir, as well as the Jaun Valley and the Hohe Tauern. Alongside the different landscape sections, the panorama features specific landmarks: mountain peaks, a valley and mountain ranges. If you choose a hike based on the landscape features you can see, both the rocky stretches and the views listed here are useful points of reference.

Lake Sonnegger See and events

Lake Sonnegger See is in the municipality of Sittersdorf and covers approximately 1.7 hectares. The lakeside lido has a large sunbathing lawn, a water slide and a restaurant. The lake is also the venue for the Acoustic Lakeside Festival. Since 2006, the festival has established itself there as a well-established tradition. The area combines a lake and an events scene, which you can consider separately or together when planning your trip.

Wine-growing tradition and regional tours

Wine has been grown in Sittersdorf for centuries, and the wine-growing tradition has been revived in recent times. Historically, Sittersdorf was the only place in Carinthia where “Sittersdorfer Rötel” wine was grown. At the wine festival held every September, you can sample wines from local vintners, including Zweigelt, Chardonnay and Cabernet. The festival brings today’s wine event together with the longer history of wine-growing.

Another way to experience the region is the family-friendly 6-Lake Tour by bike. Designed as a full-day cycling tour, it is around 54 km long. The regional route loops around Lake Klopeiner See, Kleinsee, Lake Turnersee, Lake Gösselsdorfer See, Lake Sonnegger See and Lake Pirkdorfer See, and then returns to the starting point. Trail conditions can vary seasonally. Fly fishing is a special attraction on the Vellach near Sittersdorf: the river is known as a fly-fishing paradise.

Discover more destinations: Eberndorf, Untergreutschach, Feistritz Ob Bleiburg, Bleiburg, Bad Eisenkappel, Wasserhofen, Sankt Primus, Rammersdorf.

For the main travel overview: Völkermarkt.