Katschberg: Nature in the Pöllatal Valley, Churches and Advent Trail

For a trip to Katschberg, nature, culture and seasonal activities can be considered through specific themes. The Pöllatal Nature Reserve extends across Rennweg am Katschberg. Churches and the historic Pocherhaus represent architectural, artistic and mining history; in winter, a ski bus connection and a section of the Katschberg Advent Trail are additional matters to consider when planning. This lets you plan your stay around the season and your personal interests.

Nature and trails in the Pöllatal Valley

The area around the Inneres Pöllatal core zone has been designated a European protected area since 2009. In summer, you can reach the Pöllatal Valley on foot, by bicycle or by Tschu-Tschu train from the barbecue area or P1 car park. The train can carry up to 62 people through the valley and is offered for family and group outings. For a group trip, this capacity can be factored into your plans. Check before your trip whether the train is running on your chosen date.

The Bacherlebnisweg trail in the Pöllatal Valley follows the Lieser River. Information boards give children the opportunity to explore nature. Anyone interested in observing nature will find a clear focus here: the riverside trail and exploring nature with the help of the boards.

Church and mining history

The parish church of St. Peter im Katschtal in Rennweg was first mentioned in a document in 1351. Most of its altars and statues date from around 1700. St. Peter near Rennweg served the lords of Katsch as their hereditary burial place from the late Middle Ages. The church thus brings together several historical layers: its early documentary mention, its later furnishings and its role as a burial place.

The present-day branch church of St. Georgen im Katschtal is a Late Baroque building constructed between 1780 and 1782. The central painting on the Late Baroque high altar was completed by Josef Messner in 1861. The building and the painting therefore belong to different periods; almost eight decades separate the construction period from the completion of the central painting. If you are interested in art history, you can explore the history of the building and that of a prominent altar painting as distinct topics.

Mining is another historical theme: the Pocherhaus in Oberdorf was the centre of mining in the Pöllatal Valley, where gold and silver were extracted. Together with the churches, it broadens the focus from architectural and artistic history to the history of mining.

Winter activities

In winter, a free ski bus connects Rennweg to the Katschberg ski area in just a few minutes. Check the current winter timetable before your trip so you can plan your stay around the connection.

At the Katschberg Advent Trail, the following section is about 2 km long and can only be covered on foot. These are two different kinds of winter activity to consider when planning: a bus connection to the ski area and a trail section that must be walked. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The time of year makes a clear difference to the nature-related activities: access to the Pöllatal Valley is specifically described for summer, while the ski bus and Advent Trail are winter activities. The church and mining history offers a separate cultural focus.

Discover more destinations: Begöriach, Zederhaus, Sankt Andrä Im Lungau, Muhr, Ramingstein, Thomatal, Tweng, Mauterndorf

For the main travel overview: Tamsweg.