Arnbach: Hiking, the Drava and Culture

Arnbach offers a variety of hiking and cultural options to help you plan your trip: from a very easy forest trail and a winter hike along the Drava to stages of long-distance and pilgrimage routes. Listed sacred buildings and a wayside shrine add to this selection. First consider whether you would like to focus mainly on the forest, the Drava, a longer stage or cultural destinations.

Hiking in Arnbach

Forest trail and winter hiking trail

The Wichtelwanderweg is a very easy forest trail. It runs through dense coniferous forest and past clearings with panoramic views of Sillian. The trail continues to Arnbach; the Drau Cycle Path is particularly recommended for the return journey. Forest sections and scenic views characterise the hike described, while the Drau Cycle Path has a distinct role as the recommended return route.

The Draudamm winter hiking trail follows the Drava from the Italian border in Arnbach to Tassenbach. Both the riverside route and its two endpoints are specified. After the hike, you can return from Tassenbach towards Arnbach or Sillian by bus or train. Check the timetable for your return journey before setting off so you can factor it into your plans.

Long-distance routes and pilgrimage stage

The first stage of the Karnischer Höhenweg runs from Arnbach to the Sillianer Hütte and is 9.5 kilometres long. The official approach starts at the Alpenhotel Weitlanbrunn in the hamlet of Arnbach. It initially follows the wide forest road 403 towards the Sillianer Hütte. The stage length and the specified starting point of the approach provide two concrete details to help plan this tour.

The Südalpenweg 03 is also linked to Arnbach: its western end is in Sillian or Arnbach. Stage 4 of the Hoch und Heilig mountain pilgrimage route follows the sequence Sillian – Arnbach – Winnebach – Innichen. In Arnbach, this stage passes the Filialkirche zum Leidenden Heiland before reaching the Drau Cycle Path. This route brings together the specified sequence of places and a specific cultural site in the village.

Cultural destinations in Arnbach

According to the heritage register as of 30 June 2025, the Filialkirche zum Leidenden Heiland in Arnbach is protected as a listed building by ordinance. The wayside shrine of St John of Nepomuk is also protected by ordinance. The Chapel of St Vitus and the Raner Marienkapelle on Köckberg are protected by official notice. These forms of protection and the named sacred sites provide a specific cultural focus for planning your trip. The Filialkirche is also part of the described stage of the Hoch und Heilig mountain pilgrimage route, which passes it.

Drau Cycle Path and practical information

The “Arnbach (Sillian) Abzw Weitlanbrunn” stop serves as an access point to the Drau Cycle Path. The Platzhirsch sausage stand is in Arnbach, directly on the cycle path, and offers a snack stop. As opening availability may change, check before your visit whether the stand is open. Together with the recommended return journey from the Draudamm via Tassenbach by bus or train, these are specific details to consider when planning your routes along the Drava.

Discover more destinations: Innergschlöß, Bichl, Nußdorf-Debant, Abfaltersbach, St. Johann Im Walde, Untertilliach, Raneburg, Hopfgarten In Defereggen

For the overarching travel overview: Lienz.