Dellach

Dellach offers a range of themes to explore during your stay: archaeological sites on the Gurina, the visitor centre of the Carnic Alps Geopark, churches, and hiking and cycling trails. When comparing hotels in Dellach, it may help to first decide what you are most interested in: exploring archaeological sites and church history, learning about the history of the Earth, or spending time outdoors. The following destinations offer specific points of reference.

Gurina: Temple and archaeological sites

The Temple of Hercules stands on the Gurina, north of Dellach. It is a reconstruction of a Gallo-Roman peripteral temple and is unique in Austria in this form. The Gurina is also home to votive tablets bearing Venetian inscriptions, which are among the oldest in Austria. The first systematic excavations there began in 1884 under A. B. Meyer. The temple, inscriptions and excavation history offer different insights into the site’s archaeological significance.

A short hiking trail leads to the Temple of Hercules from a car park in Dellach or from the car park at the road junction south of the Gurina. Check local conditions before your visit. You can reach the burial mound area at Schmeißerboden via the mountain road to the Gurina or on foot along a hiking trail. Trail conditions can vary seasonally; take this into account when planning your visit.

Geology at the visitor centre

The Carnic Alps Geopark visitor centre is located in the municipal centre in Dellach. The Geopark centre presents selected fossils and rocks, interactive animations and film presentations on more than 500 million years of Earth’s history. Here, specific natural finds are presented alongside a broad overview spanning vast stretches of time. The centre also provides hikers, tourists and people interested in geology with information about geologically interesting hikes and map materials. You will find both exhibits and guidance for planning your tours there.

Churches, a circular hike and access

An inscription in the chancel of the parish church of St. Daniel gives 1054 as the year it was built. On Wieserberg, St. Helena is a Romanesque hall church with a small semicircular apse and a Late Gothic tower dating from the early 16th century. Its Romanesque frescoes are among the treasures of Carinthian Romanesque art.

The themed circular hiking trail “Wieserberg and St. Helena Church” (TW_N12) is a moderately difficult, 6.2-kilometre circular hike with a historical focus. Its stated length and difficulty provide specific points of comparison when choosing a hike based on these criteria. To visit St. Helena on Wieserberg, you can obtain the key by presenting an identity document during municipal office hours: Monday to Thursday, 07:30–15:45; Friday, 07:30–12:00. Confirm the opening hours with the municipal office before your visit.

There are several hikes on the Jaukenalm; the best-known one leads to Jaukenstöckl. The final ascent to the plateau of the Goldenstein ruins follows a narrow, steep path with fall-protection equipment. Sure-footedness and a good head for heights are required. Take these specific requirements into account when planning your hike.

Cycling and winter trails

The R3, the Carnic Cycling Path, runs through the municipality of Dellach. There is a barbecue area on the R3 at the St. Daniel suspension bridge. This identifies both the cycling route through the municipality and a specific spot along the way.

A municipal winter update dated 10 September 2024 mentions a groomed cross-country ski trail along the Gail embankment: it runs from Kötschach-Höfling via St. Daniel, Dellach and the Nölbling footbridge, continuing through Gundersheim-Kirchbach. The Nölblingloipe is also mentioned. Snow and grooming conditions can vary, so check the latest conditions before a winter outing.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Lorenzen im Lesachtal, Vorderberg, Reisach, Podlanig im Lesachtal, Tröpolach, Sittmoos, Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, Birnbaum

For the main travel overview: Hermagor.