Discover Plöcken: Pass History and Geology

Plöcken is a destination for travellers who want to combine cultural history with mountain activities. In addition to the Roman Via Iulia Augusta, there is the open-air museum of the Mountain War, the memorial chapel and geological features; hiking and climbing are also part of what the region has to offer. If you are looking for a hotel in Plöcken, you can first decide whether the history of the pass or activities in the mountain landscape will shape your stay. Plöcken, the surrounding mountains and the Angerbachtal form a compact recreation area for hikers and climbers.

The history of the pass, from Roman times to the Mountain War

Plöcken was developed more than 2,000 years ago. The Romans built the Via Iulia Augusta there as a direct route from Aquileia northwards. This early transport link provides a different historical context from the memorial sites of the Mountain War. The open-air museum of the Mountain War preserves historic defensive positions and serves as a memorial against war. In the sector on the Kleiner Pal, it includes numerous restored Austro-Hungarian and Italian positions.

The memorial chapel at Plöcken Pass also anchors remembrance to a specific date: it was inaugurated on 29 June 1929. The Plöcken memorial service takes place annually in late August; the exact date may vary. A themed trail at Plöcken Pass covers alpine history, the First World War and local geology. This allows you to explore the historical focus not only through military memorial sites, but also through the connection between alpine history and the history of the Earth.

Hiking, via ferrata and geology

The hike to the Kleiner Pal follows the Landsturmweg on the ascent and the MG-Nase on the descent. The two trail names help you distinguish between the ascent and descent when planning. Another type of tour is the historic underground via ferrata on the Cellon: it is 180 metres long and has an elevation gain of 117 metres. Check the technical conditions before setting out. A via ferrata set, a headlamp and a rockfall helmet are strongly recommended for the route.

The avalanche gully on the Cellon reveals rocks from the Ordovician, Silurian and Devonian periods along a stretch of about 60 metres. These names refer to three consecutive geological periods and place the outcrop in the timeline of Earth's history. A natural history perspective on the mountain region thus complements the view of the defensive positions and the history of the pass.

Plan your journey for the hike

For the hike to the Kleiner Pal, you can take the train from Lienz or Villach to Oberdrauburg, or from Villach to Hermagor. From there, a bus runs to Kötschach-Mauthen. Depending on the season and availability, you can then continue to Plöcken Pass or the Plöckenhaus by demand-responsive bus or taxi. If you are planning this hike using public transport, check connections and seasonal availability before you travel.

For the overall travel guide: Kötschach-Mauthen.