photo : Vectorportal
For some of the best views in the Austrian Alps, you’d be hard pushed to find anywhere better that the Villacher Alpenstrasse. Sight-seeing in 3 countries and as many mountain ranges, all rolled into one . And it’s a special delight for hikers and bikers alike!
Villacher Alpenstrasse
You would be forgiven for thinking that all alpine roads are the same – their purpose being to get you from A to B as quickly and safely as is possible across a magnificent mountain. But Villacher Alpenstraße is no ordinary mountain pass. It goes from A … back to A again!
This is Austrian alpine holidays at their best. Take in the sights of 3 European countries and as many mountain ranges all in one day – and all for free. Well, if you exclude the toll charge that is!
The History of Villacher Alpensatraße
Although originally planned in 1896 as a means of encouraging tourism , this ribbon-like road wasn’t completed until 69 years later. The plotting and planning that went on over the years was beset with many problems – often to do with access to funding, rather than anything to do with architecture in an alpine setting. One of the most amusing was an objection from the Italians. They were worried that the Austrians would be able shoot at them from the Dorbatsch parking area. Well, only those living in Udine - not quite not all Italians!
1954 saw the successful start of the Villacher Alpenstraße – at least from the from the point of view of securing funding. It was eventually completed in 1965 and is now one of Austria’s amazing tourist attractions. From specially designed vantage points along it’s 32 kilometer length (16k up – the same coming down!) it’s possible to see right into the Austria, Slovenia and Italy (whose countrymen seem to have forgotten their fears!).
Amazing Alps and Attractions
The mountain ranges of the Julian Alps, Karawaken Alps and Tauern can clearly be seen from the summit. It’s part of the Dobratsch Nature Park and has been described by visitors as :
.. near the city, but another world
- tripadvisor member
There are several parking areas along the way with information boards that describe the flora, fauna and interesting facts relating to what can be seen around and about. For children there’s a specially designed play area that not only gives plenty of pleasure, but also has an educational impact. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy the Alpine Garden (very reasonable charges apply) with its abundance of wild flowers. There are season restaurants at the Dorbatsch parking area, but you’ll need to take your own supplies during winter and for picnics, as there are no shops.
Bikers and Hikers
Special consideration has been given to bikers by the care-conscious Carinthians in the development of this ribbony road. At the Dorbatsch parking area – the end of the road, so to speak – they’ve installed dedicated lockers where bikers paraphernalia (helmets, jackets and other unsecured stuff) can be stored. They’ve even ensured the road surface is specially formulated to help road holding on the 7 hairpin bends and 16 curves along the route.
As one trip advisor member put it:
The roads in the Alps are beautiful and beautifully kept.
For a special brochure for bikers, get a copy of ‘ The Grossglockner – Bikers Heaven’, which details this and other panorama roads in Austria.
But the best bit for bikers, is that the secure storage at the Dorbatsch parking area means they can also become hikers. From this parking area the only way is up by foot to the summit. Miss it and you miss some of the most stunning views that that Austria, Italy and Slovenia have to offer!
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