Katschberg: Carinthia's most atmospheric advent trail

Last year, in early December, I dived in what I consider to be the most enchanting and fairy-tale-like experience to have during Christmas time. I had been wanting to go there for years, but either for one reason or another I had never been able to make plans... then, all of a sudden... I made them!

There are a number of hotels in Katschberg, but I had the privilege of being hosted by Das Katschberg, a beautiful facility at a height of 1650m, which welcomes you to spacious rooms with a bathtub (in each room!) and a private spa. Then there’s no shortage of breakfasts and dinners, when you’ll find every delicacy you can think of, and a Wellness Spa with a swimming pool, outdoor whirlpool and the ever-present sauna and steam room to warm up after a day in the snow. This place alone is already a fairy tale.

Because I’d like you to keep in mind that you’ll have to add the presence of the Advent Trail to this beautiful setting: it’s an evocative experience to be enjoyed romantically as a couple or, why not, as a family with children in tow. The Trail includes a beautiful walk ranging from 2 to 7 kilometers, depending on which route you choose to take.

At 2 p.m. the dancing begins, and horse-drawn carriages will be waiting for you from the Alpengasthof Bacher (gasthof): this is where your fairy tale will begin. You’ll arrive at a hut going through the woods, where you can stop to enjoy some typical dishes and warm up a bit, surrounded by the peace of the mountains.

From here you’ll then set off again on foot, with a lantern to light the snow-covered road in your hands: between the glare of the moon and the flashlights, the snow seems to be of a deep blue color. I was crazy lucky, I admit, because during this pleasant walk it snowed a lot: a carpet of fluffy snow made this experience even more magical!

Your route will be interrupted by a few stops at bivouacs set up for the occasion. Entering there, one discovers choirs, music, hot tea, and something good (and well-deserved) to munch on.

The trail ends with a nativity scene and a little house where one can leave their own wish.

On the way back I decided to abandon the carriage and opted for a small toddle, choosing the shorter path – a choice I didn’t regret because I enjoyed the Christmas decorations in the woods, that came with lots of colorful lights.

But let's get down to the practical side, so to speak. You can experience this enchanting fairy tale from Nov. 24^th, 2023 to Dec. 25^th, 2023 every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. (Christmas Eve excluded). You can find all the relevant information here.

I would like to remind you that in Katschberg you can also ski, enjoy snowshoeing, and have many other unforgettable experiences. So, out of the unbridled consumerism and some kitschy events that occasionally accompany Christmas, this is surely the most romantic and quaint event I’ve ever attended in my beloved Mitteleuropa!

Do you trust your Miss?