Geography Of Bad Kleinkirchheim
Bad Kleinkirchheim is an Austrian municipality situated in the Gurktal Alps. It runs five kilometers in a glacial trough valley between the Millstätter See and the upper Gurk River. High elevations of 980 m to 1,380 m define the area; the Klomnock peak, at 2,331 m, is its highest point. Feld am See to the southwest and Krems to the northwest abut the region.
Three Katastralgemeinden make up the municipality: Kleinkirchheim, Sankt Oswald, and Zirkitzen. With 35% of the area made up of alpine grassland, 28% of it woods, and 9.6% of it meadows and arable land, Bad Kleinkirchheim has a varied terrain. Small streams, moor regions, and settlement zones make up the remaining area.
There are many of outdoor recreational options and breathtaking views in the mountains that around Bad Kleinkirchheim. South of the valley lie the Kaiserburg and Wöllaner Nock, while to the north of the side valley are peaks such Priedröf, Wiesenock, and Mallnock. Among the many bodies of water in the region is the Twengbach, which meanders through the valley and finally empties into Lake Millstatt.
Geographically speaking, a glacier during the Würm ice age created the Kleinkirchheim valley. Within the Gurktal Alps, the area is a component of the Nockberge mountain range. Paleozoic Era gray slates and Gurktaler Nappe phyllites make up the local rocks. Furthermore present is triassic limestone, especially in the Kaiserburg and Wöllanernock regions.
With its alpine vistas, soaring mountains, and glacial valleys, Bad Kleinkirchheim provides a stunning backdrop. Tourists looking to take in the splendor of the Gurktal Alps and outdoor enthusiasts frequent it.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Location and Surroundings
- 2 Physical Geography
- 3 Human Geography
- 4 Natural Attractions
- 5 Cultural Geography
- 6 Related Articles
- 6.1 Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.2 Nightlife in Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.3 Food & Drinks In Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.4 Things To Do In Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.5 Attractions & Landmarks In Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.6 How To Get To Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.7 Best Time To Visit Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.8 History Of Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.9 Economy Of Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.10 Demographics Of Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.11 Weather & Climate In Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 6.12 Ski Resort Bad Kleinkirchheim
- 7 Go Next...
Location and Surroundings
The town of Bad Kleinkirchheim is in the southern part of Austria, close to the borders with Italy and Slovenia. It’s about 30 kilometers south of Spittal a der Drau and about 60 kilometers east of Villach. The closest airport is Klagenfurt Airport, which is about 50 kilometers away. Bad Kleinkirchheim is surrounded by the beautiful Nockberge Mountains, which have soft slopes, rolling hills, and lush forests.The Nockberge Mountains are part of the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, which protects a place with rich natural and cultural history.
Geographical Position
Known also as the Nock Mountains, the Gurktal Alps include Bad Kleinkirchheim in a glacial trough valley. Five kilometres (3 miles) separate the valley from the upper Gurk River and the Millstätter See. The settlement is between 980 m (3,215 ft) and 1,380 m (4,528 ft) above mean sea level. At 2,331 m (7,648 ft) the top of the Klomnock is the highest point in the region. Continental in climate, Bad Kleinkirchheim has mild summers and chilly winters. Yearly averages for temperature and precipitation are 6.8 °C (44.2 °F) and 1,173 mm (46.2 in).
Neighboring Regions
Bad Kleinkirchheim is the picturesque Gurktal Alps’ 184 km2 (71 sq mi) Nockberge National Park. Along with many species of plants and animals, the park boasts geological characteristics like springs, caves, and karst formations. Hiking, motorcycling, skiing and animal viewing are just a few of the leisure pursuits available in the park.Among the park’s attractions are the Nockalm Road, a sweeping route that links Innerkrems and Ebene Reichenau; the Biosphere Reserve Nockberge, a UNESCO-designated site that supports sustainable development and conservation; and the Nockberge Museum, which displays the area’s natural and cultural past.
Within the Spittal a der Drau area, Bad Kleinkirchheim also shares boundaries with Radenthein, Reichenau, Krems, and Feld am See. These communities include castles, churches, museums, and monuments among other cultural and historical sites. Radenthein is renowned, for instance, for its mining history and its Granatium, a museum and exhibition space devoted to garnets. One of the most striking mediaeval strongholds in Austria, Hochosterwitz Castle, is the main attraction of Reichenau.Gustav Mahler was born in Krems, and Feld am See is a well-liked fishing and water sports resort.
Access Points
Bad Kleinkirchheim is easy to get to by car, train, or plane. The B88 road connects the town to Radenthein and Reichenau. The A10 road connects the town to Klagenfurt and Salzburg. The nearest train stop is Spittal-Millstättersee, which is 19 miles away and has links to Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, and other places. The closest airport is Klagenfurt Airport, which is 65 km (40 mi) away and serves both domestic and foreign planes. There are also shuttle and bus services that go between Bad Kleinkirchheim and the towns and cities close.
Physical Geography
Landforms in Bad Kleinkirchheim
Bad Kleinkirchheim is in a valley that was formed by glaciers in the Nockberge Mountains. The valley bottom is mostly flat and productive, with a few fields and grasslands here and there. There are a few rocks and rocky outcroppings on the steep, forested valley sides. The Wöllaner Nock is the highest point in the town, at 2,145 meters above sea level. It has a wide view of the lakes and mountains close.
Rivers and Lakes
The Römerbach, a little creek that empties into the Millstätter See, a big lake north of the town, crosses Bad Kleinkirchheim. Second-largest lake in Carinthia, the Millstätter See is a well-liked spot for water sports, boating, fishing, and swimming. The 13.3 km² lake has a maximum depth of 141 meters, a summertime water temperature of up to 25°C.Recreationally-friendly smaller lakes close to Bad Kleinkirchheim are the Brennsee, the Afritzer See, and the Feldsee.
Mountain Ranges Nearby
The mountain ranges near Bad Kleinkirchheim are all in the Gurktal Alps, which are a part of the Central Eastern Alps. In this group, the Nockberge Mountains stand out because they run along the southern edge of town. Many different kinds of plants and animals live in the Nockberge Mountains, which are known for their round shape and interesting natural features such as mineral springs and rock formations.The Gailtal Alps, the Carnic Alps, and the Julian Alps are some other nearby mountain areas with tougher terrain and higher peaks that are great for mountain hiking and snowboarding.
Human Geography
Population Distribution
The population of Bad Kleinkirchheim was estimated at 1,700 at the 2020 census. Comparing the population density to the national average of 107 persons per km², it is low at around 40 people per km². The municipality’s administrative and business hub, Bad Kleinkirchheim, is home to the bulk of its residents. The remaining residents are found in hamlets and smaller communities such Wiedweg, Zirkitzen, Obertschern, Untertschern, and St. Oswald.
Urban Development
Specially since the 1950s, Bad Kleinkirchheim has grown from a small farming hamlet to a contemporary spa and ski resort. To handle the increasing number of tourists and visitors, the town has increased the number of its hotels, restaurants, stores, cable cars, ski lifts, thermal baths, golf courses, and sports centers.The town has also managed to maintain its customary architecture and culture, which includes the stone churches, the wooden chalets, and the regional celebrations and festivities.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Road and public transit links Bad Kleinkirchheim to the rest of the area and the nation. The town is reached by the B98 road, which follows the valley and joins to the A10 highway, the primary connection between Salzburg and Villach. Regular buses also run to the closest railway stations at Spittal a der Drau and Villach, from where trains to other important cities and destinations are accessible. A local bus runs all year round and a free ski bus travels within the town during the winter. The town also features 24 cable cars and lifts that link the various sections of the ski slope and provide access to the bike and hiking paths.
Natural Attractions
Parks and Green Spaces
Numerous parks and other green areas in Bad Kleinkirchheim provide chances for leisure and relaxation. The Kurpark, Römerbad Park, and St. Kathrein Park are the most famous of these; they are close to the thermal baths and include sculptures, gardens, playgrounds, and fountains.In addition, the community has a sports park with a variety of sports and activities, a tennis court, a mini golf course, and a golf course.
Nature Reserves
Within the 184 km² Nockberge Mountains, which is classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, sits Bad Kleinkirchheim. Together with encouraging sustainable development and education, the biosphere reserve seeks to safeguard and enhance the region’s natural and cultural richness. Among the many events and attractions of the biosphere reserve are guided tours, exhibitions, seminars, and research initiatives.
Scenic Points of Interest
Many picturesque spots in Bad Kleinkirchheim highlight the splendor and diversity of the surroundings. Among the most often used ones are:
- Perched above the village and the valley is the Kaiserburg, an 11th-century fortress. Currently housing a hotel and museum, the castle also presents concerts and cultural events.
- The Brunnachalm, a high-altitude meadow with breathtaking views of the Nockberge Mountains and the Millstätter See, is reached by the Brunnach National Park Cable Car.Many hiking and bike routes begin at the Brunnachalm as well.
- 35 kilometers of picturesque Nockalm Road wind through the Nockberge Mountains, via a variety of natural and cultural landmarks including lakes, waterfalls, alpine pastures, farms, and museums.Along the route, which is available from May to October, are a number of rest places and vantage points.
Cultural Geography
Historical Sites
Beginning in Roman times, when the town served as both a military outpost and a spa, Bad Kleinkirchheim has a rich and varied past. The following historic locations honor the town’s past:
- The 1960s discovery of the historic Roman baths provides the foundation for the contemporary Römerbad Thermal Spa. Together with a museum showcasing the baths’ history and archeological discoveries, the spa provides a range of wellness and health treatments.
- Another spa establishment built on the Celt and Roman traditions of therapeutic springs is the St. Kathrein Thermal Spa.Along with a children’s section, the spa features a sauna and a sizable indoor and outdoor pool.
- The municipal patron saint is honored at the Romanesque St. Ulrich Church, which dates back to the twelfth century.Along with a Baroque altar and a Last Judgment mural, the church features a Gothic tower.
Architectural Landmarks
The architecture in Bad Kleinkirchheim is unique because it combines modern and traditional styles with Alpine and Mediterranean tastes. Here are some examples of buildings that show what the town is like:
- The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, one of the best ski races in the world, is held every year at the Franz Klammer World Cup Stadium.The ski racer Franz Klammer won the 1976 Olympic gold medal and was born and raised in Bad Kleinkirchheim. The stadium is named after him.
- The town center and the Maibrunn ski area are linked by the Maibrunn Cable Car. The ski area has 25 kilometers of slopes and 8 lifts. The cable car was built in 2008 and has a modern look. It gives you a great view of the valley.
- A theme park called Heidi Alm Falkert is based on the well-known children’s book Heidi by Johanna Spyri. A petting zoo, a playground, and a climbing trail that tells the story of Heidi and her friends can be found in the park.
