Bodental Valley

Bodental Valley is a beautiful and secluded mountain valley in the south of Carinthia, Austria. It is part of the Karawanks mountain range and lies at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. The valley is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, skiing, and scenic views.

Bodental Valley (Slovene: Boden, Carinthian Slovene: Póden) is a remote and picturesque mountain valley in the south of Carinthia, Austria. It is located about 30 km from the capital city of Klagenfurt and can be reached by road or walking trail from the Loibl Pass road. The valley is part of the cadastral community of Windisch Bleiberg and belongs to the municipality of Ferlach. The valley is drained by Boden Creek (German: Bodenbach, Slovene: Žabnica), which flows over Tschauko Falls in the Tscheppa Gorge. The valley has a length of about 4 km and a width of about 1 km. The valley is surrounded by the peaks of the Karawanks, such as the Vertatscha (2,134 m), the Ferlacher Horn (1,848 m), and the Hochstuhl (2,237 m).

History

The name Bodental derives from the Slavic word *boden*, meaning “sharp, pointed”, referring to the shape of the valley. The valley was first mentioned in a document in 1269 as *Bodental*. The valley was settled by Slavic farmers in the early Middle Ages, who cultivated the land and raised cattle. The valley was also a place of refuge for Protestants during the Counter-Reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries. The valley was part of the Duchy of Carinthia until 1918, when it became part of the Republic of Austria. During World War II, the valley was occupied by Nazi Germany and was the site of a forced labor camp for prisoners of war and civilians. After the war, the valley was restored to Austria and became a popular tourist destination.

Attractions

Bodental Valley is a natural paradise for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers. The valley offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that lead to scenic viewpoints, alpine meadows, and mountain huts. Some of the most popular trails are:

The Fairytale Meadow (German: Märchenwiese, Slovene: Pravljična livada) is a large and flat meadow at the end of the valley, where the Boden Creek forms a small lake. The meadow is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Karawanks and is a perfect place for picnics, relaxation, and photography. The meadow can be reached by a 20-minute walk from the parking lot at the entrance of the valley.
The Meerauge (German: Sea Eye, Slovene: Morsko oko) is a small and clear pond that is fed by an underground spring. The pond is a relic of the Ice Age and has a depth of about 2 metres. The pond is located near the Fairytale Meadow and can be accessed by a short detour from the main trail. The pond is famous for its turquoise color and its reflection of the surrounding mountains.
The Klagenfurt Lodge (German: Klagenfurter Hütte, Slovene: Celovška koča) is a mountain hut that is situated at an altitude of 1,664 metres on the slopes of the Vertatscha. The hut was built in 1898 by the Alpine Club of Klagenfurt and is open from June to October. The hut offers accommodation, food, and drinks for hikers and climbers. The hut can be reached by a 2-hour hike from the Fairytale Meadow or by a 4-hour hike from the Loibl Pass road. The hut is a starting point for several routes to the summit of the Vertatscha and other peaks of the Karawanks.
The Tscheppa Gorge (German: Tscheppaschlucht, Slovene: Čepa) is a narrow and steep gorge that is carved by the Boden Creek. The gorge is located at the lower end of the valley and is accessible by a 3-km long trail that runs along the creek. The trail passes by several waterfalls, rapids, and rock formations. The highlight of the gorge is the Tschauko Falls (German: Tschaukofall, Slovene: Čavški slap), a 26-metre high waterfall that plunges into a deep pool. The gorge is open from May to October and has an entrance fee.

How do I get to Bodental Valley from Klagenfurt?

There are a few ways to get to Bodental Valley from Klagenfurt by car, train, or bus. The fastest and easiest way is to drive for about 25 minutes on the E652 road and then follow the signs to Windisch Bleiberg and Bodental. The distance is about 25 km and the traffic is usually light. You can also take a train from Klagenfurt Süd to Weizelsdorf and then a bus from Weizelsdorf Bahnhof to Bodental Gh Sereinig. This option takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs around 6 to 9 euros.

Klagenfurt, Austria