Traumenbogen High Trail on the Gerlitzen Alps

We followed this hike. With the Carinthia Card, we were able to take the cable car 🚡 to the top for free. Along the way, we had a fantastic view of Lake Ossiach 🚣. Once we reached the top, we first enjoyed the panoramic view. The wind was quite strong 🥶 up here. The hike not only offered fantastic views, but also a wealth of blooming alpine botany ☀️

We start in Annenheim and float up to the Gerlitzen Alpe in the gondola. Even from the lift, we enjoy the view of Lake Ossiach and the entire region. Our junior is completely fascinated by the flight over meadows and forests. Once we reach the top, a leisurely circular trail awaits. The Traumbogen Höhenrundweg (Dream Arch High-Altitude Circular Trail) leads around the summit and connects numerous viewpoints. The first is at the Wetterkreuz (Weather Cross), which marks the intersection of the municipalities of Arriach, Steindorf, and Treffen and once served as a trigonometric survey point. A look through the Viscope experience telescope reveals the names of the surrounding mountains. We continue the circular trail counterclockwise. Along the way, we repeatedly discover special places designed by artists, such as the Himmelspirale (Sky Spiral) or the Salutation to Tibet. For children and adults, the construction of cairns is a small highlight. Several of these can be seen on the Feuerkogel. The trail runs along wide paths and gentle slopes, ideal for strolling and admiring the scenery. Magnificent views open up again and again, stretching to Lake Wörthersee, the Julian Alps, or even the Hohe Tauern. We also encounter history. Along the way, the German Tower catches our eye, a relic from the 1940s that is now part of the observatory on Kanzelhöhe. Nearby, some paragliders are taking off, and we watch them with excitement. The Gerlitzen Alpe is a true mountain with a great view. Those seeking peace and quiet will probably only find it here when the lifts aren't running or the weather isn't so great. However, it's a perfect destination for families looking for something to do. There are numerous easy trails that are nevertheless varied and, thanks to the views, offer many moments of wonder. At Kanzelhöhe, we take a short break to play on the way down to the valley. While our son conquers the sandbox, the older children try out the many other options.

Today we wanted to go high, and for that, we took advantage of the technical support. From Annenheim am Ossiacher See, the Kanzelbahn cable car took us to the ⛰️Kanzelhöhe, and then the ⛰️Gipfelbahn cable car (both €36.50 or KC) continued up to the Gerlitzen Alpe (1911 m). Here we opted for the first hiking suggestion – the "Dream Arch High-Altitude Circular Trail." Wide paths and narrow trails made a wide arc around the summit, offering magnificent views. Along the way, we enjoyed a colorful display of flowers on both sides of the trail. The trail was excellently signposted.