Hiking in Carinthia

The nature and herb village of Irschen in the Upper Drau Valley stands for authenticity, closeness to nature, and living tradition. Guests at the Landhof Irschen nature hotel not only experience the unspoiled landscape here, but also the warm openness of the locals. Authentic experiences and village festivals are not tourist attractions, but a living community. Visitors are always welcome and can feel like "temporary locals."

Participate in village festivals

An example of this authentic village life is the annual Schuhplattler festival. The association is firmly in the hands of men—from the youngest to the seniors, everyone enthusiastically shows off their artistic movements to accordion music. The village square is furnished with benches, the music plays, and people laugh, drink, and eat. This is not an event to attract tourists, but a genuine celebration for the locals. However, guests are always welcome, of course. Anyone who attends will immediately feel how quickly you can become part of the community during a hiking vacation in Carinthia.

Where hiking is the miller's delight...

Kaiserschmarrn is prepared using forest starch, which is ground directly behind the Irschen farm in an old, lovingly renovated, water-powered mill. The flour is packed into backpacks and taken up to the alpine pasture. Depending on the season, blueberries are picked there during a guided hike. Everyone picks, chats, and snacks together. At the Griebitschalm, one of the three Irschner alpine pastures, all the ingredients are baked together into Kaiserschmarrn in the rustic hut. The fresh buttermilk comes from Irschner cows and is freshly made by the dairy farmers.

Experience Irschen with Simone & Markus

Simone & Markus from Landhof Irschen are committed to the idea of offering their guests not just a stay, but a genuine encounter with nature and village life. Those who travel with them experience Irschen in a very special way – up close, unadulterated, and warm-hearted:

Elfriede, an experienced yoga teacher, invites locals and guests alike to yoga sessions by the Landhof's natural swimming pond or high up on the alpine pasture in summer. The scent of the meadows, the warm sunshine, and the silence of the mountains make these hours unforgettable. Afterwards, everyone enjoys breakfast and a chat together.
Andrea teaches guests how to make fragrant herbal syrup—sunshine and summer meadows captured in a bottle.
Alexandra, on the other hand, introduces guests to the art of natural cosmetics and shows them how easy and rewarding it is to make their own creams and ointments. This creates little holiday souvenirs to take home with you, which you can enjoy at home too.

Two women getting to know herbs during a herb hike in Carinthia.

The lovingly restored, water-powered mill made entirely of wood is a highlight during a hiking holiday in Carinthia.

Feeding alpacas as an experience for families during a holiday at Wanderhotel Landhof Irschen.

Three hikers at Lake Knappensee while hiking in Carinthia with the Lienz Dolomites in the background.

Garden gnomes on a overgrown wall as an original eye-catcher while hiking to an alpine pasture in Carinthia.

Herbal vacation with yoga, alpacas, and nature enjoyment

This herb walk is just the beginning of many wonderful experiences. The Landhof Irschen nature hotel offers many more unforgettable experiences: baking bread, making natural cosmetics and soaps, tying scented wreaths, participating in herb workshops, hiking with alpacas, or enjoying yoga in the alpine pastures. And if you just want to do nothing, the refreshing natural pond is the perfect place to unwind. Even for those who have to work from time to time while on vacation, the Landhof Irschen offers a quiet retreat—with views of the mountains and the scent of fresh herbs in the air. Collect your own moments of happiness at the Naturhotel Landhof Irschen – and take the scents and colors of Carinthia home with you.