Burgherren circuit

A wonderful family walk along easy and well-maintained forest paths by the western foothills of the Ossiacher Tauern. Here the path takes us on a historical tour through flora and fauna to breathtaking views and idyllic forest ponds. After a brief toll road ascent to the castle ruins, we start by the castle pond.

This is the starting point for the Burgherren circuit. Along the pond path we pass the former water source for the castle - the aquaduct arches with symbolic water features - and at the entrance to the Affenberg monkey park we reach the ascent to Jungfernsprung. Here is also the start of the natural path, with valuable child-friendly information about the flora and fauna. After the ascent, we reach a small forest glade where we turn right. After a few metres, an endless view of Villach, the Dobratsch nature park, the Karawanken and the Julian Alps opens up in the background. Here the Burgherren circuit branches left to Jungfernsprung - a steep cliff formation falling steeply towards Lake Ossiacher See. The western part of Lake Ossiacher See is at the hikers feet, while the domineering Gerlitzen Alpe draws your gaze. The wooden sculpture of the "Ossiacher See mermaid" tells the legend of the little Tauern church and is the namesake for the Jungfernsprung.