Iselsberg Stronach

Altitude: 1,117 metres a.s.l.

The holiday village of Iselsberg-Stronach is situated on the slopes of the Iselsberg between the Lienz basin and the Mölltal valley near the border to Kärnten. This locality is split in two by the Dölsacherberg: in fact, Iselberg is located along the road to the Iselsberger Sattel whereas Stronach lies right in front of this mountain.

Thanks to its proximity to the Lienz Dolomites, the village of Iselsberg Stronach boasts a wide range of outdoor activities. Wonderful hikes lead to the Iselsberg, through the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern (Hohe Tauern nature park) and to the earth pyramids of Stronach (Stronacher Erdpyramiden) which are only a stone's throw from the village centre. These natural formations date back to the last ice age. It is possible to extend this hike to the Feuchtbiotop Zwischenberger Lacke, a biotope which is also a natural habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

In winter this area turns into a winter sports paradise. Sledders can have fun on the sledge runs of the Lugger-Alm, the Virger Boden and Zwischenbergen which are easily accessible from the centre of the village from where you can also undertake winter hikes, snowshoe excursions and ski tours.

The Walchenstein ruin, an impressive 12th century castle east of the gorge of the Dölsacher Bach stream in Stronach is worth mentioning. We also recommend visiting the Filialkirche Zum Schutzengel church and the Lourdes chapel from 1900. The latter hosts a tuff cave with an image of Bernadette Soubirous to whom the Virgin Mother appeared in Lourdes. A commemorative panel dedicated to Franz Deferegger who was born in a house nearby the chapel is visible on its external faҫade.

Thanks to its fantastic position, the village of Iselsberg-Stronach is an excellent starting point for hikes to Lienz, to the neighbouring region of Kärnten and its lakes and to the Heiligenblut pilgrimage site.