Typically warm and dry in the summer, the weather is very pleasant and can be fully enjoyed while doing different outdoor activities. During the winter a good amount of snowfall attracts lovers of cross-country slopes and skiing trails from all over the world.

The swimming pools are not ordinary ones, but an attraction amid impressive scenery. This natural bathing place was created for all those, who are tired of chlorine and now want to take a dive into pure nature. The facility consists of two separate pools, one of which being designed for kids. Furthermore, it includes a playing ground for the little ones, as well as a restaurant, where one can enjoy ice-cream, candies, beverages and small dishes like French fries.
There is also a designated area within the place for people who love camping. 

Click here for further information:
http://www.erlebnis-naturbad-vorderberg.kanupanzi.com/

Watermill “Grazi”
The mill was renovated in 2000 by the proprietor – family Schumi that is – and is now open to the public. This mill, powered by water, is located in an easily accessible area in the village of St. Paul. Gravity drives the machinery through the motion of flowing water from a local streamlet.
Guided tours can be arranged upon request (Erwin Schumi +43 (0) 4283/2228).

Ostrich Farm
Have you ever seen an ostrich for real? Visit the Ostrich Farm Hauck – situated right opposite the imposing church in St. Stefan – and watch these impressive cursorial birds in their enclosure. The ostriches are reared on the farm and are free range throughout the year.  In the course of a visit you can acquire various ostrich-specialities like meat and eggs.
Guided tours can be arranged upon request.
 

Hiking
Once arrived in St. Stefan, a hiker’s heart starts to beat faster.  A net of marked hiking routes leads you from charming town houses through wild and idyllic valleys up to mountain summits where you can enjoy the sensational panorama view which is worth every minute of walk. Hiking trails with various levels of difficulty will turn the holidays into an unforgettable adventure for the entire family.

Biking
You don’t want to be without your beloved bike? No problem. St. Stefan offers a vast net of biking trails. The biking trail Carnia R3 connects the entire valley Gail from Kötschach/Mauthen to Villach. For the most part the trails pass by charming villages and taverns, where you can enjoy Carinthian specialities. This route, though, is rather easy and flat. Therefore, when you prefer more difficult trails we recommend you check out one of our mountainbike trails, which lead through woods up to the mountains, guaranteeing you a breathtaking view on the community.

Are you the type of person who prefers not to sweat during the holidays? Then discover our community on the back of a horse or enjoy the idyllic villages on a horse-drawn carriage.

Winter sport lovers will be charmed by the cross-country slopes in our area. Skiing freaks are in the best hands in the Skiarena Nassfeld. A plus for all guests: a free-of-charge shuttle bus takes you from St. Stefan directly to the skiing slopes.  The most daring guests can venture a ski mountaineering tour with our certified mountain and ski guides.


Adventure Geopark
What do you know about the Earth` history which started some 500 million years ago? You can brush up your knowledge while visiting the 1000 square kilometre Carnic Alps Geopark which covers the entire Gail valley. One of the over 70 sites you can explore is located on the Oisternig, a mountain in our community. There, you will encounter leftovers like fossils and on your way up to the summit amid breathtaking scenery a sign vividly explains the testimonies from bygone times.

Traditions in our area mean a lot and are held high, especially the local music group and several choirs keep up traditional values. The highlight of traditional festivities during the year is definitely the so called Kirchtag, a church festival. Organized by a group of young, unmarried people, these celebrations are not all about religion, but rather a big party. Girls are dressed in traditional gowns. Among others, the programme includes that unmarried men on horses try to smash a wooden barrel from a pillar with an iron club. The winner receives a wreath of flowers.

Don’t hesitate to ask for further information at
the tourism office St. Stefan
Tel.: +43 (0) 4283/2120
Email: st.stefan-gailtal@ktn.gde.at