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Wunschbaum am Kathreinkogel: A Place of Wishes and History

Discover the magic of the Wunschbaum on Kathreinkogel: where history, nature, and wishes meet in the heart of Carinthia, Austria.

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The Wunschbaum (Wishing Tree) on Kathreinkogel near Schiefling am See is a unique destination where visitors attach their wishes to a tree atop a historically significant hill. The site offers scenic views, archaeological remains, and a charming church, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Wunschbaum am Kathreinkogel

  • Sankt Kathrein, Katharinaweg 10, Schiefling am See, 9535, AT
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Bring a small wooden tag and string to write and hang your wish on the Wunschbaum.
  • Visit the House of Archaeology to learn about the area's rich history, including Celtic and Roman settlements. Open June to September.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the hike to the summit, as the trails can be steep in some sections.
  • Enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Wörthersee and the Rosental valley from the top of Kathreinkogel.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The most common approach to the Wunschbaum am Kathreinkogel is by walking from the village of Schiefling am See. From the village center, follow the Katharinaweg, which is well-signposted with yellow hiking signs (Route 38). The trail leads through the Schieflinger forest towards St. Kathrein. The ascent to the Kathreinkogel takes approximately 1 hour from the former Gasthaus Kreuzwirt. There are no specific costs associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    For those arriving by public transport, take a bus to Schiefling am See. From the bus stop in Schiefling, follow the walking directions along Katharinaweg to reach the Kathreinkogel. Local bus fares typically range from €2-4 for a short trip within the region. Once in Schiefling, there are no additional costs.

  • Driving

    If driving, parking is available on the road from Schiefling to St. Egyden. Follow the signs to Kathreinkogel. From the parking area, follow the path to the summit. Parking is free. Note that parking may be limited during peak season. From the parking lot, it's a short hike to the Wunschbaum.

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Discover more about Wunschbaum am Kathreinkogel

The Wunschbaum am Kathreinkogel, located near Schiefling am See in Carinthia, Austria, is more than just a scenic spot; it's a place where nature, history, and personal aspirations intertwine. The Kathreinkogel itself is a 772-meter hill with a distinctive shape and a long history of human settlement dating back to the Stone Age. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the hill was inhabited as early as the 7th millennium BC. Evidence suggests that both Mesolithic hunters and Neolithic farmers used the area as a settlement. A significant Late Bronze Age settlement has also been found, featuring huts built into the steep slopes for protection from the wind. A notable economic site from the 12th/11th century BC was discovered, including a prehistoric vertical loom. The House of Archaeology on Kathreinkogel displays many artifacts from these excavations, offering insights into the region's past. In addition to its prehistoric significance, Kathreinkogel also features a Roman-era presence. A Roman castle, approximately 10,000 square meters in size, once stood on the summit plateau. Within the castle grounds is an early Christian hall church dating back to the late 4th century AD. The church, dedicated to St. Catherine, was first mentioned in documents from 1385 and features a late Gothic choir and ribbed vault. The modern attraction of the Wunschbaum adds a contemporary layer to the site's rich history. Visitors write their wishes on wooden tags and hang them on the tree, creating a colorful and hopeful display. The tradition began about ten years ago, and now the site attracts around 6,000 visitors annually. The act of hanging a wish on the tree is seen as a way to send those hopes out into the world. The Kathreinkogel is considered a mystical place, with the Wunschbaum symbolizing dreams and hopes. The site is easily accessible via several hiking trails, with the shortest ascent taking about an hour from the former Gasthaus Kreuzwirt. The trails pass through colorful beech forests and offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

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