60 years Villacher Alpenstraße: A festival for people and nature!

60 years Villacher Alpenstraße: A festival for people and nature!

Villach, Österreich - On July 17, 1965, Villacher Alpenstraße was ceremoniously opened and has since developed into an important connection between Villach and the untouched nature of Dobratsch. Today, on July 18, 2025, Alpenstrasse celebrated its 60th anniversary in the Dobratsch Nature Park. The celebrations took place on the rosa guideline and offered a colorful program full of highlights that attracted both locals and visitors.

The guests of honor of the event included numerous representatives from politics, tourism and nature conservation. Among them was also the mayor Sarah Katholnig, who in her speech emphasized the importance of sustainable development and gentle tourism. Johannes Hörl, Managing Director of Villacher Alpenstraßen GmbH, presented the street as a symbol of the harmonious connection between man, nature and technology. "A highlight of our region," said Robert Heuberger, Managing Director of the Carinthia nature park, which highlighted the cooperation between technology and environmental protection.

a look back and forward

60 years ago, the construction of the Alpine road was a technical challenge that still leaves its traces in the region today. In his speech, Mayor Christian Hecher paid tribute to the legacy of the builders, while State Councilor Sara Schaar underlined the relevance for future generations. The memory of Heinz Knittel, who worked as a site manager in the 1960s, was also memorable. In a moving ceremony, a historical bends of bends were handed over to his family.

Dobratsch plays a central role in this success story. It was recognized as the first nature park of Carinthia in 2002 and today offers a variety of nature reserves and the possibility of sustainable use. Numerous attractions for families and a children's program are offered, which made the anniversary a party for young and old. The Dobratsch Naturpark itself not only includes the areas around Dobratsch, but also the municipalities of Arnoldstein, Bad Bleiberg and Nötsch in the Gailtal.

nature and environmental protection in focus

The history of Dobratsch also shows how the use of the area has changed over the years. After the reduction of minerals was no longer economical in the 1980s, the idea of a new use in the form of a nature park was created. This initiative received additional momentum when Villach was appointed "Premier Alpine City of the Year" in 1997 - a step that attracted attention to the natural recreational opportunities.

The second construction phase of a comprehensive general renovation of the Alpine Road is currently being carried out in order to further strengthen the message of sustainable tourism. In accordance with the goals of the park, the focus is on maintaining the unique nature and ensuring that future generations can also benefit from the treasures related to Dobratsch.

Overall, the celebration on the 60-year history of Villacher Alpenstraße shows how important the preservation and care of nature and landscape in our region is. The Alpenstrasse is not only an engineering, but also a place where man and nature are in line - and that is what makes Dobratsch a special place.