Description of the attraction
Mount Oswaldiberg is located north of the town of Villach, near Lake Ossiachersee. Its height is 963 meters. This mountain with the adjacent territory has long been explored by tourists. On its slopes, overgrown with pine and deciduous forests, there are hiking trails leading directly to the top, from where you can see several lakes: Ossiachersee, Wörthersee and Faakersee.
The Oswaldiberg tunnel, which is considered a local landmark, runs through the mountain from the Tauern motorway. This is the second longest two-lane tunnel in Carinthia. It was built to relieve traffic around Villach. The tunnel, 4307 meters long, was opened on March 12, 1987. In 2004, it was improved by replacing the lighting and emergency exits. About 25 thousand cars pass through the Oswaldiberg tunnel every day.
For the first time, Mount Oswaldiberg is mentioned in documents from 1784. Then it was called the Katharina-Bergl hill. Many centuries ago, a church was built on the top of the mountain, which was visited by pilgrims. In those days, the path leading to the church was much steeper than it is now. She did not loop, but walked exactly to the top. The Oswaldiberg Church is very small. It was built in the Gothic style, but is decorated with three baroque altars. In 1902, during the renovation, an observation tower was added to the temple.
In the early 1960s, a well-maintained road was built on the mountain, suitable for cars. In the 18th century, a guest house was erected near the church, which still exists today. It consists of only two rooms with a large terrace.
