Dobrač, or in German Dobratsch and also Villacher Alpen is a 2166 meter high mountain located in the easternmost part of the Ziljske Alps, or west of Beljak / Villach.
The mountain has two peaks of approximately the same height, which are only a little more than 30 meters apart. On the eastern side is the German church, which is considered one of the highest lying churches in the Alps and also in Europe, and on the western peak there is a cross, and just below it is the Slovenian church, which is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
Just a few dozen meters below the two peaks is the Ludvig - Walter Hütte mountain lodge, near which stands a 160-meter-high television tower, which can be seen far and wide.
From both peaks we have a beautiful view that stretches far in all directions, and the most beautiful views are of the Julian Alps, Karavanke, Carnian Alps, Ziljska Alps, Krška Alps and High and Low Tours.
We started the hike at the starting point of Rosstratte, which is located at an altitude of 1732m. We walked from the parking lot for two hours.
During the journey, we had the company of cows that were happily grazing on the meadows.
Since everything was once under water, we have various rocks on display along the way. Fossils of various shells and snails are beautifully visible on them.
The path is macadam and easy to walk.
As I mentioned earlier, there is a television tower on top, which was built in 1971.
The Slovenian church has an interesting story; while grazing, the shepherd was caught by a severe storm, and believing in God, Mary appeared to him on the rock where the cross stands today and protected him from the storm. A small church was then built a few meters below the peak in her honor.
The view is magnificent, in the distance you can see Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia.
I returned home proud, grateful to have reached the top. See you in the next post.
Maja