Slow Trail - Brahmsweg

The world-famous composer Johannes Brahms discovered Pörtschach am Wörthersee in 1877, found joy and inspiration here and left his traces during his summer stays, which are still visible today. Walk in his footsteps and let yourself be carried away into the history of the former fishing village.

Don't miss the renowned annual Brahms Competition, where international musicians interpret Johannes Brahms' piano and chamber music.

Starting from the tourist information on the Werzerpromenade, the path leads to the Villi Cinema on Monte-Carlo-Platz. This is where Pörtschach's development as a film and cult location began. The cinema is permanently closed!

The route continues to Leonstain Castle. Through the magnificent gate guarded by the heraldic lion you enter today's stylishly renovated 4-star hotel. See the fountain, the Renaissance lion and the Johannes Brahms bust in the courtyard of the 500-year-old castle and enjoy a feast in the award-winning restaurant.

After a short climb, you will reach the High Gloriette. Feel the medieval history of Pörtschach here, because the Seeburg, built in 980, was located exactly on this spot. Surrounded by the sounds of Johannes Brahms' works, enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Wörthersee and the Karawanken.

Not far from the Hohe Gloriette stands the ruins of Leonstein Castle. It is not a spelling mistake, but a mystery that has not been solved to this day that distinguishes Leonstain Castle from Leonstein Ruin. The legendary ruin has an eventful past, was destroyed by fire and is now looked after by the Pörtschach Castle and Museum Association.

Passing the Niedere Gloriette, we return to the village to Villa Venezia. The villa, built by Josef Victor Fuchs, is a wonderful example of Wörthersee architecture. From traditional Heimat style, combined with English country house architecture and influenced by the elements of the Renaissance, magnificent villas were built on Lake Wörthersee towards the end of the 19th century.

Visit also the villas Wörth, Seehort, Miralago and Seefried and immerse yourself in the charm of the glorious era when Lake Wörthersee became known as a recreational paradise.

Continue to the peninsula, one of the most beautiful places on Lake Wörthersee, and to the bronze bust of Ernst Wahliß, to whom a monument was created here as a pioneer of tourism on Lake Wörthersee. Towards the end of the 19th century, he built the largest hotel empire in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was instrumental in establishing Pörtschach and Velden as tourist centers.

The next stop is the Parkhotel Pörtschach. It impresses with its ship shape, its imposing dimensions and above all its location. From every room there is an excellent view of the lake panorama.

The Slow Trail-Brahmsweg now leads you to the monument of the great "song prince," singer and composer Thomas Koschat. Koschat, who was born in Viktring in 1845, left his mark on Carinthia's singing tradition and established the Carinthian song in several choirs he founded. The best-known works of the artist, who traveled throughout Europe, were written in his homeland.