Kötschach-Mauthen – A Stopover That Makes You Want More!

I actually only planned Kötschach-Mauthen as a quick stop between the Moments of Joy stage and the Culinary Delights stage of the Alpe-Adria Road Trip. A place to arrive, take a breath, and discover more hidden gems in this corner of Carinthia the next morning. But after just a few hours, it was clear: this small town of 3,000 residents has more to offer than meets the eye.

"Griaß di" at Alpencamp Kötschach-Mauthen

I arrive at my destination, the Alpencamp Kötschach-Mauthen run by Sepp and Mathilde Kolbitsch, in the afternoon with my VW California from myvanture. The relaxed atmosphere is noticeable as soon as I drive in, the welcome is warm, and after just a few minutes, it feels like I've been here much longer.

That's exactly what makes a good campsite for me. You arrive, park your van, and can simply enjoy the rest of the day.

Any travel fatigue quickly disappears when you end the day in the campsite's spacious wellness area, for example. The "Wohlfühlstadl" (wellness barn) with its sauna village and wellness department completely surprised me: it offers guests pedicures, manicures, natural cosmetics, eye treatments, body treatments, wellness treatments, and skin treatments. The various saunas and relaxation areas with views of the surrounding mountains make Alpencamp an ideal place to end a day of travel in a relaxed way.

A Campsite with a Special (Musical) History

Alpencamp has a long history, and Sepp can tell many stories about how this place came to be. One little anecdote of a completely different kind particularly stuck with me: folk pop music plays all day in the washroom building. At first, I had to smile – until it was explained to me why. Right next to the campsite is the childhood home of pop star Melissa Naschenweng. So her music simply belongs here, and on top of that, it ensures you can only be in a good mood!

Regional Delights at the Loncium Private Brewery

For me, a stay in Kötschach-Mauthen also includes a visit to the Loncium Private Brewery, which is just a few minutes' walk from Alpencamp.

The brewery has long made a name for itself with its creative beer specialties. In addition to classic varieties, extraordinary beer creations are also brewed. However, I found the extensive non-alcoholic range particularly interesting.

There are now five different non-alcoholic beers to choose from – ideal for anyone traveling by camper who plans to drive on the next day.

It's also convenient that many Loncium beers are available directly at the Alpencamp reception. After the tour, you can simply take your favorite flavor with you and enjoy a cozy evening in front of your camper.

A Place to Stay

I actually planned to move on after one night. But then I ended up staying another day. Maybe it's the relaxed atmosphere. Maybe it's the hosts. Maybe it's because nature, enjoyment, and camping fit together so effortlessly here. In any case, Kötschach-Mauthen is not a place you just drive through.

My Personal Excursion Tip: the Mauthner Klamm!

The Mauthner Klamm is a true natural gem in Carinthia. It impresses with imposing rock faces, rushing water, suspension bridges, and small tunnels: you can feel the power of nature and how good it is for us when we take a moment to consciously look and listen.

• Where: Kötschach-Mauthen, Carinthia
• Trail length: approx. 1.7 km through the gorge
• An experience for anyone who loves impressive nature and is looking for a cool-down on hot days.
• Important: Be sure to bring a helmet and sturdy, non-slip footwear.

My Tip for Van Travelers

If you're traveling to Carinthia via Felbertauern and Lienz, you should deliberately plan Kötschach-Mauthen as your first longer stop.

From here, there are several options for continuing your journey: You can go directly to Friuli-Venezia Giulia and further towards the Adriatic Sea via the Plöckenpass. If you want to stay a little longer in Carinthia, drive via Hermagor to Lake Pressegger or Lake Weissensee.

This flexibility is precisely what makes the Alpe-Adria Road Trip so special. There's no fixed order or time pressure – just many ways to customize your road trip.

My Vanlife Tips for Kötschach-Mauthen

• Camping: Alpencamp Kötschach-Mauthen – an ideal starting point for the Alpe-Adria Road Trip, with flexible onward travel options.
• Relaxation: The spacious wellness area offers the perfect way to end a day of travel in comfort.
• Enjoyment: The Loncium Private Brewery is worth a visit. The five non-alcoholic beer varieties, also available directly at the campsite reception, are particularly recommended.
• Personal favorite moment: Pop music in the washroom building – and the story of why Melissa Naschenweng simply belongs here.

Conclusion: Kötschach-Mauthen is much more than a stopover. It's a place where you'll happily stay an extra day and start your Alpe-Adria road trip feeling relaxed.

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