Meerauge & Rjautza I AT - A Clear Glacial Lake Below The Mountains And A Peak With Impressive Views

A recent visit to southern Austria allowed us to get to know both of these interesting tourist spots on the border of Carinthia and Slovenia. They are connected by the Bodental valley. It is about 1.5 km from the Meerauge glacial lake to the turnoff to the forest road to the Rjautza hill. So, whoever wants, can combine these two locations into one trip.
Meerauge impresses with its transparency and its turquoise color, which it has in common with the nearby lakes Wörthersee and Bled. According to the legend of the oxen (drowned in it), Meerauge is even connected with the latter lake in Slovenia.
The peak of Rjautza in the Karawanken mountains is situated above the Bodental valley and offers wonderful views of the adjacent Wertatscha and Selenitza mountains as well as the lower, north-facing hills. Lake Wörthersee and the bend of the Drava river are also partially visible. Climbing it requires a little endurance and patience, but the mountain peace and impressive scenery are worth the effort. Unlike the easily accessible Meerauge, the place is less frequented by tourists.
Route: sk.mapy.cz/s/j...
Distance: ~10 km
Altitude difference: ~ 800 m
Terrain: forest roads and trails, the last section of the route before the summit is probably the most difficult (in places made up of rubble sliding down a steep hill, but with a bit of caution manageable even for a relatively untrained person), we recommend sturdy non-slip shoes and poles
Difficulty: mild to moderately difficult
9-8-2024