When you stay with us, you're not only at the warmest bathing lake in Europe — you're also right next to one of the most hidden natural gems of Southern Carinthia. The Brenndorf bird sanctuary is only 2 km from our apartments, on the shore of the Völkermarkt reservoir.
At 21 kilometres long, the reservoir is the third-largest body of water in Carinthia — created in 1961 by damming the Drava river. Here, where the river winds through riparian forest and wet meadows, kingfishers, grey herons and dozens of other bird species live. You really can spot the kingfisher — I photograph it regularly, sometimes less than 10 metres away. All the photos on this page were taken here.
The kingfisher is the most colourful bird you can see in Carinthia. Brilliant blue, orange breast, lightning-fast plunge into the water — and there it is again on its mossy branch, a tiny fish in its beak. In Brenndorf you'll find ideal conditions: steep banks for nesting, clear water, peace and quiet. If you head to the reservoir early in the morning (6–8 am) and stay still, your chances really are good.
The view from Brenndorf is hard to put into words: the Völkermarkt reservoir stretches 21 km through a wide valley, with the snow-capped Karawanken behind it. In spring the cherry trees blossom, horses graze in the meadows, and on clear days the view reaches all the way to Slovenia. On foot or by bike you'll be there in just a few minutes — past orchards and farms.
The meadows around Brenndorf are full of butterflies: red admirals, brimstones, cabbage whites — different species depending on the season. For macro photography you don't need luck here, just a little patience and a warm morning sun.
Kingfishers: early in the morning, 6–9 am, when the light is soft and it's quiet at the reservoir. Butterflies from 10 am, when the sun warms the meadows. Spring to early summer is ideal.
Telephoto from 300 mm for kingfishers, macro for butterflies. Camouflage helps, but patience is more important than gear. Tripod for the early morning hours.
Only 2 km — 25 minutes on foot, 8 minutes by bike. Through Brenndorf towards the reservoir, past orchards. You can't miss it.
Bird sanctuary = keep quiet! Stay on the paths, don't disturb nests. The kingfisher gets used to calm observers — but hates sudden movements.
Our apartments are only 2 km from the bird sanctuary — and a 10-minute walk from Lake Klopein. A bathing lake and a nature paradise, both just around the corner.
All photos on this page: © Florian Mori — taken in the Brenndorf bird sanctuary near St. Kanzian on Lake Klopein.