Obervellach

Obervellach is a market town and municipality in the district of Spittal an der Drau, in the Austrian state of Carinthia. It lies in the Mölltal, in the central Alpine region of southern Austria, near the Hohe Tauern. The municipality sits along the Möll River and extends from the valley floor to surrounding mountains; it includes the town of Obervellach and several smaller settlements.

With a history dating to the Middle Ages, Obervellach developed as a local market town serving agricultural communities in the valley. The area has long been tied to forestry and mining activity in the surrounding mountains, though today the economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture and small local industries.

The population comprises a few thousand residents. The town serves as a service center for its rural surroundings, offering shops, schools and medical services to the valley communities. In winter, nearby slopes and cross-country trails attract visitors; in summer, hiking, cycling and nature excursions are common.

Culturally, Obervellach features traditional Carinthian architecture, a local parish church and protected historical buildings that reflect the region’s settlement history. The area is part of the broader Hohe Tauern region, with a network of nature trails and protected landscapes that attract outdoor enthusiasts.