Loibl Pass, Mountain pass in Karawanks, Austria and Slovenia
Loibl Pass is a mountain crossing through the Karawanks at approximately 1,367 meters high, connecting the Austrian town of Ferlach with the Slovenian municipality of Tržič. The old pass road remains open to pedestrians and cyclists today, while a modern tunnel built in 1967 carries through traffic.
The pass gained military importance in the 16th century under Habsburg rule, when a tunnel was first carved through the rock to improve the route toward Trieste. During World War II, a major military tunnel was constructed and opened for traffic in 1944.
The pass is marked by two obelisks at its summit that date back to the early 18th century and recall a royal visit. These stone monuments stand as reminders of when this mountain crossing was a significant diplomatic landmark.
The old pass road works well for leisurely walks and bicycle rides, though it offers limited shelter and few rest areas. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changeable mountain weather.
Beneath the surface lie remnants of an older tunnel from the 16th century, carved through the rock with simple tools and tremendous effort. This early passage shows how critical this mountain route was for trade and transport centuries before the modern road.
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