Metnitz

The Metnitz is a river in the Gurktal Alps of Carinthia. It rises at 1,230 metres on the Priewaldalm east of Flattnitz and flows east then south for 43 kilometres before joining the Gurk near Hohenfeld. The valley it carves is narrow between the Metnitzer mountains to the north and the Mödring ridge to the south. Above Friesach the valley floor widens into the broad Friesacher Feld, and below Friesach the Olsa joins from the left. The Metnitz carries an average of 5.3 cubic metres of water every second and drains 470 square kilometres. Its flow peaks in summer and again in autumn, and most of its course remains close to its natural state. Water quality is class I–II, meaning it is only lightly polluted. The river is home to different fish in its upper and lower stretches: only trout and bullheads live near the source, while grayling and rainbow trout appear further downstream. Visitors can follow the Metnitz along quiet paths that run beside its clear water. The river passes through the villages of Metnitz, Friesach, Micheldorf and Straßburg, each offering views of the surrounding hills. At the hamlet of Hirt the valley narrows again before the Metnitz reaches the Gurk. The route is lined with small farms and meadows, and the banks are shaded by alders and willows in many places.