Kötschach-Mauthen is a central municipality in the upper Gailtal and at the same time a gate to the Lesachtal. Wood processing, the production of heat exchangers, tourism in general and gastronomy in particular are important economic factors of the region. Kötschach-Mauthen is well known as a wellness and climatic spa. The town boasts a modern outdoor and indoor swimming pool ("Aquarena"), which is the biggest in both Upper Gailtal and Lesachtal.

Those who like to take it easy: 130 km of prepared trails (with two lanes) for all levels of ability await cross-country skiers. Gorgeous elevated cross-county trails guarantee snow security.

Sights include:

• Late Gothic parish church Our Lady (colloquially Gailtaler Dom, "Gailtal Cathedral") in Kötschach, first mentioned in 1399, rebuilt extensively from 1518 to 1527 according to plans designed by Bartholomäus Viertaler
• St Marcus Church in Mauthen, first mentioned in 1466
• World War I Museum 1915-18
• Ruins of Weidenburg Castle, first mentioned in 1225, later held by the Meinhardiner Counts of Gorizia and their Graben von Stein descendants, acquired by George Khevenhüller in 1571; the Khevenhüller family had a new castle erected beneath the ruins about 1615
• Ruined Pittersberg Castle, first mentioned in 1252, held by the Counts of Gorizia
• Late Gothic Mandorf Castle, erected by Ortenburg ministeriales first mentioned in 1521