Carinthia & Lakes

The Lake Wörth is Carinthia's and Austria's most famous lake — 16.5 km long, up to 85 m deep, and up to 28°C warm in summer. Its turquoise blue color, the elegant villas of the Gründerzeit, and the vibrant nightlife have earned it the reputation of "Austria's Riviera." Since the 19th century, the lake has attracted nobility, artists, and summer vacationers — today it is a mosaic of glamour, family vacations, and sporting events.

The three main towns on the lake could hardly be more different: Velden in the west is chic and party-loving, Pörtschach in the middle romantic and quiet, Klagenfurt on the east shore the state capital with urban flair. In addition, there are the idyllic southern shore towns of Maria Wörth and Reifnitz.

The Lake Wörth Cycle Path (42 km circuit around the entire lake) is one of Austria's most popular cycling routes — flat, paved, fantastic views. E-bike rental in all major towns (from 35€/day).

The Lake Millstatt is Carinthia's second-largest and perhaps most beautiful lake — 11.5 km long, up to 141 m deep (the deepest in Carinthia), and up to 26°C warm in summer. What sets it apart from Lake Wörth: tranquility. No party boats, no motorboat noise (strictly limited), no bed castles. Instead: wooded shores, historic villas, a Benedictine abbey, and a silence you can hear.

The main town Millstatt (3,400 inhabitants) is a gem: The Millstatt Abbey (founded in 1070) is one of Carinthia's most important Romanesque buildings — the cloister with its 47 columns and tree cycle sculptures is unique. In summer, the Millstatt Music Weeks take place in the abbey church — world-class chamber music concerts in a sacred atmosphere (tickets: 25–45€).

The south shore (towns of Seeboden and Döbriach) is sunnier and warmer, the north shore wilder and steeper. The Millstätter See Höhensteig (7 stages, 200 km, 10,000 meters of altitude) circles the lake at altitudes between 600 and 2,300 meters — one of the most beautiful multi-day hikes in Carinthia.

Swimming: In addition to the beach baths (4–7€ entry), there are free bathing spots on the south shore near Döbriach and east of Seeboden. The water is of drinking water quality — the turquoise color comes from the lack of algae growth thanks to the depth and purity.

The Lake Faak is perhaps the most photogenic lake in Carinthia: Its legendary turquoise blue (caused by fine glacial silt in the inflow) against the dramatic backdrop of the Mittagskogel (2,145 m) is a postcard motif you must see. The lake is manageable at 2.2 km², up to 27°C warm in summer, and surrounded by campsites and small guesthouses — there is no luxury here, but honest relaxation.

The small island in the lake (the only island in a Carinthian lake) is privately owned and not publicly accessible — but beautiful to look at, especially from the south shore with the Mittagskogel in the background.

Lake Faak is a paradise for water sports: Sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling (SUP rental from 15€/hour), rowing boats (10€/hour). Motorboats are prohibited — keeping the water crystal clear and the atmosphere calm.

Every year in early September, Lake Faak transforms into Europe's Harley-Davidson capital: The European Bike Week brings over 100,000 motorcyclists to the lake — a week of chrome glinting, engine roaring, and rock'n'roll. Outside of this week, the lake is a peaceful family lake.

Villach (63,000 inhabitants) is Carinthia's second-largest city and is often overlooked in favor of Klagenfurt — unjustly so. The lively old town with its Mediterranean squares, bridges over the Drau, and proximity to three lakes (Lake Faak, Lake Ossiach, Lake Silbersee) makes Villach an ideal starting point for exploring Carinthia.

The Main Square with its Renaissance and Baroque facades is the heart of the city — here, the people of Villach sit with coffee and ice cream, surrounded by arcade houses. The Parish Church of St. Jakob (Gothic, 14th century) has a 94 m high tower that can be climbed (180 steps, 3€, panoramic view). The Villach City Museum in the Crusius Palace (7€) showcases the eventful history at the crossroads of three cultures: German, Slovenian, and Italian.

Villach's trump card is the Warmbad-Villach Spa (Carinthia Spa): A huge thermal complex with natural 29°C warm thermal water, coming directly from the Maibachl spring. Indoor and outdoor pools, slides (120 m tube slide!), sauna landscape with 12 different saunas, spa area. Ideal for rainy days or relaxation after a day of hiking.

Carinthia Spa: Day ticket 29€ (adults), 22€ (children 4–15), under 4 free. 4-hour ticket: 23€/17€. Sauna world: surcharge 8€. Open daily 9 AM–10 PM. The thermal springs have healing effects on joint and back problems.

The Großglockner High Alpine Road is the most spectacular panoramic road in the Alps and leads over 48 kilometers from Heiligenblut in Carinthia over the Hochtor Pass (2,504 m) to Bruck-Fusch in Salzburg. 36 bends, 1,500 meters of altitude, a glacier, and Austria's highest mountain — the Großglockner (3,798 m) — within reach.

The spur road to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe (2,369 m) is the highlight (in both senses): From the huge viewing terrace, you look directly at the Pasterze, Austria's largest glacier (8 km long, but rapidly shrinking), and the Großglockner peak behind it. In the visitor center, the "Glockner World" exhibition (free with toll) explains the geology, wildlife, and history of the High Alpine Road.

Along the road, there are several stops: The Edelweißspitze (2,571 m, the highest point reachable by car) with a 360° panorama over 37 three-thousanders, the Alpine Nature Show Museum on the Margaritze, and the Swarovski Lookout (telescopes for observing marmots and ibex, free).

Heiligenblut am Großglockner (Carinthian side) is the perfect starting point: A 1,300-inhabitant village with a Gothic church (15th century) posing in front of the Großglockner — the most photographed motif in Carinthia. In winter, a small, fine ski area (55 km of slopes, hardly any waiting times, day pass 52€).

Großglockner High Alpine Road: Toll 42€ per car (day ticket). Motorcycle 32€. Open: early May–early November (weather-dependent). Travel time Heiligenblut–Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe: approx. 45 minutes.

The Nock Mountains are the counter-program to the rugged Hohe Tauern: Gently rounded grassy peaks (the "Nocken"), up to 2,440 m high, interspersed with extensive alpine pastures, pine forests, and babbling brooks. The Nock Mountains Biosphere Park (UNESCO since 2012) protects this unique cultural landscape in northwestern Carinthia.

The Nockalm Road (35 km, 52 bends, toll 22€ per car) is Carinthia's most beautiful panoramic road after the Großglockner — less dramatic, but just as enjoyable. It winds through the gentle Nock Mountains, past alpine huts and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Along the road, there are several "experience stations" with nature trails, geological outcrops, and panoramic points.

The Nock Mountains are a hiking paradise for connoisseurs: No via ferratas, no crevasses, instead velvet-soft grassy hills that make you want to walk barefoot. The circular hike over the Windebensee (2,000 m, directly on the Nockalm Road, 1 hour, easy) is perfect for families — a mystical moor lake with emerald green water.

In winter, the Nock Mountains transform into the Bad Kleinkirchheim ski region: 103 kilometers of slopes, two spas (Thermal Römerbad and St. Kathrein Spa) directly in the ski area — combining skiing and spa is standard here. Day ski pass: 58€, spa-ski pass combo: 72€.

The Carinthian cuisine is a melting pot of Alpine, Slovenian, and Italian influences — and has produced dishes that are found nowhere else. Hearty, honest, and with a craftsmanship reminiscent of Italy's Nonna cuisine. The most important dishes:

Carinthian Kasnudeln — The National Dish

The Carinthian Kasnudeln (also "Kasnudl") are the flagship of Carinthian cuisine and even have EU origin protection (g.t.S.). Pasta pockets made from noodle dough, filled with a mixture of Bröseltopfen (curd), potatoes, mint (!), and brown butter. The special feature: The edge is artfully "crimped" — formed into a decorative wave pattern with the fingers. Every Carinthian farmer's wife has her secret recipe.

They are served with melted butter and a salad — simple, but a taste experience. Found in every Carinthian inn and on every alpine hut, typically 10–14€ for 6 pieces. At the Benedictine Market in Klagenfurt, you can get them freshly prepared from 6€.

Reindling — The Carinthian Festive Cake

The Reindling is a yeast cake traditionally baked in a round form (the "Reindl"): Yeast dough filled with a spiral of brown butter, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, sweet-spicy, and absolutely addictive. Traditionally baked for Easter and church fairs, but now available year-round in bakeries and inns.

A whole Reindling in the bakery: 8–12€. A piece in the inn: 4–6€. Best served warm with butter. The best bakeries: Wienerroither (Pörtschach), Bäckerei Ronacher (Klagenfurt), Bäckerei Öfferl at the Benedictine Market.

Other Specialties

Frigga (Carinthian Church Day Soup) — A rich soup with nine different types of meat (beef, pork, chicken, sausage, etc.), vegetables, and spices. Traditionally for church day, now at folk festivals and in inns. 8–12€.

Hadnsterz — Buckwheat porridge with cracklings (Grammelschmalz), an ancient farmer's meal. Sounds simple, but tastes complex: nutty, crispy, hearty. In rustic inns from 9€.

Klachlsuppe — Pork knuckle soup with root vegetables and horseradish. Carinthia's answer to chicken soup — supposedly strengthens after long nights of partying. 7–10€.

Carinthian Laxn — Smoked lake trout from Carinthian lakes, thinly sliced like salmon. A delicacy found in the fish restaurants at Lake Millstatt and Lake Weißensee. As a starter 12–16€.

Wine & Beverages

Carinthia is not a classic wine region, but has surprises: At the Taggenbrunn Vineyard near St. Veit (tour + tasting: 18€), remarkable white wines are grown. The Most (apple and pear wine) from the Lavant Valley is excellent — tart, refreshing, 3–5€ per glass in inns. And the pine schnapps (distilled from the pines of the Nock Mountains) is the quintessential Carinthian souvenir — amber-colored, resinous-spicy, 2 cl at the hut 4€.