ferienregion.infoWhy Carinthia?
Carinthia lies south of the main Alpine ridge – and you feel it: more sunshine, warmer lakes, an almost Mediterranean mood. Lake Wörthersee reaches lido temperatures in summer, Lake Weissensee is clean enough to drink, and behind Lake Millstatt the gentle Nockberge mountains rise. To the north-west towers the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak at 3,798 m. And if you fancy a change, Italy and Slovenia are 30 minutes away – three-country holiday included.
Best time to visit
| Period | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| June – September | Swimming season on the lakes – July/August warmest and busiest |
| May & October | Cycling time on the Drau Cycle Path, quiet lakes, mild temperatures |
| December – March | Skiing on the Nockberge and Gerlitzen; ice skating on Lake Weissensee – Europe’s largest groomed natural ice surface |
| April & November | Low season: thermal spas (Warmbad Villach, Bad Kleinkirchheim) |
The most beautiful spots
Lake Wörthersee & Pyramidenkogel
Turquoise water, the peninsula village of Maria Wörth and the Pyramidenkogel – at 100 m the world’s tallest wooden observation tower, slide back down included.
Lake Millstatt & the Nockberge
Carinthia’s second-largest lake with the Nockberge Biosphere Park behind it – gentle 2,000 m summits, ideal for scenic drives on the Nockalm Road.
Lake Weissensee
The highest swimming lake in the Alps (930 m), largely undeveloped: a natural gem for swimmers, divers and – in winter – ice skaters from all over Europe.
Klagenfurt & Hochosterwitz Castle
The “dragon city” at the lake’s eastern end, the Minimundus miniature park for families and the fairy-tale castle of Hochosterwitz on its rocky cone.
Where to stay
On Lake Wörthersee the range runs from Velden glamour to simple B&Bs on the eastern shore. Families do better value at Lake Klopein (one of Europe’s warmest swimming lakes), Lake Faak or Lake Millstatt. Book lakefront places early for the school summer holidays.
See hotels in Carinthia* Find holiday rentals*Activities & tours
Popular: Lake Wörthersee boat cruises, the Pyramidenkogel, day trips to Venice or Lake Bled, the Kärnten Card (over 100 attractions included) and cycling the Drau Cycle Path. The Kärnten Card pays off from about two excursion days.
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