A civilized place of rest for cultured people – this is how the Austrian region of Carinthia can be described as a tourist destination. Carinthia , located in the very south of Austria , fascinates at first sight: alpine peaks covered with snow, severe glaciers, stalactite caves, dense forests, crystal clear lakes, thermal springs.
And among all this beauty, medieval castles with mossy walls stand out, ancient monasteries attract with their mystery, and cute European houses with tiled roofs delight the eye. Tourists who expect something special from their vacation will be able to properly appreciate these regions.
If you can’t stand the heat, but love warmth, if you want to swim in clean water, admire natural beauty and historical sights, then Carinthia is your option. And what is especially nice – in terms of budget, the region is very democratic, some experts claim that Carinthia gives a head start to many resorts in Europe in terms of the level of “non-biting” prices.
Magical lakes.
For numerous lakes (there are 1,270 of them here!), as well as a unique almost Mediterranean microclimate, Carinthia is called the Austrian Riviera. Many tourists prefer to rest in the summer in July – August. It is at this very “hot” time of the year, when the thermometer goes off the scale at many seaside resorts, the lakes of Carinthia are very comfortable: the air temperature here does not exceed 30 ° even in the hottest months, and the water in the reservoirs warms up to an average of 26 °. The warmest (about 28 °) water is in the Klopainersee lake . Hotels are comfortably located around it, separated from the water by a small promenade.
Among other Carinthian lakes most popular with tourists are Werthersee , Millstettersee , Ossiachersee and Faakersee . A total of 200 lakes are equipped with swimming areas, which are surprisingly clean: the water in them is officially recognized as potable. These are not empty words – to confirm this fact, the mayor of the city of Klagenfurt (located on the eastern shore of the lake) – the capital of Carinthia , once a year goes to the middle of the largest lake – Werthersee, scoops up a mug of water and drinks it in the traditional way!
On the western shore of Wertersee, 25 km from the Klagenfurt airport, Felden is spread out – the funnest resort in the region. Maksym Prystavka, deputy general director of the Jet Travel company, says: “It is even difficult to list all types of entertainment in Felden. Starting from casinos, discos, bars, cafes and restaurants, ending with all kinds of events – be it a run of vintage cars, a biker rally, music festivals, festive festivities with music and fireworks. There is also a huge number of types of active recreation and sports.”
Also beautiful are the Ossiachersee lakes (the most important musical event in the region takes place on its shores – the ” Carinthian Summer ” festival), the Faakersee “lake trio” (there are many restaurants in these areas, an annual gourmet festival is held here), Koichachersee (note: a place for nudists to rest ). In the protected area protected by the Koycha Valley , the charming Koichachersee, Rauschelsee, Bassgeigensee and Hafnersee run…
And the bays of Weissensee , located at an altitude of more than 900 m and representing the top of alpine bathing lakes, resemble Norwegian fjords.
Sports opportunities.
As a rule, everyone knows and appreciates the winter advantages of the region: excellent ski slopes, fabulous skating rinks on the frozen lake surface… But summer opens up a lot of other opportunities: hiking, paragliding, cycling, dizzying rafting or canoeing on raging mountain rivers…
In Carinthia, you literally cannot sit still, only contemplating the beauty of Austrian nature or sunbathing on the shore of the lake. And even then, looking at others, it is so tempting to go surfing, sailing, or, for example, diving. And maybe go wakeboarding and water skiing. Fishing? There will be a bite! If you like tennis, know: Carinthia has more than a thousand courts equipped for this game!
Riding? And here the Austrians did not miss: in Carinthia, the largest network of routes for those who want to ride horses has been created in Europe, and it is more than 600 km! If you prefer golf – please: there are more than 10 equipped courses in the region. For example, the Dell Golf Club on the south shore of the Werthersee is internationally recognized: there are 11 holes located in the forest and a fairway (a medium-long grass section that takes up most of the playing field), which is located on a hill with a wonderful view of the lake . In the vicinity of the village of Drobollach (belonging to the town of Fillach ) on the northern bank of the Faaker Zee , there are seven excellent courses of 18 holes each, as well as a golf course for young players.
An excursion to one of the caves of Mount Obyr , where you can see stalactites and stalagmites, is very popular among active travelers. To get there, you don’t have to be a speleologist at all. Warm clothes, comfortable shoes – and go!
Attractions.
Those who want to diversify their vacation in Carinthia can go on excursions to cozy and very nice local towns, the appearance of which was formed under the influence of the cultures of neighboring countries: the region borders Italy and Slovenia. A significant part of the territory of Carinthia was inhabited by Slovenes for a long time. Even in the 19th century, they made up a third of the population of the region and, therefore, had a significant influence on the Carinthian traditions. The Italian style is also felt in the region: in the 16th century. buildings in small local towns were built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. Even more, because Italy is so close – in just a couple of hours by car you can reach Venice and the Apennine part of the Adriatic coast. Among the main local attractions are located on the banks of the Drava Riverthe ancient cities of Villach and Shpital , the cathedral of the city of Hurka is one of the main monuments of Romanesque architecture in the country…
It is interesting to climb the observation tower ” Pyramid-Kogel ” (905 m) in Koychakh . From it you can admire the beauty of the landscapes of Carinthia . From its northern part there is a view of Lake Wertersee, the village of Maria-Wert , the city of Pörczach , the Herlitz and Nockberge mountains . From the east, you can see Klagenfurt and the Hohosterwitz fortress . From the south – an idyllic panorama opens: lakes Hafnersee, Koichachersee and Rauschelsee, and behind them – Karawanken rocks .
Hohosterwitz Fortress stands at an altitude of 681 m in the Dolomites near Launsdorf . It was first mentioned in 860, and acquired its modern shape and dimensions in 1570-1886. There is a Gothic chapel at one of the 14 gates of the fortress.
A trip to the Grossglockner mountain (3798 m) is breathtaking . This is the highest point in Austria and the second highest peak in Europe.
In 1930, a 48 km high alpine road was built here. It connects the towns of Heiligenbluth in Carinthia and Bruck in Salzburg . A trip along it is a unique opportunity to drive through the alpine highlands into the world of glaciers, waterfalls, mountain goats and eagles. This is the Vysoky Tauern National Park – one of the largest in Europe. There, from a height of almost 2,500 m, a magical panorama of the mountains and the Pasteurze glacier opens – the largest in the Eastern Alps. Scientists state that it has been actively melting since the 19th century. You can go down to the edge of the glacier by cable car.
As part of this excursion, tourists also visit a mountain cheese factory, marvel at the beauty of the gorges with the Raggashlyucht waterfall , and explore the village of gold diggers. This unforgettable, truly stunning journey lasts the whole day.
Carinthia: Around the highest peak
The highest point of the Austrian Alps, Mount Grossglockner (3,798 meters) belongs to the federal state of Carinthia , in the very south of Ostmark. And you can see this unusual high-altitude beauty with your own eyes – thanks to the Carinthian tourist offices offering a route through the Hohe Tauern National Park, on the territory of which the peak is located.
The village of Heiligenblut
In “Vysoky Tauern” there is an amazing village of Heiligenblut (literally – “holy blood”), which is a real tourist paradise. Excursions to the non-melting glacier, which satisfy the ambitions of amateur climbers, and are completely safe, like all in Austria, modest horses, ready to put their backs even to inept riders, tennis courts and lakes with fish for fishermen …
Heiligenblut is a small ski resort at the foot of the Grossglockner mountain , the highest in Austria . From here begins the panoramic road through the Austrian Alps, which is open only from May to October. Its length is only 48 km, but it will not be possible to overcome the track in an hour: 36 serpentines and incredible landscapes will get in the way.
Allocate a whole day to inspect the road, because it is impossible to be less here: you want to stop after each repetition and look at the blooming alpine meadows, mountains and snow-capped peaks. Wild animals live here, especially many marmots.
In addition, the ascent to Austria’s largest glacier, Pasteurze, begins from here . And for beginners, there are easy hikes in the Vysoky Tauern National Park. On the way, you can taste local farm delicacies: Gailtal lard, meadow cheese, meat fondue.
And, of course, here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, enjoying delicious food, nature, peace and measure of life. Kein Stress is the main thing you need to learn while staying with the Austrians. Translated, it means “don’t stress.”
But it is unwise to limit water activities in Carinthia to fishing. Local lakes (a total of 1,270 of them, of which 200 are large) are an absolute Carinthian attraction. In addition to the lakes, there are stalactite caves in Mount Obir , near Eisenkappel , Roman excavations on Mount St. Magdalene , ” Minimundus ” on Lake Werthersee (a town made of models of famous buildings in different countries, reduced 25 times) and the terrible Ragga gorge , over which suspension bridges are inexplicably fortified – for tourists and passers-by.
Lakes
But the main advantage of Carinthia is still the lakes: Milstetter, Werther, Weiss, Klopiner, in which you can swim all summer long (the water temperature in them reaches 26-28 degrees). This water is so clean that it was awarded the European Tourism for Tomorrow Award. Water is warmer than in lakes – only in mineral springs, on the basis of which world-famous clinics have been opened in Carinthia .
Klippitzerl
The small, quiet and cozy Klippitzterl resort is ideal for family vacations. There are many schools in the town where children will be taught to ski, as well as children’s amusement parks. The tracks here have a small height difference – from 1,460 to 1,820 m, so most of the local tracks are assigned the “blue” difficulty category.
Fortresses
Ancient fortresses have been preserved in Carinthia (Portia on the Drau River, the Landkron fortress above the Osiacher See and the main Carinthian fortress – Hohosterwitz Castle). Visitors are taken to each of them, and performances are arranged in the courtyard of the port on weekends.
On a ship
From the Carinthian capital – the city of Klagenfurt – a steamship runs along the Werther See towards Felden . It seems like a normal thing to do – take a boat ride on a calm lake, admire the villas on the shores… If it weren’t for the cuisine: after all, we are in Austria! On board the ship there is a restaurant with already familiar cuisine, with excellent chefs, which turns an ordinary walk on the lake, even a very beautiful one, into a gourmet dinner.
In May, a new hotel opens in the Carinthian town of Sant’White . It would seem like an ordinary event – thank God, there are a lot of hotels in Austria, all kinds of old luxurious hotels, and modest, family hotels, and cheap boarding houses, but always decent, cozy and hospitable. But this hotel will still be special. It was built by the same Friedensreich Hundertwasser , the author of the Vienna House of Arts , one of the truly outstanding modern architects who do not allow us to forget that construction is an art.
Hundertwasser has already built one hotel – ” Bad Blumau ” in Styria . The hand of the master is recognizable: there are the same funny turrets and domes that bend, floors and cells lined with ceramic tiles, as in his Viennese works. To see Hundertwasser’s new creation, you will have to go to Carinthia .
Charming Carinthia
In the sunny south of Austria, in its southernmost federal state of Carinthia , there is a rare winter paradise with perfectly groomed ski slopes, excellent snow and a wonderful atmosphere that can capture the hearts of all lovers of skiing and unspoiled nature.
In this sun-drenched federal land, there are a total of 31 ski resorts, where lovers of winter outdoor activities will have a lot of fun. Since more than 1,000 kilometers of ski tracks await them here. It is also pleasing that for skiing you only need one ski pass, which, in addition to favorable prices, also includes interesting services. Right on the track, in addition to breathtaking views, you will also find pavilions for rest, buffets, as well as information and security services. Here you can enjoy riding not only on fresh fluffy snow, but also a pleasant pastime at mountain campsites or sun terraces. It will definitely be worth it! Rate it yourself and your family.
An unforgettable experience…
Also, be sure to try the cuisine of Carinthia , which combines traditional Alpine elements with unconventional Adriatic elements. Naturally, one cannot fail to mention the emerald-green waters of the thermal spa in Bad Kleinkirchheim or the recently restored spa in the Warmbad Villach region , or the recently opened first Carinthian resort house near Lake Milstatske , where your body and soul will rest. Ice skating enthusiasts in the picturesque region of Carinthiawill also have fun. Since more than 200 frozen lakes and ponds await them here. But skiers are not forgotten here either. Pristine plains here turn into parallel cross-country skiing tracks, and there are illuminated toboggan runs that offer visitors an incredible experience.
Adventure seekers can enjoy dog sledding, romantic moonlight walks, exciting torchlit night tours and horse-drawn carriage rides that seem to stop time in a magical winter wonderland.
Nasfeld has the largest amount of snow in Austria
Of the many ski resorts located in Carinthia , we would like to bring you closer to at least one. This is the Nasfeld Alpine Center , which guarantees snow. In all of Austria, there is no such certainty that there will be snow, as in the already mentioned Nasfeld. This is due to the geographical location. Due to low pressure zones, accompanied by a lot of precipitation from the Adriatic, this particular ski resort falls into a so-called snow trap. As a result, 180 cm of snow will fall regularly. Of course, only glaciers are an exception. Therefore, if you want to ski well on 110 kilometers of well-maintained ski slopes, then don’t think twice and visit this place.
In conclusion, we would like to note the possibility to pass the route “Magic moments” in Vysoky Tauern , which will take you through the territory of the national park. During this beautiful walk led by trained guides, you will have the opportunity to observe ibex, which is a truly unusual experience.
Carinthia is truly magical in winter. The ubiquitous white landscape gives the feeling of an idyllic world without worries and hustle and bustle. Therefore, if you have the opportunity, take a few days off and visit this land of fabulous experiences.
Carinthia – Petzen: active recreation in winter and summer
This year there was very little snow, so fans of winter sports had to look for places that could provide them with suitable conditions for active winter recreation.
The Austrian mountains will probably not be so crowded with schoolchildren on vacation during our winter holidays, as well as the desire to get to know some new for us ski resort in our neighbors.
Quite by chance, while viewing the many Austrian ski resorts, we wandered to the extreme south of the neighboring country – to Carinthia . We were interested in the medium-sized resort of Petzen, located just a few kilometers from the border with Slovenia. It offers 26 kilometers of ski tracks of varying difficulty (12 km of easy, 11 km of medium difficulty and 3 km of difficult), as well as the possibility of cross-country skiing on a 10-kilometer track. For those who prefer snowboarding, a snow park with obstacles of various shapes has been created in Petzen outside the main ski slope route. It was an interesting offer on the Internet. We began to look forward to reality.
Another world at an altitude of 1700 meters
All around us, spring was already breathing faster, only on a gentle hill with a belt of snow, small children got to know skiing for the first time. In gloomy weather, which was created by thick clouds, we came to the landing station of the cable car with cabins. We wanted to buy a ticket for 3 hours, but the cashier told us that due to the limited amount of snow, they offer a discounted all-day ticket, which is more beneficial. After a short cable car ride, we found ourselves in another world. We were greeted by white hills lit by the sun, wide ski slopes prepared by a ratrak, and two fairly long anchor lifts that we didn’t have to queue for. After climbing to the highest point of the mountain, we had a beautiful view of the surroundings of the snowy peaks of the Alps, as well as green valleys and nearby lakes.
Feast on the Hill
Thanks to the good weather and free ski slopes, we couldn’t enjoy skiing enough. We were still hungry and thirsty for lunch, so we took advantage of the opportunity to have a snack right on the slope. Two campsites close to each other offered Austrian classics – good soups, cheese dumplings, as well as Wiener schnitzel, or steamed pies with cream. You could eat at the wooden tables outside, which was very pleasant due to the sunny and somewhat warm weather.
An attractive vacation in the summer
With a closer look at the ski slopes, we found that in some places there are tourist routes marked with pointers. Then we realized that Petzen offers an interesting sports vacation in the summer as well. So the Alps can be traversed by mountain paths, and the locals told us that this is not the only possibility – the area also offers many kilometers of mountain bike trails. After hard tours, vacationers can relax, for example, in the southernmost resort and health center of Eisenkappel , which is located almost 30 kilometers from Petzen. By the way, there are also several hiking and cycling trails in the vicinity of this resort town. An interesting tourist stop can be Lake Klopainer See, which is located 25 kilometers north of Eisenkappel. This lake with a temperature of up to 30 ° C is one of the warmest lakes in Carinthia.
Carinthia – skiing in the village of Kechach-Mauten
The federal state of Carinthia is located in the south of Austria, its capital is Klagenfurt. The border with neighboring Italy and Slovenia is formed by the Alps, so it is not surprising that the entire Carinthia region is an ideal place for summer vacations, given the beautiful nature, lakes and mountains, and at the same time for winter recreation, because there are several thousand kilometers of ski slopes. Lovers of winter sports can enjoy the slopes here even in summer, because there are several ski areas at an altitude of about 3,000 m above sea level, which are open to skiers and snowboarders all year round.
This time we did not visit any of the big and well-known ski centers, rather the opposite. We went to the picturesque mountain village of Köschach Mountain, which in such a busy period, which is undoubtedly the end of the year, gives a very calm and relaxed impression. Despite the fact that we were probably not the only ones who wanted to spend the old year here and meet the new one, in the village we did not meet any crowds of visitors, nor even any noisy companies of young people, we did not even see any groups in front of bars and restaurants. We have to admit that this was a pleasant surprise for us, because there were also small children in our group. And even with the approximately six-hour journey by car to the place of stay, which we had already booked in advance on the Internet, we managed without any problems, because more than half of the route passes along high-quality highways.
Skiing for everyone
Although our main goal of this short vacation was, above all, to relax and spend time with friends, who, unfortunately, during the year there is not as much time as we would like, it was simply impossible not to take snowboards and skis with us. Since right in the village there is a small but very pleasant ski center known as Foregg / Kechach – Mauten .
Since we lived just two steps away from it, there was no need to come to the slope by car, which was especially appreciated by “our drivers”. It was also beneficial for the children that we live right in the village, and when they were cold or wanted hot cocoa or tea, they could run to the apartment and then go back to skiing.
At first glance, it might seem that one cable car with seats and three lifts, which together serve 6 kilometers of ski slopes, which, considering Austrian ski resorts, are actually not so many, cannot satisfy demanding skiers, this is not so. And in our company there were excellent skiers who enjoyed themselves on this “rural hill”. And despite the fact that there are only easy and medium difficulty ski tracks here. An indisputable advantage was also the fact that during the winter peak season, the Foregg / Kechach – Mauten center, located at an altitude of 700-1400 meters above sea level, offers excellent skiing without queues for the cable car.
Another huge plus of this village is that right under the slope is Aquarena , which also offers outdoor water slides in summer, and in winter you can swim in its indoor pool. After a day spent on the slopes, you can visit the sauna. You just need to find out in advance which days it is open, because in winter only certain days are set aside for the public (of course, with the exception of Austrian holidays and holidays, when it is open every day).
Carinthia – Nassfeld: perfect skiing for everyone
Winter has come again. It’s a time of year that many curse, and not only because of the sub-zero temperatures or snow, but also because of the short days, which make some people depressed. But neither sub-zero temperatures nor piles of snow bother us, like many other fans of winter sports, rather the opposite.
Every season has its own charm, but winter, and especially the time of winter vacations, is one of my favorite seasons. As a rule, we look for a winter vacation with family or friends at the last moment, but this time we made an exception. Because they wanted to go skiing in the first-class Austrian ski complex Nasfeld, which in itself is not among the cheapest, and what’s more, during the peak season during the school holidays. Therefore, a few months ago, we found accommodation in the private sector on the Internet in advance, from where we had to drive a few minutes to the center, but, nevertheless, the ratio of price, quality and offered services seemed favorable.
Nasfeld – skiing with beautiful views
Right from the start, we have to admit that skiing in the Nasfeld-Pressegger-See region in the Austrian federal state of Carinthia , which attracts a huge number of winter sports fans here every year, fulfilled all our dreams and gave us even more.
Already after arriving at the parking lot, it was clear that we are far from the only ones who decided to spend their winter vacation in this particular complex. The huge parking areas, which were divided into smaller parking lots for better orientation, were managed by skilled navigators who directed us to the nearest free places. From the parking lot to the ticket office and the cable car station you could take tourist trains, which were constantly running here during the operation of the cable car and lifts, or you could also ski on a side road, which, however, was relatively small, so not very suitable for snowboarders . There was one small shock waiting for us at the cash registers, which, however, by the end of the vacation, many other pleasant surprises were successfully erased from our memory.
One small inconvenience, otherwise there are some positives
We had to wait in line at the ticket office for over an hour before we were able to buy tickets. When we finally waited and asked for ski passes from eleven o’clock, the cashier behind the window told us that in that case we would have to wait another 20 minutes, because such ski passes are sold at exactly eleven! When we tried to explain to her that it would be long after eleven before we managed to stand in line for the turnstile to the first cable car that would take us to the top, she only mumbled something and already wanted to serve the next ones. Then we decided that we only had nerves, and immediately bought tickets for several days, although we knew that today we would get to the cable car before eleven.
After a not-so-pleasant start, which dampened our enthusiasm a little, we had only positive things waiting for us until the end of our vacation. Perfectly groomed ski slopes, which make up a total of 110 kilometers, will satisfy really all lovers of skiing and snowboarding. There are 30 safe and modern cable cars and lifts working on the slopes, so, apart from the initial wait at the cable car valley station, we did not have to stand in line anywhere for more than a couple of minutes, despite the high season. There are several training areas for children and beginners, where you can also use the services of experienced ski instructors. Youth companies will also like it here, who, in addition to good conditions, are attracted here, first of all, by mountain bars, where loud music is played, and where entertainment is often provided by an experienced DJ or other excellent showmen. Even the most enthusiastic skiers,
One of the best ski resorts in Europe – Nasfeld, which is located at an altitude of 610 – 2200 meters above sea level, is also distinguished by its guarantee of snow. In all of Austria, you cannot find a place where you can be sure of such quality and quantity of snow. Due to the geographical position, which provides the Nasfeld resort with abundant precipitation from the Adriatic Sea, the regular winter snow cover reaches 180 cm. And that’s not all! The Nassfeld resort, which belongs to the top ten best Austrian ski resorts, is also one of the sunniest. If you like really long runs, this resort is perfect for you too. The descent into the valley, which can be done without stopping, reaches a considerable 7.6 km.
The next “best” of this region are e.g. the longest floodlit ski run in the Alps or the longest chairlift in the Alps (known as the Millennium Express ). It is also worth mentioning the many good buffets, mountain bars or restaurants right on the slope. In addition to a good snack, they often also offer sun terraces with sunbeds, which we often used with pleasure, especially when relaxing. Naturally, there are also many opportunities for various activities, activities and other entertainment that await Nasfeld visitors right on the slopes.
Carinthia. A trip to the lake region
Charming Carinthia was comfortably located in the very south of the country, surrounded by the majestic Alps. Due to the numerous lakes – there are 1,270 of them here, as well as the unique almost Mediterranean microclimate, this province is called the Austrian Riviera. Many tourists prefer to rest in the summer in July – August. It is at this, the “hottest” time of the year, when in many seaside resorts the thermometer goes off the scale, the lakes of Carinthia are very comfortable: the air temperature here does not exceed 30 ° even in the hottest months, and the water in the reservoirs warms up to 24-28 °. The warmest (about 28 °) water is in the Klopainersee lake . Hotels are comfortably located around it, separated from the water by a small promenade.
The most popular Carinthian lakes for tourists are Wertersee , Millstettersee , the already named Klopainersee, as well as Ossiachersee and Faakersee . About 200 lakes are reserved for swimming, surprisingly clean: the water in them is officially recognized as potable. These are not empty words – to confirm this fact, the mayor of the city of Klagenfurt – the capital of Carinthia , once a year goes to the middle of the largest lake – Werthersee, scoops up a mug of water and drinks it in a traditional way!
The grassy shores of the lakes are equipped with deckchairs, changing cabins, and children’s playgrounds with slides, swings, and sandboxes. All this makes the lakes an excellent place for recreation with children. In addition to beach pleasures, you can engage in active sports at Carinthian resorts: cycling, playing golf, tennis, horseback riding, walking in parks, and, of course, just sitting by the water surface with a fishing rod in hand. You won’t have to be bored!
In the hotels of the Carinthian lake resorts, there is no all-inclusive system, which is popular in many places. Usually tourists are offered only breakfast, sometimes breakfast and dinner. But in the resort towns themselves, tourists will find many beautiful cafes and restaurants where you can have a good time and eat delicious food.
Austrian national cuisine is suitable for both adults and children: it does not contain too spicy dishes. Carinthia has a well-developed agriculture, so only the freshest vegetables and fruits, grown in ecologically clean conditions, get to the table. As for dairy products, they are plentiful here, and their quality is beyond praise!
Each recreation area of Carinthia is attractive in its own way. So, for example, the Felden resort on the largest lake Wertensee (which is 17 km long and up to 1600 m wide) has been known for more than a hundred years as a place where celebrities like to rest. There are luxurious palaces here: all kinds of villas and several palaces. The places here are rarely picturesque – one view of the lake and Karavanken mountains deserves admiration! Artists and musicians draw inspiration here on the Wertensee: for example, the Austrian composer and conductor Gustav Mahler had a house on the south bank in Meiernigge , and Johannes Brahms wrote music in the Leonstein Palace for two summers in a row .
On a warm summer evening, it’s nice to take a walk along the shore of the lake, or take a real hike along the scenic tourist route (65 km). The towns along the shores of this lake have a rich cultural life. In the summer, all kinds of festivals are organized on Wertensee. There will also be interesting activities for children, we recommend visiting the miniature museum “Minimundus” (where famous buildings and structures of the world are erected on a scale of 1:25) not far from the Klagenfurt pier , hand-feeding animals in the Rosegg museum-reserve , admiring dolls and teddy bears in the Toy Museum .
Millstettersee, located at an altitude of almost 600 m (length – 11.5 km, width 1.8 km), is the second largest lake in Carinthia. Idyllic nature in these parts. Quietly, fishermen prefer powerful “motors” to ordinary boats. Well-off people who value comfort in everything and do not like fuss spend their vacations on the beach. Local architecture fascinates tourists. As for hiking routes, mountain trails lead up to an altitude of 2,600 m. At an altitude of 900 m, there is a mountain plateau stretching from the eastern shore of the lake to the western: a breathtaking view that is so loved by artists and photographers. And at the very top you can see ruby-red precious stones hiding in the stones. A walk in such picturesque places is worth the physical effort.
Lake Klopainersee is, of course, quite small compared to Millstettersee and Wertensee. But no less attractive. And for some it may be even more – because it is the most mysterious resort of Carinthia … Here, in the area of the 700-meter Gracharca mountain , which is adjacent to the southern coast, ancient fossils were once found, and in the so-called “Witch’s saddle” there are in the local mountains there is such a town – the legendary pre-Roman capital of Norei was probably located . Grachartsa moves to Georgibergl , where from the XI century. there is a church with a Wish Bell , which, according to tradition, women ring to find a husband.
In the very center of Carinthia is Lake Ossiacher, the third largest lake in this federal state. The water in the lake is so clean that you can drink it. This region is the sunniest and warmest in Carinthia , in the summer the water in the lake warms up to 25 ° C. In addition to swimming, you can go fishing, sailing, diving and water skiing here. Local resorts also have developed infrastructure for paragliding, golf and tennis.
Lake Ossiacher is located at an altitude of 500 m above sea level at the foot of Mount Gerlitzen . The length of ski tracks in the resorts near the lake is 42 km.
Near the Klopainersee, a small isolated lake glistens in the sun, which is what it is called – Kleinsee . A good tourist route runs around it.
Those who wish to further diversify their vacation on the lakes can go on excursions, for example – to cozy and very nice local towns, the appearance of which was formed under the influence of the cultures of neighboring countries: the region borders Italy and Slovenia. A significant part of the territory of Carinthia was inhabited by Slovenes for a long time. Even in the 19th century, they made up a third of the population of the region and, therefore, had a significant influence on the Carinthian traditions. The Italian style is also felt in the region: in the 16th century. buildings in small local towns were built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. Even more, because Italy is so close – in just a couple of hours by car you can reach Venice and the Apennine part of the Adriatic coast.