Austria, Carinthia: Active Vacation on the Sunny Side of the Alps

Today, after a long time, we return to Carinthia, which boasts the greatest water wealth in Austria, with 200 lakes, 8,000 kilometers of rivers, 60 healing springs and 43 glaciers.

Ten Lakes at Once?

At the beginning we invite you to overcome the cycling route "Great Carinthian Lake District" in the shape of a horizontal figure eight with a total length of 340 km, which was created as a joint project of five Carinthian destinations, namely Millstätter See, Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See, Wörthersee, Klopeiner See - Südkärnten and the region Nassfeld - Pressegger See - Lesachtal - Weißensee. You can think of the complete circuit as a pleasant cycling holiday for enjoyers, nature lovers, romance and active athletes, who will appreciate the refreshment in the lake after the effort of cycling.

If you are a lover of beautiful views, we recommend Carinthian panoramic routes. The various Carinthian mountains can be easily explored by car. It is worth visiting the areas around the Großglockner Hochalpenstrasse, Nockalmstraße, Villacher Alpenstrasse and Goldeck Panoramastraße alpine roads. The Großglockner Hochalpenstrasse, open since 1935, is one of the most beautiful panoramic routes in Europe and is even one of the most visited sights in Austria. At the southern end is the famous climbing village of Heiligenblut and 16 km away is the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe lookout. Hiking tours can be enjoyed here, such as the Pasterzen-Gletscher Glacier and the Klarstein Trail to the Swarovski Observatory.

Via Paradiso

A new hiking trail near lake Millstätter See awaits you impatiently. It will take you to a picturesque landscape surrounded by mountains. You can set off with the first rays of the sun. There are hidden nooks on the shores of the lake, where you can swim or have a snack on one of the many terraces by the lake.

Mountain Biking and Water Sports

The Flow Country Trail Bad Kleinkirchheim is the name for a unique and at the same time the longest mountain bike trail in Europe. In addition, cyclists have another 3,000 km of official routes in Carinthia that run through the Südkärnten, Gailtal and Carnic Alps and the Villach region.

For water sports enthusiasts, we recommend the Draupaddelweg, which will be appreciated by kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarding fans. The canoeing route will take you to the longest and largest river in Carinthia - Drava.

Tid Bits from Each and Every Corner

Don't miss a visit to the first year-round route in Austria, which you can book online. In winter you can enjoy ski touring and in summer hiking. This year, three new stages were added from Bad Kleinkirchheim to Seeboden on lake Millstätter See. The most beautiful attractions of the 125-kilometer hiking trail certainly include the Nockberge Biosphere Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On hot days, you will be pleasantly cooled by the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps - Pasterze, which will gradually take you through the rugged glacial landscape to the foot of Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner.

From June to September you have the opportunity to take a tour with a certified mountain guide.

Carinthia is simply an ideal tourist destination for an active holiday.

GPS: 46°36'48.6"N 13°50'42.2"E (Villach)

Source: visitcarinthia.at, korutany.com

Photos: (c) Franz Gerdl (úvodná), (c) u fotografií

Edited by Infoglobe