Villach - Lake Faaker See - Lake Ossiacher See
A Nature Paradise for Activity Holidays in the Heart of Carinthia
This region in the heart of Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost province, is a paradise for families! Warm lakes for swimming and a spectacular mountain scenery invite you to engage in diverse outdoor activities or visit attractions for all ages. Plus, there are plenty of creative minds who’d like to take you on a culinary expedition as part of the associations “HÜTTENKULT” and “KÜCHENKULT”. Would you like to actively explore the great outdoors? A number of attractive long-distance hiking trails (“Alpe-Adria Trail”, loop trail around the mountain Dobratsch, “Panoramaweg Südalpen” across the Southern Limestone Alps, etc.) and lake.bike mountain biking trails await you.
Crisp Air in the Mountains and Moments of Pure Joy
You can hardly find a better region for an active break! Hike to the mountain cabins that are part of the association “HüttenKult” or cycle around one of the lakes. Families also find tailor-made mountain biking routes. Go up the mountain and check out the easy trails on the “Baumgartnerhöhe” (they are also ideal for kids on their balance bikes) or “areaone”, a trail centre with skills area. Are you in for more action? As a guest in a partner accommodation, the guest card “Erlebnis Card” is included in your stay. Take advantage of a diverse programme for the whole family free of charge.
The local producers offer culinary delights that are one of a kind. You should absolutely visit a farmer’s market where many of them offer their products for sale. Would you like to enjoy a holiday without limits? This region borders Italy and Slovenia. Nothing stands in the way of a short day trip through the Alps-Adriatic area. And where to stay? The family-friendly hosts on the farms put an emphasis on accommodating the needs of guests of all ages.
Five highlights that make this region in the heart of Carinthia so special:
#1 Guest Card Included
A lot of hosts on our farms have included the guest card “Erlebnis CARD” which guarantees unforgettable moments during your holiday. Look forward to a diverse programme including guided walks, workshops, do-it-yourself classes and lots of other leisure activities. Choose from uncountable offers and discover the most beautiful hikes and walks in the heart of Carinthia. Use hiking taxis and busses incl. bicycle transfer free of charge and enjoy a carefree time with the whole family.
By the way, the guest card is also available in winter.
#2 Hiking & Cycling
A Unique Combination of Mountains & Lake
The region is famous for plenty of lovely hikes and walks on the alpine pastures of the mountain Gerlitzen, across the Karawanks and on the mountains Verditz, Dreiländereck and Dobratsch. The latter is a nature park as well. The long distance hiking trail “Alpe-Adria Trail” crosses the region on six stages. Families can look forward to numerous child-friendly walks.
Whether it’s the leisurely cycle route along the Drava river (“Drauradweg”), the “Ciclovia Alpe Adria Cycle Path”, singletracks, flow trails, covered pump tracks or a bike park for kids - the region has everything a cyclist’s heart could possibly desire. Exciting lake.bike moments guaranteed!
#3 Shuttle Service to Train Station & Public Transport
Comfortable, Car-Free Holidays
In the region surrounding Villach - Lake Faaker See - Lake Ossiacher See, travelling without a car is absolutely possible. Whether it’s the top of the mountain or the lakeshore - everything’s easily reachable by train, bus and cable car. And in case there’s no regular public transport, the region provides you with shuttle services to train stations, hiking taxis and busses incl. bicycle transfer. Those cheap and reliable means of transport take guests to their accommodation, local attractions, train stations, the airport or to the town of Villach for some late-night shopping.
#4 Winter and Spas
How Does a Perfect Winter’s Day Look Like?
Perfectly groomed pistes and relaxing moments in the spa “KärntenTherme” are the ingredients for a great winter’s day. The ski resorts “Gerlitzen Alpe” and “Dreiländereck” offer the ideal conditions for families with children and the professional skiers of tomorrow.
And what’s going on off the pistes? Visit a great many of attractions free of charge with the guest card “Erlebnis CARD” that’s included in your stay or the “Kärnten Card” which you can purchase on site. Stroll through the Christmas market in Villach - the magical atmosphere will make you smile - or have a good laugh during carnival. The town on the banks of the Drava river is Austria’s capital when it comes to celebrating carnival. Jokes on every corner!
Carinthia’s Finest Living Room
Mediterranean City Life on the Banks of the Drava River
Villach has become Carinthia’s finest outdoor living room. The Mediterranean flair and the lovely city centre make visitors fall in love at first sight. Sample locally grown food on the market, ramble through the historic centre or simply enjoy life in one of the cosy cafés - a farm holiday in Carinthia at its best!
Carinthia - Austria's Sunny South
Immerse Yourself in a Mediterranean Lifestyle
Carinthia is the land of lakes. Home to Austria’s highest mountain. The setting for experiences that you can only find here. In the midst of an intact natural landscape that is as unique as it is different from farm to farm and from region to region. Let go and enjoy the hours of sunshine - this is possible all year round in Carinthia. Click your way through the individual regions of Carinthia and find your perfect holiday farm in the sunny south!
- Hohe Tauern National Park Region
In 1800, courageous men were the first to climb Austria’s highest mountain, Großglockner (3,798 m). This region is home to the largest national park in the Alps and some of the world’s most diverse landscapes: majestic waterfalls, extensive glaciers, rare animal and plant species. Explore the Hohe Tauern National Park with one of the rangers.
- Nassfeld-Pressegger See - Lesachtal Valley - Lake Weißensee
Hikers and cyclists can cross the border to Italy on a number of great tours. Food lovers will indulge in culinary delights that are typical of the world’s first Slow Food Travel Destination. A breathtaking panorama is guaranteed! Keen swimmers can take a dip in Lake Pressegger See or Lake Weißensee. The Lesachtal valley, Europe’s most natural valley, is unique. The region provides the perfect balance of tradition, nature, culinary delights and tranquility. In winter, it’s home to Carinthia’s largest ski resort called “Nassfeld”.
- Bad Kleinkirchheim - Lake Millstättersee - Nockberge Region
Nestled between the undulating hills of UNESCO’s Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, this is one of Austria’s most diverse regions. Carinthia’s “Nockberge” range is an insider tip for travellers looking for the ultimate indulgence during their activity holiday. Look forward to sports, spas or skiing in Bad Kleinkirchheim and outdoor activities at Lake Millstätter See, one of Carinthia’s most beautiful lakes that’s steeped in legend and surrounded by mountains. Romantic mountain cabins, pristine nature and historic farms are the icing on the cake.
- Katschberg - Liesertal - Maltatal Region
At altitudes between 1,100 and 2,200 metres above sea level, south of the Alpine divide, on the border to the province SalzburgerLand - that’s the Katschberg - Liesertal - Maltatal Region with Gmünd, the “town of artists”, at its centre. Lots of mountain cabins are the ideal starting points for long, alpine hikes on the southern side of the Alps.
- Villach - Lake Faakersee - Lake Ossiachersee
This region borders Italy and Slovenia. Enjoy country walks, hikes and day trips on the mountains “Gerlitzen” and “Dobratsch”. Visit the town of Villach with its Mediterranean flair, the famous celebrations during the carnival season and Austria’s largest fun fair, the “Villacher Kirchtag”. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Faaker See with the iconic island at its centre. A picture-perfect scenery! The festival Carinthian Summer with its renowned cultural events draws lots of visitors to Lake Ossiacher See in summer. The spa “KärntenTherme” in Villach is one of Austria’s state-of-the-art spas and is open all year round.
- Lake Wörthersee - Klagenfurt - Carnica Rosental Region
This is one of Austria’s most popular regions: stage for parties and lifestyle, paradise for water sports enthusiasts and sun-worshippers, hot spot for yogis, meeting point for bikers, hikers and runners with Europe’s tallest wooden lookout tower “Pyramidenkogel”. Carinthia’s capital Klagenfurt is a vibrant renaissance city and an exciting crossroads where three different cultures intersect. Guests with a sweet tooth should visit the Carnica Rosental Region. Here, it’s all about beekeeping!
- Central Carinthia
The historical heart of Carinthia is surrounded by unspoilt, charming natural landscapes. A number of attractions such as the castles “Hochosterwitz” and “Taggenbrunn” can be discovered by bike or on foot. For more than 650 years, the so-called “Wiesenmarkt”, Austria’s fair with the longest tradition, has drawn thousands of visitors to the town of St. Veit each year. Warm lakes with water that’s safe to drink are oases of relaxation.
- Lake Klopeiner See - Southern Carinthia - Lavanttal Valley
Do you prefer vibrant beaches open to the public or spots in peaceful seclusion? Thanks to the mild climate, the swimming season starts at the beginning of May. At that time, the water temperature of Lake Klopeinersee often reaches 22 °C already. The caves in the mountain “Obir” featuring stalactites and stalagmites and the flow trail for mountain bikers on the massif “Petzen” are some of the region’s most spectacular attractions. Southern Carinthia is a bilingual region where Austrian and Slovene cultures and culinary traditions meet. In the Lavanttal valley in the very east of Carinthia, creative producers turn locally-grown ingredients into irresistible delights.
Any Questions? Contact Us!
FARM HOLIDAYS IN CARINTHIA
Contact the team from “Farm Holidays in Carinthia” via e-mail or phone (Mon - Thu 8:00-16:00, Fri 8:00-12:00). We are looking forward to helping you find the perfect farm, mountain cabin or chalet for your holiday. Get the best advice for your farm holiday in Carinthia!