Mountains and lakes - our natural treasures
Hiking shoes or swimwear? In the Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See holiday region, you don't have to choose just dive in and enjoy imposing mountain peaks and in marvellous bathing lakes. In the light of the south and in pure relaxation. Explore the diverse natural landscape at your own pace during a hiking tour, on a bike or in the water.
The density of impressive mountain peaks and idyllic lakes around Villach is high - picturesque panoramic views are guaranteed. The two most important mountain ranges in the region are the Nockberge and the Karawanken. The lakes in the Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See region are among the cleanest and warmest waters in Austria - the two largest lakes are the lake Ossiacher See and the lake Faaker See.
Our lakes
What will it be today: a relaxing dive into unspoilt nature or exciting surfing in a breathtaking setting? Adventures await you at our marvellous lakes. Here you will find an overview of our lakes and suitable activities. The lake Faaker See and the lake Ossiacher See are the two largest - and probably also the best-known - lakes in our liveable region. Read what makes them the best lakes in Carinthia ...
Lake Faaker See: Pure relaxation in turquoise blue
No lake in Austria is further south than the sun-kissed lake Faaker See. The turquoise natural beauty offers you the most beautiful setting for your holiday - with the whole family, as a couple or to recharge your batteries.
Lake Faaker See at a glance
- The favourite bathing lake for families
- Located south of Villach
- The lake reaches up to 24 degrees in summer
- Ideal for swimming and gentle water sports
- Fantastic view of the Mittagskogel
Lake Ossiacher See: Explore a huge variety of activities
Imagine leaving your everyday life behind you and arriving. You let your gaze wander and look forward to exciting exciting water fun, inspiring cultural enjoyment and fresh mountain air. At the green lake Ossiacher See, you don't have to choose. As a couple, with your loved ones or just for yourself.
Lake Ossiach at a glance
- Perfect for active travelers & culture lovers
- Located north-east of Villach
- Warms up to 27 degrees in summer
- Very good climate for wind and water sports
Lake Afritzer See: a special insider tip for water sports fans
Gently nestled between the picturesque peaks of the Nockberge mountains: this is the idyllic setting of the lake Afritzer See is. A special tip gem tip for water sports enthusiasts and families.
Lake Afritz at a glance
- Popular with families and water sports enthusiasts
- Located in the Carinthian Gegental valley
- Lake temperature reaches up to 25 degrees
- Good wind conditions for water sports
Lake Aichwaldsee: Perfect family day at the water
The lake Aichwaldsee offers a special natural backdrop: its lakeshore is unspoilt. The sunbathing lawns offer plenty of space - even under shady trees. Splashing around and swimming with children is particularly enjoyable here.
Lake Aichwald at a glance
- Pleasant for sunbathing and swimming
- Located south of Villach
- It has a water temperature of up to 21 degrees in summer
Lake Magdalenensee: Swimming with a view of the Mittagskogel
Only about three kilometers separate the quiet bathing lake and the town of Villach. You can enjoy free access to the Relaxbeach St. Magdalen all year round. A special highlight: the panoramic view of the Mittagskogel.
Lake Magdalenensee at a glance
- Popular for refreshing and swimming
- Located to the east of Villach
- Warms up to 21 degrees in summer
Lake Silbersee: Idyllic jewel on the Drau cycle path
The idyllic lake Silbersee lies directly on the riverbank of the Drau. The cycle path also leads past it - ideal for cooling off in between. Families with children love swimming in the blamy lake. The "Actionbeach" offers many leisure activities and a wonderful sunbathing lawn.
Lake Silbersee at a glance
- Popular among fisher
- Family fun is guaranteed here
- Lake temperature reaches up to 25 degrees
- Own dog beach on the western shore
Lake Vassacher See: Exciting family water adventures
The lake Vassacher See is located on the northern outskirts of Villach. Admission to the natural bathing lake is free - families love to coming here.
Lake Vassach at a glance
- Families enjoy spending time here
- Located to the north of Villach
- Has a water temperature of up to 22 degrees in summer
Our mountains
The Dobratsch nature park, the Gerlitzen Alpe and the Mittagskogel: with their striking peaks, they characterise the Villach region. Other marvellous mountain tours await you on the Dreiländereck and on the Verditz.
Dobratsch: Exploring the nature park
The imposing Dobratsch nature park is considered one of the local mountains and a protected recreational area in our holiday region. Out and about with the whole family or in search of a sporting challenge: the Dobratsch is the right place for you.
The Dobratsch at a glance
- The oldest nature park in Carinthia is located here
- Rich in a variety of huts and culinary delights
- Has an altitude of 2,167 meters above sea level
- Also known asthe "Villacher Alpe"
- Offers a gentle mountain experience for all generations
Gerlitzen Alpe: Feel the freedom
High above Lake Ossiacher See is the Gerlitzen Alpe - with a spectacular panorama of lakes and mountains. Here you can take a deep breath, inhalte the fresh mountain air and enjoy the lightness of being.
The Gerlitzen Alpe at a glance
- Belongs to the hilly Nockberge mountains
- Located at almost 2,000 meters above sea level
- Accessible via the Kanzelbahn and Gipfelbahn cable cars
- For hiking, paragliding and relaxation
- Known as one of the most beautiful panoramas in Carinthia
The Dreiländereck: unlimited mountain adventure
Incredible distant views - in three countries at once: this is what a hike on the Dreiländereck in the Villach region guarantees. A dream panorama of the Julian Alps and the Gailtal valley included.
The Dreiländereck at a glance
- Located in the Karawanken mountains south of the Dobratsch
- Along the border between Austria, Italy and Slovenia
- Located 1,500 metres above sea level
- The three-country tour offers a true nature experience
Verditz: A place to relax
Time seems to stand still on the Verditz: No hustle and bustle, no noise - just pure, unspoilt nature. Take a deep breath. Let your gaze wander over the alp and the impressive panorama of the Nockberge mountains.
The Verditz at a glace
- Located above the lake Afritzer See
- A hiking paradiese between 600 to 1,900 metres above sea level
- In the middle of the hilly Nockberge mountains
- Well-marked hiking trails with different levels
Mittagskogel: Nature experience for the adventurous
Fresh mountain air, impressive rock walls and demanding hiking tours: Here, on the Mittagskogel, you can enjoy incredible views - from the Julian Alps to the Hohe Tauern and the region's lakes.
The Mittagskogel at a glance
- The summit cross is at 2,145 metres above sea level
- Located in the Karawanken
- Well-marked hiking trails for advanced hikers
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