Water sports in the Villach region
Here, in the sun-drenched south of Austria, water sports are at home: discover the Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See vacation region in an attractive and active way on the water. On one of the beautiful lakes and on the powerful Drau. On a paddleboard, in a sailing boat or on water skis.
Did you know that Carinthia is known as the land of 1,000 waters?
Many of them flow and ripple in the Villach region. We demonstrably feel better by the water. It slows us down; lets us feel the pulse of nature. So it's no wonder that we love getting on a SUP or navigating through the reeds in a canoe. On the water, you have a special perspective of the Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See vacation region. Whether swimming in Lake Faaker See, water skiing on Lake Ossiacher See, fishing on Lake Afritz See or Lake Magdalensee or splashing and swimming in Lake Vassacher See, Lake Silbersee or Lake Aichwaldsee.
Wondering which water sport is right for you? Or which lake or river you can get active on? Here you will find the most important bodies of water and suitable water sports adventures in the region at a glance ...
Slow Motion on Lake Faaker See
This turquoise-blue gem lies south of Villach and is particularly popular with families. On its shores, four wonderful lidos provide a practical infrastructure. Did you know that Lake Faak is the southernmost lake in Austria? You can feel it too: in the carefree attitude to life, the many pleasant hours of sunshine and its pleasant temperatures. In summer, the water reaches up to 24 degrees. Lake Faak is ideal for swimming and gentle water sports.
You won't hear any motorboats here, just gentle waves and rustling reeds. Let yourself drift and inhale the peace and quiet. The best way to do this is on a SUP. Or hop into a kayak, canoe, sailing or rowing boat and discover the lake at your own pace - independently or on a guided tour. Perhaps take a fishing rod with you; the lake is home to 18 species of fish.
Our tip: make use of the practical rental stations and the SUP, surfing and sailing schools on the lake and in the region. There are also (junior) fishing courses on site.
You can find out more about the Faaker See adventure area here.
Well underway on Lake Ossiacher See
It is the third largest lake in Carinthia and, at up to 27 degrees, also one of the warmest: Lake Ossiach. The emerald-colored giant lies northeast of Villach and is enthroned at the foot of the imposing Gerlitzen. There are seven sun-drenched lidos here. Its mild climate and excellent wind conditions make it attractive for active vacationers: the light breeze that blows from the Gerlitzen Alpe offers ideal conditions for wind and water sports such as surfing and sailing.
SUP, kayaking, canoeing and rowing are also very popular here. Do you like it fast? Get on your skis or board, even in summer. Lake Ossiach is a hotspot for waterskiing and wakeboarding. Here, you can passionately board across the lake - or watch others enthusiastically, for example at the weekly night water ski show at Seepark Annenheim. Experience Lake Ossiach from an impressive perspective while diving: Under water, let everyday life pass you by and sink into complete silence. You can also find peace and quiet here while fishing - 20 species of fish are native to the lake. Good to know: Lake Ossiach is considered a calm body of water and offers ideal conditions for beginners in wind and water sports. The lake has a practical infrastructure with rental facilities, schools and course providers.
You can find out more about the Gerlitzen Alpe - Ossiacher See adventure area here.
Tailwind at Lake Afritzer See
The emerald-green lake is located in the Carinthian Gegendtal valley. It is an insider tip for families and water sports fans. In the warm season, the water reaches up to 25 degrees. Splashing, swimming and bathing with kids is great fun here. The picturesque Nockberge mountains are close by and provide a constant breeze - ideal for surfing and sailing. Dive into the water with a SUP, kayak or canoe; between the rustling reeds on the lake and the gentle mountain peaks. The right equipment is available at the Friessner lido on the southern shore, for example. Pump-boarding is also a trend sport here: float across the lake using your own strength and balance. No need for wind, waves or motorboats. It's romantic in a rowing boat; also highly appreciated by anglers and fishermen. No wonder, because the idyllic Afritzer See is rich in fish. There are 15 different species living here. When diving at night, you will come across shy eels - a real experience.
Diving in Lake Aichwaldsee
South of the town of Villach you will find this enchanting, small natural bathing lake. It gets up to 21 degrees. The lakeshore is unspoiled - with lots of shade trees and sunbathing lawns. A wonderful place for bathing and swimming.
Splashing around in Lake Magdalensee
The quiet bathing lake is located to the east of Villach and is only around three kilometers from the town center. Here you have an unobstructed view of the Mittagskogel and enjoy peace and quiet while bathing and swimming. It reaches up to 21 degrees. Access to the "Relaxbeach" St. Magdalen is free all year round.
All hail the Silbersee
This tranquil lake is located right next to the Drau cycle path - east of Villach. It is considered a family and adventure lake. In the warm season, the water is up to 25 degrees and is a popular swimming hotspot. The "Actionbeach" offers many leisure activities and a wonderful sunbathing lawn. Fishermen encounter 12 species of fish here - the species-rich lake is also interesting for divers.
Swimming in Lake Vassacher See
This natural gem is located on the northern outskirts of Villach. The lake reaches water temperatures of up to 22 degrees and attracts families with children in particular to splash around and swim.
Current lake temperatures
Let yourself drift on the Drau
The longest river in Carinthia gives the town of Villach and its surroundings a unique charm. Water sports enthusiasts will find the Drau paddling trail here, which they can explore by kayak, canoe or SUP - also ideal as a day trip.
Further information
