A Complete Guide to Summer Slow Travel in Carinthia, AustriaHome to over 200 lakes, known for its regional and seasonal dishes, amazing hiking, wellness stays, saunas, and relaxing public spaces... Carinthia in the summer is an absolute dream trip! Drive scenic routes, stop at lakeside saunas, and explore a gem of Austria: the South! Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsCarinthiaItinerary

Stays

CHALET FALK | luxury mountain hideaway
Chalet Falk brings pure luxury to the middle of the mountains. Newly built in 2023 and located in the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, this four-suite chalet is completely private. The spa comes with a panoramic sauna, and the heated outdoor pool sits in the middle of a mountain meadow. Breakfast is delivered to your door each morning with essentials already stocked in the fridge. Upgrades include a private chef and in-house massages... Dreamy!
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Hotel & Spa Sonne
Along the shores of Lake Klopein, with its own lido and pier for swimming, this is a perfect summer stay! Plus, one of the few uninterrupted lakeside promenades in Carinthia starts right from the hotel. The spa includes a lakeside sauna built right out onto the jetty (possibly the best sauna in the region). Four hotel clay courts for tennis, an 18-hole golf course 2.5 km away, and an al fresco lakeside restaurant for meals above the water bring this stay to the top tier.
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Bauernhof Liendl
A stay at Bauernhof Liendl offers a slower, more grounded way to experience Carinthia, set on a family-run organic farm surrounded by rolling countryside and mountain views. Accommodation is simple but thoughtfully done, with a focus on sustainability and connection to the land. Mornings start with homemade breakfasts featuring ingredients sourced directly from the farm, and guests can spend their time hiking nearby trails, relaxing in the garden, or getting a glimpse into daily farm life.
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Gralhof- das Biohotel am Weissensee
The Gralhof is an authentic BIO-hotel at one of the purest alpine lakes in Austria, complete with 16 rooms housed in a historic building on the shores of Weissensee. It's family-run and 100% certified organic. Breakfasts begin overlooking the lake in summer, with homemade muesli, happy-hen eggs, fresh bread, and an afternoon spread of apple strudel, cinnamon rolls, and Carinthian plank Jause with house-smoked bacon. Half-board is included in all rates, and they only take reservations through their own website.
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Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden
This 5-star castle hotel sits directly on the shores of Lake Wörthersee and has been awarded two Michelin Keys. The castle was originally built in 1590, but was rebuilt in grand fashion in 1890. It has hosted nobility, artists, and high society members! The Acquapura Spa, a private Beach Club in summer, and gourmet dining make this one of the most complete luxury properties in Carinthia.
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Gut Schloss Lichtengraben
A Renaissance castle that has been in the same family since 1886 sits in the Lavanttal valley as a part-working organic farm and part atmospheric place to stay. Accommodation ranges from a castle apartment to an alpine hut. Every Friday at around noon, the farm shop serves freshly smoked fish from the oven (rainbow trout and char raised in the estate's own ponds). P.S. Fishing in the private ponds is free for guests (you just pay for what you catch), and there are other guided activities to choose from during your stay, too!
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Landgut Moserhof
Chalets, chalets, chalets! From staying in the village to the countryside, or even the mountains, Landgut Moserhof is a true gem of a stay. Guests can enjoy Carinthian cuisine in the dining rooms and on the sun terrace. Home to its own beaches, swimming areas, farm, and more, there is no shortage of activities to take part in during your stay here! Dreaming of coming here one day.
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Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls... Or DO!

Gartlwasserfall
The Gartl Waterfall is a magnet for visitors not for its size, but for its unique microclimate: the finely atomized, electrically charged water droplets are said to have a positive effect on stress and overall well-being. I'll definitely be coming here to recharge... It's an easy, accessible stop that forms part of the Alpe-Adria Trail.
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Groppensteinschlucht
Hike the 2.5 km trail with around 230m of elevation change through a gorge at Obervellach to visit 3 falls: the Zechnerfall, Großer Groppensteinfall, and a series of river pools at the end. Note that the trail involves large steps and exposed sections. Plus, the Raggaschlucht (more info below)is nearby, too, and both can be visited in a single day.
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Raggaschlucht
Declared a natural monument in 1978, the Raggaschlucht leads hikers along wooden walkways past waterfalls and sheer rock faces (It's arguably a must-see in the Mölltal valley). At around 800 meters long, it's one of the shorter gorges, but one of the most impressive due to its narrowness and depth of up to 200m. The trail is one-way (uphill only) and takes an average of 90 minutes. Plan to hike midday or afternoon when the sun shines directly from above. Pro tip: It's free to visit with the Kärnten Card!
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Jungfernsprung
Plunging 130m into the valley in three cascades, hikers can follow a themed trail telling the legend of a maiden who jumped from the cliff and was carried safely down by angels. After about half an hour of steep ascent, a magnificent view of the rock pulpit and the waterfalls opens up.
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Garnitzenklamm
The Garnitzenklamm hike is a 5.9-mile loop trail with 1,889 feet of elevation gain, taking about 4–4.5 hours. It is divided into four sections of increasing intensity, mostly consisting of footbridges carved along vertical cliff walls. The entrance fee is €7 cash (only) per person. People constantly say it's one of the best hikes in all of Austria (Pro Tip: Section 3 is the most spectacular!)
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Wildensteiner Wasserfall
A 54-meter free-falling waterfall, Wildensteiner Wasserfall, can be reached via a 20-minute steep, gravelled forest path from the car park to a small viewing platform about 30m from the falls. Additionally, the ruins of Wildenstein Castle, destroyed by an earthquake in 1348, can be reached via another 30 minutes of hiking above the waterfall. It's free to visit, and typically, there are no crowds if you arrive early.
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Chilling Alpine Lakes

Millstätter See
Millstätter See is the lake with the most water in Carinthia, and water temperatures that climb above 20°C as early as May... Not so chilling after all! Twelve lidos (an outdoor swimming pool or a sectioned-off beach area used for swimming and sunbathing) ring the lake, with the Millstätter See Inclusive Card giving free or discounted access to most of them! The undeveloped south shore is best explored by a rowing boat. Wakeboarding, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and diving are all on offer — this is as active a lake as you'll find in the region. The 28-km walking and cycling path circles the entire shoreline for those who want more time on dry land.
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Lake Klopein
At up to 28ºC in summer, Lake Klopein is one of the warmest bathing lakes (it stays remarkably warm into September)! Smaller and more intimate than Millstätter or Wörthersee, it has a distinctly local feel.
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Maibachl Villach Warmbad
A thermal spring oasis, this is one of Austria's few warm outdoor springs that flows naturally from the ground at a constant temperature. A perfect rainy-day or recovery stop, popular with locals for its healing mineral content and unpretentious atmosphere. Plus, it's worth combining with a visit to Villach's old town!
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Wolayersee
A strikingly beautiful alpine lake on the Austrian-Italian border in the Carnic Alps, sitting at around 1,960m. Reached via a 2–3 hour hike from the Plöckenpass, wild, clear, and remote-feeling. Admire the limestone ridges above and turquoise water below... and dare to take a dip!
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Eislaufen Weissensee
Known in winter for its ice skating, Weissensee transforms in summer into one of the purest and most tranquil alpine lakes in Austria. Surrounded by protected landscapes, the lake is ideal for swimming, rowing, and slow days spent by the water, with exceptional clarity and a noticeably quieter atmosphere than larger lakes in the region. The lake is the highest of the large Carinthian lakes and one of the purest in the Alps, so it can be a bit chillier than other options on this list!
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Wörthersee
One of Austria's best-known summer holiday destinations, Lake Wörthersee is a playground for water sports, known for its party and lifestyle scene, yoga events, and the famous Belle Époque villas lining its shores. Its blue-green, transparent water and beautiful shores lined by forested Alpine foothills make it stand out. Don't miss Maria Wörth on the little peninsula in the middle... It's one of the most photographed spots in all of Carinthia.
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Saissersee
Saissersee is a smaller, quieter lake in the Wörthersee region with fewer tourists than its neighbor (above). Perfect if you want to swim in peace – it's a true local gem!
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Lake Faak
Known as the "sun lake" of Carinthia, Lake Faak is the southernmost lake in Austria with the most hours of sunshine (how fitting!). Its luminous turquoise water is spectacular for swimming and admiring! Note: the annual European Bike Week in early September brings huge crowds.
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Strandbad Weißensee
Strandbad Weißensee is home to the beach and lido on the shores of Weissensee. The water is so clear here that it has been compared to an underwater park! Hire a rowing boat, find a quiet bay, and drift along under the sun. The lake sits at the highest elevation of all the large Carinthian lakes, giving it a cool, crystalline quality unlike the other lakes in the warmer lowland
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Cultural Sites: Churches & Castles

Hochosterwitz Castle
Allow at least 1.5 hours for a visit to one of Austria's most impressive medieval castles. It's recommended to take the Fürst-Max-Bahn lift to the top and walk down through the 14 famed defensive gates. The castle restaurant serves proper Carinthian cuisine in a medieval dining room. And, fun fact, it's still owned by the Khevenhüller family since the 16th century!
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Filialkirche St. Vinzenz
A small, ancient filial church tucked into the Carinthian countryside is worth a stop for the frescoes, the quiet, and the sense of centuries of rural alpine life. It's a nearly perfectly preserved Romanesque or Gothic chapel, and the area is a photo-op favorite.
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Burgruine Gomarn
Explore the ruins of Gomarn Castle in the Lavanttal as a contrast to the striking fortresses and castles that are intact and dot Carinthia today.
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Regional & Seasonal Dining

Fischrestaurant Sicher - Sicher Kärnten Kaviar
Run by two brothers, Michael in the kitchen and Wolfgang on wine and service, with their own fish farm producing the trout and char that swim just a few hours before they reach your plate, this is arguably the best fish restaurant in Carinthia. A must-splurge is the house-produced Carinthian char caviar (harvested only from late October to early December). Reservations are essential.
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Panoramarestaurant oben
The name "oben" means "up" in German, but read backwards it spells "nebo" heaven in Slovenian. Sitting at 1,708m at the mountain station of the Petzen cable car, this is a stunning place to eat or grab a drink. Accessible only by cable car or on foot (not by road), the €69 combo including the gondola ride and three-course menu is excellent value.
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Wegerhütte
Get a taste of traditional Carinthian mountain huts at Wegerhütte, sitting at around 1,500 m in the Nockberge mountains, accessible on foot from the Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach valley or as a stop on the Kirchheim Valley loop hike. It's a natural rest stop on hikes through the Nock Mountains. Order the Kasnocken, Brettljause, and something hot from the stove!
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Restaurant & Stadtheuriger Leiten
A must-visit spot (open even on Sundays and holidays), with its own winery producing local wines served with the meals, and a location overlooking Klagenfurt and the Slovenian mountains that makes every dish feel elevated by context alone. A sunset dinner is the best way to take it all in!
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Restaurant Moritz
Restaurant Moritz is a Michelin-recognized restaurant that brings a refined approach to Carinthian cuisine, with a strong focus on seasonality and local sourcing, while maintaining a quaint and charming feel. Dishes are precise and creative, often reinterpreting traditional flavors in a more elevated way. Plan for a multi-course tasting menu and a slower evening. Reservations are essential, especially in summer.
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Sissy Sonnleitner
Set in a traditional alpine house, this is one of the most personal and regionally rooted dining experiences in Carinthia. The kitchen focuses on seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms, forests, and lakes, with menus that reflect both Carinthian and neighboring Italian and Slovenian influences. Meals consist of multiple courses, and reservations are necessary here (especially in the summer).
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Trattlers Einkehr
A refined take on the traditional Carinthian mountain hut, interiors are warm and wood-lined, with a menu that elevates regional classics like Kärntner Kasnudeln and local game dishes.
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Restaurant Kutsche
Dishes here are built around regional ingredients and presented with a lighter, more contemporary style. Kutsche Landhaus is a dainty restaurant with sweeping views of the greenery and mountains near Villach. Plus, the wine list here highlights Austrian producers!
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Forellenhof Jorde
Set in a peaceful countryside location, Forellenhof Jorde is a classic Carinthian fish farm and restaurant where the focus is entirely on freshness and simplicity. Trout and char are raised in the on-site ponds and prepared just hours after being caught, resulting in dishes that feel connected to the landscape.
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Erlebnishof Tschabitscher
An experiential farm stay and restaurant that offers a closer look at rural life in Carinthia, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and regional produce. Meals are built around ingredients grown or raised on-site, creating a true farm-to-table experience in a quiet, natural setting. Note: Check ahead for opening hours or farm experiences, as offerings can vary seasonally!
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Spas, Saunas, & Soaking

Kärnten Badehaus Millstätter See
A beautifully situated lakeside bathing house on Millstätter See. Swim in the morning and take in the soft light atop the lapping waves!
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Feuerwasser
Set high above Lake Ossiach, this spa experience is centered around panoramic views, stillness, and time. Plan to spend several hours here leading up to and after sunset (since it's one of the best times to visit).
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Thermal Römerbad
Thermal Römerbad is a large thermal spa complex in Bad Kleinkirchheim, spread across multiple levels with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and relaxation areas overlooking the surrounding mountains.
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KärntenTherme Warmbad-Villach
A modern thermal spa, KärntenTherme Warmbad blends wellness with contemporary design. There is a great blend of warm pools, slides, and lapping areas for a range of tastes.
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Running, Hiking, & Viewpoints

Biosphärenparkbahn Brunnach
The cable car operated by Bad Kleinkirchheim in summer takes visitors into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Carinthian Nockberge for hiking, mountain biking, and spectacular panoramic walks at nearly 2,000 m. The circular hike to the Mallnock starts right at the mountain station, with views of the Kolmnock, Wöllanernock, and Kaiserburg peaks along the way (~6-8 km, elevation gain of 300 m, moderate). Plus, it's a free ride once per day with the Kärnten Card.
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Kitzelberg
A popular viewpoint hike above Lake Klopein, accessible from the lakeshore, with panoramic views across southern Carinthia and towards the Karawanken mountains. It's a shorter, more accessible climb than the big mountain objectives nearby (~3–4 km, elevation gain of ~200 m, easy/moderate).
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Hochhinauf - Waldseilpark - Taborhöhe
An adventure park home to the Taborhöhe viewpoint, with one of the best overhead views of Lake Faak anywhere.
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Grossglockner High Alpine Road
One of Europe's greatest drives, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a legendary route winding through the Hohe Tauern from Carinthia up to 2,504 m, passing glaciers, waterfalls, and marmot-dotted meadows before arriving at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe with its direct view of the Grossglockner (3,798 m) and the Pasterze glacier. Take the Grossglockner Glacier Cable Car at the summit to get even closer to the ice, too. Drive it in the morning to beat clouds and crowds.
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Pasterze Glacier
The walk from the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint down toward the Pasterze Glacier is 3-4 km round trip, with around 150-250m of elevation loss and gain on the return. It is rated easy to moderate, depending on conditions, and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. The route follows a combination of paved paths and gravel trails, with some steeper sections on the return climb, offering close-up views of Austria’s largest glacier along the way.
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Alpe-Adria-Trail
The full Alpe-Adria Trail (750 km) is made up of 43 stages in total, with roughly 20 of those passing through Carinthia. Individual stages in this region typically range from 15-25 km, with elevation gains between 300-800 meters, and take about 4-7 hours to complete. Most sections are well-marked and non-technical, making them ideal for long, steady hiking days rather than steep alpine climbs. Notes: Popular Carinthia stages include the stretch from Großglockner to Heiligenblut and routes through the Millstätter See region, both offering a mix of alpine views and more relaxed valley walking.
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