Carinthia – Land of the Lakes

Carinthia sits in southeastern Austria, a region people return to after a first visit, ranked among the most beautiful corners of the Alps thanks to more than a hundred lakes nestled between high mountains, a long warm summer climate, and its international character bordering Italy and Slovenia.

Riders stay at a welcoming, well-appointed cyclists' hotel in Sankt Jakob im Rosental, a village that sits at a junction of signed cycle paths and serves as the base for exploring the region. Routes ride to and along several lakes, including the Wörthersee, Faaker See, Ossiacher See, Silbersee and Pressegger See, with plenty of stops for a swim or a rest at a picturesque village cafe. Paths along the Drau and Gail rivers offer long, quiet riding.

Velden, on the Wörthersee, is a highlight, with the option to take a boat trip on the lake. Other rides reach Villach, a lively spa town, and the wax museum at Schloss Rosegg. Though Carinthia is mountainous, the chosen routes stay on largely paved valley paths.

Highlights:

• Ride to and around the Wörthersee, Faaker See and Ossiacher See lakes
• Quiet riverside paths along the Drau and Gail rivers
• Visit Velden on the Wörthersee, with an optional lake boat trip
• Explore the spa town of Villach
• Visit the wax museum at Schloss Rosegg
• Stop at village cafes and swim spots throughout

Surface and terrain:
Largely paved valley paths, avoiding the region's mountainous terrain. Rated Level 1–2 (easy to moderate).

Suitable for:
Recreational cyclists wanting an easy-to-moderate lake-district base-stay with swimming and sightseeing built in.