We are cycling through Carinthia

Cycling in Carinthia

Turquoise-blue lakes, varied routes, and a wild, romantic landscape–this is just the beginning of what a cycling holiday in Carinthia promises. The mild climate and up to 2,000 hours of sunshine a year mean the cycling season starts earlier and extends well into autumn, making it ideal not only for fair-weather cyclists. Simply wonderful!

Cycling tours in Carinthia

Cyclists crossing a wooden bridge with metal railings through moorland near Keutschach, Carinthia. Green vegetation and forest in background.

Burg Hochosterwitz castle perched atop a steep forested rock formation in Carinthia, with green fields in the foreground and blue sky.

Wooden jetty leading through green reeds at Keutschacher See in Carinthia. Blue lake water and forested mountains under a sunny sky.

Female cyclist in pink shirt with helmet on wooden bridge over turquoise Drau River in Carinthia, surrounded by green forest and mountains.

These 5 lakes you need to know

Perfect for cooling off!

Lake Wörthersee

Covering nearly 20 km², Lake Wörthersee is Carinthia’s largest and most famous lake. It gained additional fame from the TV series “Ein Schloss am Wörthersee,” filmed here from 1990 to 1993. Nestled between Klagenfurt and Villach, it attracts many visitors and cycling enthusiasts each year.

Did you know that Wörthersee’s turquoise color is due to fine lime particles? They reflect sunlight in the water, giving the lake its unique shade.

Woman on Pyramidenkogel viewing platform overlooking Wörthersee lake in Carinthia with forested hills and cloudy sky.

Lake Ossiach

At its deepest point, Lake Ossiach reaches 52 meters and warms up to 28 degrees Celsius in summer. The lake stretches 11 kilometers and, like most lakes in Carinthia, boasts drinking water quality.

Did you know that over 21 species of fish–including lake trout, catfish, and pike–live in Lake Ossiach?

Panoramic view from Landskron over Ossiacher See in Carinthia with forested hills, a village, and mountains under a cloudy sky.

Lake Faak

South of Villach and the Drau River lies Lake Faak, Carinthia’s fifth largest lake. Its water renews itself completely every 1.8 years, giving it the highest flow speed and freshness of all Carinthian lakes.

Did you know there’s an 8.4-hectare island in the middle of the lake, large enough to host a hotel? The island can only be reached by water.

Cyclist relaxing on wooden lounger at Faaker See shore with bicycle and yellow panniers. Mountains and blue sky visible in background.

Lake Klopein

With water temperatures up to 29°C, Lake Klopein in southern Carinthia is one of the warmest bathing lakes in Europe–a true natural gem for holidaymakers. Whether families, couples, or solo travelers, the lake offers a refreshing dip for everyone.

Did you know this part of Carinthia enjoys over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year? This makes the region one of Austria’s sunniest holiday destinations.

Turquoise waters of Klopeiner See with reeds in foreground, wooden pier with white umbrellas on left, and forested mountain in background.

Lake Millstatt

From the historic Millstatt Abbey to the sparkling lake, the region offers everything you need for a perfect cycling holiday. As Carinthia’s second largest lake (after Lake Wörthersee) and with a depth of 141 meters, Lake Millstatt ideally combines cycling and swimming holidays—leaving plenty of time to relax.

Did you know that more than 30 legends surround Lake Millstatt? Stories range from the Lindworm of Klagenfurt, to the lake’s own mermaid, and even the VW Beetle of local historian Matthias Maierbrugger.

Two cyclists riding along a lakeside path at Lake Millstatt in Carinthia at sunset, with mountains in the background and calm water.

The most beautiful tours in Carinthia

Here, cycling is especially enjoyable

Carinthian Lakes

Carinthia rightfully earns its nickname as Austria’s “Sunshine State”: the south of the country enjoys the most hours of sunshine. These are perfect conditions for a trip to Carinthia’s lake district. The cycling tour starts in Villach, in the heart of Carinthia, and leads to Lake Wörthersee and Lake Klopein, passing numerous castles and palaces along the way.

Highlight along the route

Velden am Wörthersee. The clear, turquoise-blue water of Lake Wörthersee and the vibrant atmosphere invite you to take a break in this celebrity hotspot.

Highlight along the route

Klagenfurt charms visitors with its picturesque old town. Italian architects shaped it in the 16th and 17th centuries, and its southern flair is still palpable today.

Highlight along the route

Hochosterwitz Castle rises on a 150-meter-high limestone rock, towering above the surrounding fields with steep drops on all sides. A true highlight of this cycling tour.

Cyclist with yellow panniers resting on wooden bridge over turquoise Drau River in Carinthia, with forested mountains in background.

Vineyard rows leading to Weingut Taggenbrunn with traditional buildings and red roofs. Mountains and green valleys visible in background under blue sky.

Pedestrian street in Villach old town with colorful umbrellas suspended overhead. Multi-colored buildings line both sides with shops and pedestrians.

The Drau Cycle Path

The Drau Cycle Path takes you on a relaxing ride along the river through the stunning landscapes of East Tyrol and Carinthia. From Lienz to Lake Klopein, you'll pass picturesque villages, impressive castles, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Culinary delights also await: Tyrolean specialties, Carinthian delicacies, and Italian cuisine make the journey truly special. Whether you're touring as a family or looking for a more athletic challenge, there’s a route to suit every level.

Idyllically situated farmhouses on the stage between Drautal and Spittal, fruit trees in the foreground, forests and mountains in the background

Drau Cycle Path

8 Days

A bicycle stands in front of a pasture fence with a flower meadow in the foreground and the Lienz Dolomites in the background

Drau Cycle Path – sporty

6 Days

Cyclists with children's trailers in Sillian, Heinfels Castle in the background

Drau-Cycle Path for families

7 Days

Cyclist on paved path along Drau cycle route in Carinthia, with wooden fence, green meadows, forests, and mountains under blue sky.

Highlight along the route

Villach’s diversity is sure to delight you! Whether you’re seeking culture, a cycling adventure, or a swimming holiday, this city combines it all.

Highlight along the route

The enchanting Rosental valley provides a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable day of cycling. Impressive conglomerate rock formations and breathtaking views are guaranteed.

Highlight along the route

Spittal delights with its charming main square and the splendid Porcia Castle. This Renaissance building is one of the most significant and best-preserved of its kind in Central Europe, shaping the town's historic character.

Touring bicycle with yellow bags in colorful wildflower meadow along Drau cycle path near Lienz, with dramatic mountain peaks in background.

Turquoise Drau River flowing through green forest landscape near Steinfeld. Mountains visible in background under blue sky with white clouds.

Cows grazing on green meadow in Upper Drau valley with forested mountains in background. A farmhouse stands among scattered trees.

Family of four cycling on gravel path along Drau bike route in Carinthia, surrounded by lush green trees and grass under blue sky.

Typically Carinthian

The most popular dishes at a glance

Carinthian cheese noodles

Carinthia’s most famous dish is the renowned Kärntner Kasnudeln. Despite the name, these are not noodles in a cheese sauce, but dumplings filled with quark (curd cheese), potatoes, mint, and chervil, and tossed in browned butter. Simply delicious.

Reindling

This sweet yeast cake is typically filled with cinnamon, sugar, and raisins. Its name comes from the rectangular baking pan, the “Rein,” in which it is made. Simply heavenly.

Ritschert

This dish is one of the oldest documented meals in Carinthian cuisine. Traditionally, it’s made with barley, beans, peas or lentils, and smoked pork. Served as a hearty stew, it’s the perfect meal to warm up on cool autumn days.

White Schloss Reifnitz castle on a green hillside overlooking turquoise Lake Wörthersee with boats, mountains in background under blue sky.

Alpe-Adria Cycle Path

The Alpe-Adria Cycle Path impresses with various tour options through the most beautiful regions of Carinthia. Whether from Salzburg to Villach, Villach to Grado, Villach via Grado to Trieste, or as a loop tour there’s a perfect route for everyone. No matter which you choose, stunning Alpine landscapes, picturesque towns, and Italian flair make this tour a truly special experience.