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Footbridge on Lake Wörthersee

Carinthian Lakes

The Austrian Riviera

8 Days / 7 Nights
Medium
200  kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
200  kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
Footbridge on Lake Wörthersee

Carinthia is affectionately known as Austria’s “Sunshine State”—and it’s easy to see why, as this southern region enjoys the highest number of sunshine hours in the country. The Carinthian Lakes area is a cyclist’s paradise, where lush landscapes, shimmering waters, and charming towns come together with a hint of Mediterranean flair. Your cycling journey begins in Villach, the vibrant heart of Carinthia, before leading you to the renowned Wörthersee. Even the most hesitant cold-water swimmer will be tempted to dive into Lake Klopein, Austria’s warmest bathing lake, offering breathtaking views of the Karawanks from its shores. Along the way, Carinthia’s rich cultural heritage unfolds through castles, palaces, and monasteries, as well as the picturesque old town streets of Klagenfurt.

The enchanting small town of Villach is the starting point for this popular cycle tour. Where the jesters make their jokes during Carnival time, you get a perfect, first impression of Carinthia’s sunny climate. From here you can discover Austria’s warmest swimming lakes, such as the Ossiacher See, Klopeiner See, Faaker See and of course the Wörthersee. A slightly hilly route on mostly separate cycle paths, always with the lake in sight, makes this tour a real pleasure.

  • Villach: The loveable small town impresses with great surroundings and delightful cityscape. You will find crystal clear lakes all around, untouched nature and imposing mountains. An absolute highlight.
  • The famous Wörthersee: Much sung about and highly praised it is, next to the Wolfgangsee, probably one of the most famous lakes in Austria. Turquoise blue water, picturesque banks and the well-known town of Velden invite you to linger.
  • Klagenfurt: The capital of Carintha is also known as ‘The Rose from Lake Wörthersee’. And once you’ve been there, you’ll understand why. The lovely city centre and an almost Mediterranean flair make Klagenfurt a real gem.

Over eight days you will get to know the most beautiful sides of Carinthia and you will be surprised every day. Look forward to southern temperatures, lots of sunshine, lovely landscapes and friendly towns. The daily stages between 35 and 50 kilometres, which run mainly on cycle paths and low-traffic side roads, lead you to Carinthia’s most beautiful lakes and are easy to master with a good basic level of fitness. There is plenty of time to dip your feet into the cool water and enjoy the sun.

Do you also need a healthy dose of vitamin D? Then head off to Carinthia!

Itinerary at a glance

While you enjoy the old town in Villach, the lakes all around want to be discovered by you. In addition to Lake Ossiach and Lake Klopein, the world-famous Lake Wörthersee invites you to swim and stroll, for example in Klagenfurt and Velden.

The silence of the mountains, the gentle lakeside of the crystal-clear lakes, pure nature – located in the heart of Carinthia the entire region around Villach reflects this entire diversity. Already the Romans, probably the first lakeside tourists appreciated relaxation and recuperation in these thermal baths and even Paracelsus enjoyed here the healing effects of the thermal springs.

Hotel (example): Voco

You leave Villach along the Seebach-stream and enjoy the view onto the castle ruin Landskron. On a clear day the castle ruin is visible above Villach and far beyond. The knights from long ago knew exactly where they took up residence. It is no surprise since the picturesque backdrop has not changed over time: in the forefront the green colour of the Gerlitzen Alpe, in the background the blue of Lake Ossiach. Lake Ossiach, the so called ’bath tube‘, with a total length of eleven kilometres features,just like nearly all of Carinthia’s lakes, drinking water quality. In Ossiach the mountains and the crystal-clear water of the lake with a water temperature of up to 27 degrees in summer delight on the one hand and on the other hand the monastery dating back to the 11th century with its spectacular, late baroque church. Next the pretty resort of Steindorf on Lake Ossiach beckons. Then a short stop in Bodensdorf before today’s tour has finished the full circle in Villach.

Hotel (example): Voco

You start the tour by cycling a few kilometres along the Drau-cycle path headed East. The route continues through unspoilt Carinthian farmland. Your next destination is the bussling town of Velden on Lake Wörthersee. The clear, turquoise-blue water of Lake Wörthersees and the hussle and bussle invite you to a break in the ‚celebrity ‘-town. Through a charming scenery with rolling hills you reach the ‚Keutschach Seental‘. Sometimes it is a languorous wayside cross, sometimes it is a farm house decorated with flowers that catches your eye. The wide valley, the soft rolling hills and wooded mountains, four lovely lakes and in the distance: mountains. Even the close-by sunny South can be felt. Lake Hafnersee, Lake Keutschacher, Lake Baßgeigensee and Lake Rauschelesee are grouped around the resort Keutschach. The ‚Lend ‘-canal, situated at the eastern shores of Lake Wörthersee, leads you into the state capital of Carinthia, to Klagenfurt.

Hotel (example): Hotel Carinthia

Klagenfurt – "the Rose of Lake Wörthersee" – captivates with its enchanting old part of town. Built by Italian architects in the 16/17th century, it has kept its southern flair over centuries. As legend has it the home of a dragon (Lindwurm), today features winding alleyways, romantic archade courts churches and town houses to explore. After such a big dose of culture you continue by bike. Along the small river Glan you will leave Klagenfurt and after you passed a small range of hills with villages and forest you will reach the river Drau. On the Drau-river cycle path you will cycle to the Völkermarkter reservoir. Now it is only a short distance before you reach the warmest lake of the state, Lake Klopeiner. The shores of the Lake Klopeiner See are very inviting: the surrounding is mostly wooded and from the hilltops you see flashes of white little churches. In the South, the Karawanken-mountain chain rises and above it all you see the sun in the (usually) blue sky. Now there is only enough time for a refreshing swim in the lake.

Hotel (example): Hotel Greif

Idyllic cycle paths lead you from Klopeiner See to the Völkermarkter reservoir, where you will cycle along its waterfront and then pass the river Drau for the last time. On the Glan-Gurk-cycle path you will be led around the former duke city Völkermarkt, capital of the Jaunatal and located on a rising ground and further through typical Carinthian villages and landscapes in direction to the castle Hochosterwitz. It is very impressive what the nature and human beings created there! On top of a 150m high chalk rock there is an invulnerable fortress which overcame lots of centuries and can be visited now. Numerous castles and palaces in the surroundings remind us of the former significance of the onetime state capital St. Veit.

Hotel (example): Fuchspalast

 

For centuries St. Veit has been the seat of the Carinthian bishops. The city wall, the medieval main square, the oppulent Rainassance houses, beautiful archade courts, Herzogsburg-castle and many monuments still testify of this period even today. You head west and cycle along the river Glan to Glanegg. Already visible from afar is Glanegg castle ruin, towering here over and above the valley. The cycle path leads you through Feldkirchen which is surrounded by wooded hills, romantic palaces and venerable ruins and directly to Lake Ossiach and back again to your start-and end destination, beautiful Villach.

Hotel (example): Voco

Past Villach’s thermal spa you leave the town and cycle at the foot of the Karawanken-mountains headed East to the last lake of your loop tour, the turquoise-blue Lake Faak. The lake’s backdrop is the Mittagskogel-peak, a genuine rock giant. Extensive, undeveloped meadows and green wooded areas surround the lake and in the middle of the lake you find a wooded island. After a relaxing break at the lakeside and/or a lunch break you start your journey back. You tackle a small ridge on your bikes and hence reach the glistening river Drau with grey-green milky waters. The Drau-cycle path – on flat terrain and very well-developed – leads you along a leisurely route back to Villach.

Hotel (example): Voco

Individual departure or you have the option to extend and spend a few more days in the Carinthian lake district. It is definitely highly recommended!

Itinerary at a glance

While you enjoy the old town of Villach, the surrounding lakes are waiting to be explored. Besides Lake Ossiach and Lake Klopein, the world-famous Wörthersee invites you to swim and stroll, especially in the charming towns of Klagenfurt and Velden. In and around St. Veit, follow in the footsteps of the bishops and take in the breathtaking views from Hochosterwitz Castle

The silence of the mountains, the gentle shores of crystal-clear lakes, pure nature—nestled in the heart of Carinthia, the region around Villach reflects this rich diversity. Even the Romans, likely the first to visit these baths, valued the relaxation and healing these thermal springs offer, and Paracelsus himself appreciated their restorative powers. Use your arrival day to unwind and explore at a leisurely pace.

Hotel (example): Voco

Leaving Villach, you follow the Seebach stream and enjoy views of the Landskron Castle ruins, visible on clear days from Villach and far beyond. Take in the picturesque scenery: the lush green slopes of the Gerlitzen mountains in the foreground and the deep blue of Lake Ossiach in the background. This vast “bathtub” stretches eleven kilometers long and, like most Carinthian lakes, boasts drinking water quality. In Ossiach, you’ll be captivated both by the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear waters, which can warm up to 27°C (81°F) in summer, and by the 11th-century monastery featuring a magnificent late Baroque church. Make stops at the lakeside resorts of Steindorf and Bodensdorf before returning to Villach to complete today’s tour.

Hotel (example): Voco

You’ll begin cycling along the Drava River bike path before winding through the picturesque, traditional farmland of Carinthia. Your next stop is the vibrant town of Velden on Lake Wörthersee, where the clear turquoise waters and lively atmosphere invite you to pause and enjoy the celebrity buzz. From there, the route leads through gently rolling hills into the scenic Keutschach Valley, scattered with flower-adorned farmhouses, soft hills, forested mountains, and charming villages. The lakes Hafnersee, Keutschacher See, Baßgeigensee, and Rauschelesee encircle the popular bathing resort of Keutschach. Finally, the Lend Canal along the eastern shore of Lake Wörthersee guides you into Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia.

Hotel (example): Hotel Carinthia

Klagenfurt, known as “The Rose of Lake Wörthersee” captivates with its charming old town. Built by Italian architects in the 16th and 17th centuries, its southern flair has been beautifully preserved through the centuries. According to legend, the Lindwurm, a mythical dragon-like creature and the city’s symbol, once lived here. Today, winding alleys, romantic arcaded courtyards, churches, and grand townhouses invite you to explore. Leaving Klagenfurt along the Glan River, you’ll cross gentle hills, passing through villages and forests until you reach the Drava. Following the Drava bike path past Lake Völkermarkt, you arrive at the warmest bathing lake in Austria: Lake Klopein. Enjoy the stunning scenery and take a refreshing dip in its inviting waters.

Hotel (example): Hotel Greif

From Lake Klopein, you’ll cycle back to the Völkermarkt reservoir and then follow the Glan-Gurk bike path to the historic ducal town of Völkermarkt, the capital of the Jaun Valley. Along the way, stunning views of the Carinthian landscape accompany you to Hochosterwitz Castle. It’s impressive to see what nature first shaped here—and how people later transformed it. Rising dramatically from the fields, a 150-meter (about 492 feet) high limestone cliff with steep slopes on all sides was turned into an impregnable fortress. Nearby, numerous castles and palaces stand as reminders of the former significance of St. Veit, the historic regional capital.

Hotel (example): Fuchspalast

 

For centuries, St. Veit was the capital of the region and long served as the seat of the Carinthian bishop. The city walls, medieval main square, magnificent Renaissance houses, charming, arcaded courtyards, the ducal castle, and numerous monuments still bear witness to this rich history. Heading westward, you’ll cycle along the Glan River toward Glanegg, where the castle ruins stand visible from afar. The bike path then leads you through Feldkirchen straight to the beautiful Lake Ossiach. After a relaxing break, you’ll return to your start and end point in the lovely town of Villach.

Hotel (example): Voco

Leaving Warmbad Villach behind, you cycle eastward along the foot of the Karawanks to the final lake of your journey—the stunning turquoise Faaker See. Dominating the skyline is Mittagskogel, a towering rock giant. The lake is framed by meadows and woodland edges, and even features a charming, wooded island. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters before setting off on your return. Crossing a gentle ridge, you’ll arrive at the shimmering, gray-green Drava River. From there, the smooth, flat Drava bike path will carry you back to Villach with ease.

Hotel (example): Voco

Make your way home at your own pace or indulge in a few extra days exploring the Carinthian Lakes region—it’s truly worth it.

Other variants of this tour

Difficulty level

Medium

You’ll cycle through a mix of river valleys and lakes, occasionally tackling some hilly sections as you bypass busy roads. With a good basic level of fitness, you’ll surely master this cycling journey. Most of the route follows paved bike paths and quiet secondary roads with little traffic.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Sustainably on the go

Our contribution to climate protection

200 kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
With a cycling holiday, you are opting for an extremely climate-friendly form of travel. We are aware that even this generates a certain amount of CO2 emissions, even if this is low compared to other forms of travel. The emissions caused are calculated per travel and person using the internationally recognised ‘Carmacal’ CO2 calculator and offset by supporting carefully selected climate protection projects. A detailed overview of emissions in the areas of transport, accommodation, activities and on-site catering can be found here.
Accommodation (68%)
Meals (16%)
Transport (14%)
Activities (2%)
100%
200 kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
With a cycling holiday, you are opting for an extremely climate-friendly form of travel. We are aware that even this generates a certain amount of CO2 emissions, even if this is low compared to other forms of travel. The emissions caused are calculated per travel and person using the internationally recognised ‘Carmacal’ CO2 calculator and offset by supporting carefully selected climate protection projects. A detailed overview of emissions in the areas of transport, accommodation, activities and on-site catering can be found here.
Accommodation (68%)
Meals (16%)
Transport (14%)
Activities (2%)
100%

Our rental bikes

Eurobike Men's Rental Bike with 21 gears
Men's bike 21-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Body size approx. 165 cm - 205 cm

56-51 "sloping" cm |
60 cm |
64 cm
Eurobike unisex rental bike with 21/24 gears
Unisex bike 21/24-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 190 cm

43 cm |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Eurobike Rental Bike PLUS
Rental Bike PLUS 20/27-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame

Body size approx. 155 cm - 205 cm

46 cm |
50 cm |
51 cm |
55 cm |
60 cm |
63 cm
Eurobike e-bike rental from KTM
Unisex Electric Bike 8-speed
Hub gears

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 195 cm

46 cm "xs" |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***- and 4****-hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • EUROBIKE developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Train station Villach
  • Airport Klagenfurt
  • Free public parking spaces outside the city center, or public parking garage, costs approx. EUR 40 per week

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due,is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***- and 4****-hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing
  • Luggage transfer
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20
  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Arrival by train to Villach
  • Airport Klagenfurt
  • Parking: Hotel parking spaces, costs approx. EUR 5 to EUR 15 per day; free public parking spaces or public garage, costs approx. EUR 45 per week

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due,is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Travel stories for this tour

Personally on site for you

Nicole Maderegger

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Nicole Maderegger
Travel Specialist
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