Swim in crystal-clear lakes or follow the Drau River from your holiday home in Carinthia

A sunny climate and pristine lakes, surrounded by eye-catching mid-mountain ranges—this is what the Austrian region of Carinthia has to offer! Adventurers will love the hiking trails alongside waterfalls, while families can enjoy the waters of idyllic lakes and rivers to their heart’s content. Experience it for yourself with a bike tour through the river valleys or find relaxation with a touch of culture in one of the baroque cities like Klagenfurt, all from your holiday home in Carinthia!

Go canoeing on the Drau from your holiday home in Carinthia

With so much water around, you'll definitely want to go canoeing at least once in Carinthia! And what could be better than paddling leisurely through beautiful river valleys? A canoe trip along the turquoise Drau River is an idyllic experience! Set off in a canoe or Canadian kayak from Villach through the Rosental or slip into the water at Dellach an der Drau. Along the way, you’ll pass charming villages, forests, and rolling meadows.

Visit the Fahrzeugmuseum in Villach

A canoe trip from Villach is also the perfect excuse to explore the city itself. Its baroque buildings are part of a classic Austrian cityscape, and the elongated main square is a vibrant center with a ‘Burgundian’ flair thanks to its many cafés. Watch your wallet though—you’ll feel fully in holiday mode when the sunlight hits the pastel-colored façades, possibly leading to multiple rounds of drinks. If you're into vintage cars, you won’t want to miss the Fahrzeugmuseum, featuring an impressive collection of 20th-century automobiles.

Weissensee: a turquoise gem in Carinthia

The Weissensee is a long lake that is now also designated as a nature park. If you love nature and want to pair it with delicious food, join an excursion that takes you across the turquoise lake and into the forest, led by a guide who explains the local flora and fauna. You’ll learn that lynxes and bears live in the area and how to identify their tracks. A freshly caught fish from the lake is served on the return journey. Prefer to explore on your own? Wander through the forest and along the lakeshore at your leisure. Insider tip: relax in a wide deckchair suspended above the water beneath a shady tree!

Cycling and hiking from your holiday home in Carinthia

Carinthia is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. Be sure to plan a bike ride along the Drau River, which is accompanied by cycle paths in many areas and naturally guides you past majestic castles and picturesque church towers. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Klopener See, a shallow lake with an emerald green color. Want a longer tour from your holiday home in Carinthia? Consider the Carinthian Lakes Route, which takes you past stunning lakes, the Drau River, and cities like Klagenfurt and Villach. For keen hikers, the region also offers rolling and rugged mountains, alpine meadows with grazing livestock, and occasional cable cars to help you reach spectacular panoramic views.

A quintessential mountain village that blends beautifully with the landscape is Heiligenblut. Its slender church is a striking landmark, its spire pointing skyward from a deep valley toward snow-covered peaks. The village is a popular starting point for hiking routes and lies at the foot of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain.

Wörthersee and Klagenfurt

Thanks to its abundance of water and sunny weather, Carinthia has a Mediterranean feel. Families in particular consider it the ideal destination. Swimming is the number one activity for kids here! And who can blame them—dive into the warm waters of lakes like the Wörthersee. If you’re looking for a cultural outing, Klagenfurt is the place to go. Stroll through serene courtyards, grab a seat at a café on the long main square, and enjoy the view of pastel-colored façades and grand mansions with soaring towers. Want even more architectural fun with the kids? Then don’t miss the Minimundus park, which features scale models of famous buildings from around the world.

The Malta Hochalmstrasse

Fancy a spectacular hike from your holiday home in Carinthia? Follow the Malta Hochalmstrasse. This route is a breathtaking journey past multiple waterfalls—no wonder it’s called the ‘valley of a thousand waters’! One standout is the Malteiner Wasserspiele, a mighty waterfall tumbling over rugged rocks. Also impressive is the dam, which you can walk across to enjoy views of the lake on one side and a deep gorge on the other. Thirsty after all the waterfalls or craving Austrian cuisine? Stop in at one of the traditional mountain huts for a hearty meal and a refreshing drink!

Rent a holiday home in Carinthia

The lakes of Carinthia have a stellar reputation for water quality, and with summer temperatures hovering around 25°C, they’re perfect for swimming. From your holiday home in Carinthia, you’ll enjoy a range of activities in, on, or around the water! Try canoeing on the Drau, admire the pristine views along the Carinthian Lakes Route, enjoy fresh trout during a boat trip, or relax in a hanging chair over the Weissensee. Want to soak up some sunlit architecture too? Then a café terrace near the pastel-colored baroque buildings of Klagenfurt will complete your Mediterranean-style holiday in Carinthia!