Central Carinthia

In 1800, courageous men were the first to climb Austria’s highest mountain, Großglockner (3,798 m). This region is home to the largest national park in the Alps and some of the world’s most diverse landscapes: majestic waterfalls, extensive glaciers, rare animal and plant species. Explore the Hohe Tauern National Park with one of the rangers.

Hikers and cyclists can cross the border to Italy on a number of great tours. Food lovers will indulge in culinary delights that are typical of the world’s first Slow Food Travel Destination. A breathtaking panorama is guaranteed! Keen swimmers can take a dip in Lake Pressegger See or Lake Weißensee. The Lesachtal valley, Europe’s most natural valley, is unique. The region provides the perfect balance of tradition, nature, culinary delights and tranquility. In winter, it’s home to Carinthia’s largest ski resort called “Nassfeld”.

Nestled between the undulating hills of UNESCO’s Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, this is one of Austria’s most diverse regions. Carinthia’s “Nockberge” range is an insider tip for travellers looking for the ultimate indulgence during their activity holiday. Look forward to sports, spas or skiing in Bad Kleinkirchheim and outdoor activities at Lake Millstätter See, one of Carinthia’s most beautiful lakes that’s steeped in legend and surrounded by mountains. Romantic mountain cabins, pristine nature and historic farms are the icing on the cake.

At altitudes between 1,100 and 2,200 metres above sea level, south of the Alpine divide, on the border to the province SalzburgerLand - that’s the Katschberg - Liesertal - Maltatal Region with Gmünd, the “town of artists”, at its centre. Lots of mountain cabins are the ideal starting points for long, alpine hikes on the southern side of the Alps.

This region borders Italy and Slovenia. Enjoy country walks, hikes and day trips on the mountains “Gerlitzen” and “Dobratsch”. Visit the town of Villach with its Mediterranean flair, the famous celebrations during the carnival season and Austria’s largest fun fair, the “Villacher Kirchtag”. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Faaker See with the iconic island at its centre. A picture-perfect scenery! The festival Carinthian Summer with its renowned cultural events draws lots of visitors to Lake Ossiacher See in summer. The spa “KärntenTherme” in Villach is one of Austria’s state-of-the-art spas and is open all year round.

This is one of Austria’s most popular regions: stage for parties and lifestyle, paradise for water sports enthusiasts and sun-worshippers, hot spot for yogis, meeting point for bikers, hikers and runners with Europe’s tallest wooden lookout tower “Pyramidenkogel”. Carinthia’s capital Klagenfurt is a vibrant renaissance city and an exciting crossroads where three different cultures intersect. Guests with a sweet tooth should visit the Carnica Rosental Region. Here, it’s all about beekeeping!

The historical heart of Carinthia is surrounded by unspoilt, charming natural landscapes. A number of attractions such as the castles “Hochosterwitz” and “Taggenbrunn” can be discovered by bike or on foot. For more than 650 years, the so-called “Wiesenmarkt”, Austria’s fair with the longest tradition, has drawn thousands of visitors to the town of St. Veit each year. Warm lakes with water that’s safe to drink are oases of relaxation.

Do you prefer vibrant beaches open to the public or spots in peaceful seclusion? Thanks to the mild climate, the swimming season starts at the beginning of May. At that time, the water temperature of Lake Klopeinersee often reaches 22 °C already. The caves in the mountain “Obir” featuring stalactites and stalagmites and the flow trail for mountain bikers on the massif “Petzen” are some of the region’s most spectacular attractions. Southern Carinthia is a bilingual region where Austrian and Slovene cultures and culinary traditions meet. In the Lavanttal valley in the very east of Carinthia, creative producers turn locally-grown ingredients into irresistible delights.