Carinthia | Info & Tips for a Perfect Trip in Southern Austria

The state of Carinthia is surrounded by high and impressive mountain ranges that separate it from neighboring countries. The Eastern Alps form the border with Italy and Slovenia, the Tauern mountain range forms the northwestern border with Salzburg, and to the east, the Pack Saddle mountain range separates it from the state of Styria. The large river flowing through Carinthia is called the Drau and creates a wonderful valley that extends to East Tyrol.

Carinthia is famous mainly for its lakes and mountains, but its towns, history, and attractions are no less interesting. Many travelers choose to combine their trip to Carinthia with a visit to neighboring Slovenia. Carinthia’s largest lake, Lake Wörthersee, is one of the most popular recreational spots for Austrians during the summer months.

You can purchase the Carinthia Discount Card, which grants free entry to about 100 attractions in the area. You can enter attractions more than once, but not on the same day. When you purchase the card at the local tourist office, you receive an attractions booklet and a numbered map with all the attractions.

You can find more information about the cost and benefits included in the Carinthia Discount Card on the official website.

See some of Carinthia’s landscapes

Accommodation Areas in Carinthia

[Map image showing Klagenfurt, Wörthersee, and Villach]

The state of Carinthia isn’t small, but if you base yourself in a central location not far from the highways, you can quickly get to all the popular attractions.

The main places where many travelers stay are:

You can see from the map that these places are relatively close to each other. They are relatively in the center of the state, but at the same time not too far from Austria’s Slovenian border.

Recommended Places in Carinthia – A Full Overview for Planning Your Itinerary

Carinthia boasts no less than 200 lakes! Some of these lakes have excellent water temperatures (up to 28 degrees Celsius) and are suitable for swimming on hot summer days. Around the lakes, there are diverse hiking trails, cycling paths, and picnic spots in nature. In addition, there are high mountain areas and places where you can see glaciers even in summer. Besides natural sites, wonderful attractions for children and adults alike are scattered throughout Carinthia.

We’ve gathered the most recommended places in Carinthia. You can see the places organized on the map we’ve prepared. Following that is a detailed description of the places marked on the map.

Carinthia Attractions Map:

Recommended Towns and Villages to Visit:

Klagenfurt
Villach
Gmünd
Friesach
Nassfeld
Mallnitz

Klagenfurt – The Capital of Carinthia

Klagenfurt isn’t as touristy as other cities in Austria, but many come to it due to its proximity to the wonderful Lake Wörthersee or because it’s on the way from Vienna to Slovenia. The city is located at an altitude of 446 meters above sea level and is surrounded by forested hills to the north and the Karawank Mountains to the south. Legend has it that the city was founded after several brave warriors managed to subdue the winged dragon known as “Lindwurm” that lived in this area.

Most of the interesting places in the city are within a short walking distance of each other. You can, of course, get around by bus within the city (no need to drive within the city). If you want to go to Lake Wörthersee, you can rent a bicycle and ride along the organized path until you reach the shore. You can, of course, also reach the shore by car.

If you are planning to stay in the Klagenfurt area, you can find a list of recommended accommodations here (this list is from the Booking.com website).

Recommended Attractions in Klagenfurt:

The Old Town
Minimundus Miniature Park
Reptile Zoo Happ
Europapark

All detailed information about the attractions in Klagenfurt can be found in the comprehensive article we prepared for visiting the city.

Lakes in Carinthia

As we’ve already mentioned, Carinthia has around 200 lakes, and in some of them, the water temperature is excellent for recreation and swimming during the summer months. These lakes usually also offer a variety of water activities such as paddle boats, inner tubes, bananas, jet skis, and more.

Recommended Lakes in Carinthia:

Lake Wörthersee – This lake is the largest in the state of Carinthia, stretching 16.5 kilometers long. Klagenfurt is on its eastern shore, and the town of Velden is on its western shore. In summer, the water temperature reaches up to 25 degrees Celsius. It is the warmest of all the large Alpine lakes in Austria. The wonderful combination of Mediterranean summer temperatures, warm and clear water, and luxurious hotels is definitely the reason for the place’s popularity among both Austrians and tourists.
Lake Millstätter See – This picturesque lake is located northwest of the town of Villach in the heart of the Nock Mountains and is the second largest in Carinthia. The mountain peaks surrounding it give it a fjord-like appearance, reminiscent of Norway. These peaks also serve as a natural protective barrier against cold winds. Because of this, in the summer months, water temperatures sometimes reach up to 25 degrees Celsius. In the lake, you can swim at marked beaches, enjoy boating, or go up to spectacular viewpoints on the nearby mountain peaks. More information on the official website.
Lake Faaker See – The fifth-largest lake in Carinthia. It is considered a tourist magnet due to its unique water color (a stunning turquoise). There are hotels and a variety of restaurants around the lake. As part of the visiting experience, you can try fishing or paddleboarding. Those interested in views can enjoy the hiking trails surrounding the lake towards the nearby peaks.
Lake Ossiacher See – The third-largest lake in the state of Carinthia, after Lake Wörthersee and Lake Millstätter See. The lake is located in the southern part of the Nock Mountains. In summer, the lake’s waters are warm, reaching temperatures of up to 28 degrees Celsius. You can boat on the lake, and around it are a variety of attractions and exciting hiking trails such as mountain slides, a waterfall trail, and more.
Lake Klopeiner See – A small lake located east of the city of Klagenfurt. Known for its clear waters and water temperatures that can reach 29 degrees Celsius in summer! It is considered a quiet and pleasant holiday destination.
Lake Weissensee – The highest Alpine lake in Carinthia. Most of it is within a protected nature area, and wildlife thrives there. Parts of the 1987 James Bond film (The Living Daylights) were filmed in the lake area. A visit to the lake is more suitable for nature lovers; it is not intended for swimming.

Impressive Mountains and Glacier Areas

The mountains of Carinthia are beautiful and diverse. In some places, you can even see large glaciers and cool off a bit on hot summer days.

Cute marmots against the backdrop of the Grossglockner mountain

Recommended Impressive Mountains and Glacier Areas:

Grossglockner Mountain – The highest mountain in Austria is partly located at the western edge of Carinthia. Nearby is the high Alpine road, which is considered one of the most popular attractions in Austria.
Pasterze Glacier – A huge glacier, 8.5 kilometers long. It is the longest glacier in Austria. Unfortunately, due to global warming, the glacier is disappearing at an alarming rate of 10 meters per year!
Mölltal Glacier – The Mölltal valley is located in the northern part of Carinthia, not far from Grossglockner Mountain and the high Alpine road. The valley is surrounded by the impressive Tauern mountain peaks, and the rushing Möll River flows along its length. Small towns and picturesque villages are scattered throughout the valley. Near the valley is the impressive glacier that serves as the regional ski resort.
Gerlitzen Mountain – An adventure park at the top of the mountain with a high ropes course, a mountain slide, and more. Close to Lake Ossiacher See.
Katschberg Mountain – This mountain range separates Carinthia from the Salzburg region. Along its length are about 200 kilometers of diverse hiking trails. Near the mountain is the ski resort called Schischaukel Katschberg-Aineck, with 70 kilometers of slopes.
Nassfeld – Located in the activity-filled Gail Valley. Nassfeld has a ski resort with slopes especially suitable for families with children. The slopes are relatively simple and suitable for those who want to practice skiing or snowboarding.
Dobratsch – An impressive peak at an altitude of 2,166 meters above sea level near the town of Villach. Around the peak, there are several beautiful viewpoints and an Alpine plant garden with about 800 types of plants. More information in English.

Waterfalls in Carinthia

The Carinthian region is abundant in water, just like Salzburg or Tyrol. The rocky mountain peaks and the abundant water flowing from the rock or coming from melting snow allow for the impressive flow of various waterfalls. A visit to Carinthia’s waterfalls usually includes a walk along an organized hiking trail. Some are located in the heart of natural canyons that are themselves incredibly impressive.

Recommended Waterfalls:

Raggaschlucht Waterfalls – An exciting hiking trail in the Mölltal valley that passes between gigantic rock formations and rock walls up to 200 meters high! The path is well-maintained, and along the way, there are wooden bridges and stairs a few meters above the rushing river. Along the trail, you can enjoy powerful waterfalls and formidable rock walls.
Wildensteiner Wasserfall – An impressive waterfall at a height of 54 meters, located not far from Lake Klopeiner See. This is a waterfall where the water falls “in free fall,” unlike other waterfalls where the water rushes down the rocks. In fact, it is one of the highest waterfalls of its kind. Since 2020, there is also a high ropes course and an exciting Flying Fox zip line. More information on the official website.
Jungfernsprung Waterfall (also known as Zoppenitzenbachfall) – Some claim this is the most impressive waterfall in Carinthia. It is located south of the village of Heiligenblut. When driving on Road No. 107, you can see the impressive waterfall from the road itself. The waterfall is 130 meters high, and you can walk along it on a pleasant 30-minute hike. The views from above (especially from the bridge crossing the waterfall) are truly wonderful!
Finsterbach Waterfalls – Three magnificent waterfalls near Lake Ossiacher See. The hiking trail along them takes about 75 minutes and requires physical effort (climbing up the mountain). The last of the three waterfalls is the tallest and most impressive.
Fallbach Waterfall – This waterfall is considered one of the most impressive in Austria and is the highest among the waterfalls in the state of Carinthia. The waters of the Fallbach river fall strongly from a height of about 150 meters into the valley. It is very easy to reach, and you can see it from the road. This is one of the many wonderful attractions of the Malta Valley.

Austria’s Largest Nature Reserve

If you are a fan of stunning mountain scenery and many hiking trails, it’s worth visiting the Nock Mountains Nature Reserve (Riserva della Biosfera Nockberge). The reserve covers an area of 480 square kilometers and is mostly located in the northern part of the state of Carinthia. This is the largest nature reserve in Austria. Along the reserve, you can drive on a wonderful panoramic road called Nockalmstrasse.

More Attractions for Families, Couples, or Solo Travelers

Minimundus Amusement Park – In this sprawling park covering an area of 26,000 square meters, many models of wonderful and famous buildings from all over the world are displayed with exceptional accuracy. The park opened in 1958, and by 1967, it had already welcomed over a million visitors! Minimundus is considered the best miniature park in Europe today.

Pyramidenkogel Observation Tower – A fun slide and an excellent observation deck on the shore of Lake Wörthersee.
Obir Dripstone Caves (Obir Tropfsteinhöhlen) – Carinthia’s dripstone cave is actually a giant system of dripstone caves located south of Klagenfurt and a short drive from the border between Austria and Slovenia. The guided tour along 800 meters deep into the cave is interesting, and during it, you can see an unusual combination of unique natural formations and innovative and exciting technology. The temperature in the cave remains around 8 degrees Celsius throughout the year, so it is important to come dressed warmly!
Affenberg Landskron Monkey Park – The monkey park does not include small and cramped cages, but rather a huge living area for the cute monkeys. During your visit, you can watch the monkeys up close, as there are no fences separating visitors from the monkeys.
Heidi Alm Children’s Park – Heidi Alm Park is located right in the heart of the green hills and on the shore of a small, clear lake. The main theme of the place is, of course, the story of Heidi, the mountain girl. Along the park’s paths, about 100 large figures are scattered, illustrating various sections from the famous children’s story.
Kogelbahn Cable Car
Alpen Wildpark Feld am See Alpine Animal Park – The Alpine Animal Park is a private initiative of the Schratzer family, who live in the village of Feld am See. The family patriarch initially established a small reserve for raising deer, but soon the place expanded, and about 30 species of local animals were added. The park combines living enclosures for animals such as red deer, wild boars, raccoons, llamas, peacocks, sheep, goats, ibex, and more, with a museum featuring animals (mostly taxidermied) from various regions around the world.
Gerlitzen Kanzelbahn Cable Car / High Ropes Course and Mountain Slide – At the middle station of the cable car that leads to the summit of Gerlitzen Mountain, there is a park with a variety of fun attractions.

Exciting Mountain Slides

Mountain slides are a super fun experience, especially for those who love slightly extreme activities. These are essentially seats connected to a steel track that starts from the top of a hill and, after a few twists and turns, reaches its base.

Spa Complexes, Water Parks, and Pools

At the end of a busy day of sightseeing, on rainy days, or on a light touring day, you can relax and spend time at one of Carinthia’s spa complexes. Spa complexes include heated pools, play areas for children, water slides, and more. Often, spa complexes have both an indoor and outdoor section, making them suitable for visiting in any weather. There are also a variety of regional swimming pools or small water parks offering several pools, slides, and activities for children. The water in regional swimming pools is usually not heated.

Recommended Spa Complexes, Water Parks, and Pools:

Spa Complexes in Bad Kleinkirchheim (Terme Römerbad) – South of the magnificent Nockberge Nature Reserve is a small and historic town called Bad Kleinkirchheim. The ancient town became especially famous for its hot springs, and as early as the 17th century, people would come from all over the region to enjoy the wonderful mineral waters. The town, of course, boasts the largest mineral water pool complex in the state of Carinthia, as well as a truly impressive Roman spa.
Kärnten Therme Warmbad-Villach – A modern spa complex in the southern part of Villach. It includes a variety of heated pools, water slides, and sports activities. More information on the spa complex’s website.
Swimming Pool at Lake Ossiacher See (Gemeindestrandbad Ossiach)
Aquarena Kötschach-Mauthen – An outdoor swimming pool not far from the Italian border.
Schlossbad Längsee – A small swimming lake surrounded by a complex with a variety of attractions. More information on the official website of the region.

Castles and Palaces in Carinthia

An interesting addition to your trip could be one of Carinthia’s historical sites. These places have been beautifully preserved for many years, and by visiting them, you can learn a little more about the regional history. This is a good solution for entertainment on a rainy day.

Recommended Castles and Palaces:

Hochosterwitz Castle – This castle is one of the oldest in the entire region and has been wonderfully preserved since the Middle Ages. It is located about a 20-minute drive north of Klagenfurt. Guided tours are available at the castle, and you can also see its exceptional fortification system. From the top of the hill where the castle is located, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the area. This is one of the best attractions in the state of Carinthia.
Schloss Velden Palace Hotel – An ancient and impressively beautiful building located in the town of Velden on the shore of Lake Wörthersee. It served as a residence for nobility in the past and now functions as a luxurious hotel.
Landskron Castle Ruins (Adler Arena Burg Landskron) – In the area of the city of Villach, on top of a forested hill overlooking Lake Ossiacher See, stand the remains of a large and ancient castle. The castle complex serves as a breeding ground for birds of prey, and wonderful flying shows are held there during the summer months. You can combine a visit to the castle with an enjoyable tour of the monkey park located right next to it.

Tips and Recommendations

The attractions mentioned so far are considered the most popular, but that certainly doesn’t mean that’s all Carinthia has to offer. You can purchase the Carinthia Discount Card, which grants free entry to about 100 attractions throughout the state. You can find more information about the cost and benefits included in the card on the official website: https://www.kaerntencard.at/sommer/en

Once you’re in the area, you can discover wonderful places that are especially suitable for you. Even if you haven’t heard of these places in advance, through our website, our Facebook group, or travel guides, it’s worth checking out and trying new places. You’ll often be pleasantly surprised!

Tip: The best way to get around Carinthia to reach all the different attractions is by rental car. You can read more about recommended rental companies and how to rent a car wisely to minimize expenses and surprises during or at the end of your trip. If you book the car in Austria, you are entitled to receive the vignette that allows driving on highways. If you arrive from outside Austria (Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, etc.), you must purchase this permit separately. Also, when crossing the border from Austria to Slovenia, you must purchase the Slovenian highway toll. In the Waze navigation app, you should enter the vignette to get the shortest route that includes highways.

To navigate easily (using Waze or Google Maps, which work great), it’s advisable to get a local SIM card. We recommend SIM cards from the Austrian company Hot, which are sold in Hofer supermarkets. The company’s website: https://www.hot.at

Important to remember: The best accommodations in the areas we mentioned above tend to fill up quickly towards the summer season. It’s best to book your accommodation in advance. You can search for great accommodation through this link on Booking.com.

To Conclude:

The overview we’ve prepared in this article will help you plan the perfect itinerary. You can, of course, also include excellent attractions in places close to Carinthia. To get a general overview of attractions in different parts of Austria, you can read the article we prepared on Austria for Beginners. This article summarizes the most important information about all parts of Austria. It’s worth focusing on reading about attractions in the states of Styria, Salzburg, and Tyrol.

We’d be happy to help with any further questions. You can join our travelers’ group on Facebook or send us a question directly through the website.