Carinthian Lakes Loop: Cycling through Austria's Alpine Lakeland

Day 1: Arrival in Villach
You will arrive in Villach, Carinthia's cycle-touring capital, and check into your hotel. Parking is available nearby.

Day 2: Villach – Seeboden (50 km; +500/−400 m)
The ride heads north to Millstätter See, entirely circled by a cycle path. You will discover its unspoilt southern shore, where there are no roads and the lake views are breathtaking in many places. You will pass through typical Carinthian villages like Döbriach, set directly on the waterfront. The northern shore takes you along the lake itself before arriving in Seeboden, your overnight stop.

Day 3: Millstätter See – Weißensee – Feistritz an der Drau/Spittal an der Drau (50 km, +480/−160 m to the Weißensee; 30 km, +220/−640 m after the boat crossing)
You will leave Millstätter See and cross the Drava Valley to Greifenburg, then begin the climb to Weißensee. If the ascent feels too steep, a transfer is included. Once at the lake, a short boat ride — also included — carries you across the water. From there, you will cycle down through the Drava Valley to your overnight destination.

Day 4: Feistritz an der Drau/Spittal an der Drau – Faaker See (50 km; +230/−210 m)
From the Drava Valley you will head south toward one of Carinthia's hidden gems: Faaker See. Not large, but strikingly warm and as turquoise as the Caribbean. The route passes through traditional Carinthian villages and back through Villach before reaching the lake. A swim at the end of the day is hard to resist.

Day 5: Faaker See – Klagenfurt (40 km; +290/−410 m)
You will ride a short stretch along the Drava before turning toward Wörthersee. Before Velden am Wörthersee, the road detours through the Keutschacher Seental — an idyllic valley dotted with small lakes that line the route like a string of pearls. The day ends in Klagenfurt, the regional capital, whose old town keeps many Renaissance buildings and a southern atmosphere. Culture lovers can visit the Museum of Modern Art and the newly designed Museum of Carinthia, and the top of the parish church offers a view over the city.

Day 6: Klagenfurt – Ossiacher See – Villach (55 km; +500/−450 m)
The final stage takes you north from Klagenfurt toward Feldkirchen, turning off shortly before it to Ossiacher See — the third-largest lake in Carinthia after Wörthersee and Millstättersee. Its dark green water is set in an idyllic mountain landscape, with inviting lakeside bathing resorts and the romantic monastery of Ossiach. From here, you will ride the last kilometres back to Villach, completing the loop.

Day 7: Departure
Your tour ends after breakfast. You may choose to extend your stay in Carinthia.