How hilly is the route?

The route is predominantly flat, following the Drau cycle path and lakeshores. A few gentle inclines connect the valleys, but nothing strenuous.

Can I park my car in Villach?

Yes. Free public parking is available at Willroider Parkplatz (subject to availability). Underground garage parking costs approx. €12/night. Some hotels also offer parking for a fee.

Is an e-bike recommended?

The terrain is easy enough for a standard trekking bike, but an e-bike lets you add the active extensions without fatigue.

Are the lakes swimmable?

Absolutely — Carinthian lakes are famous for their warm water. Lake Klopein regularly reaches 28°C in summer.

Demi-board (4 x 3-course dinner) is available as an optional supplement at +€117 pp.

Carinthian Lakes Round Trip from Villach

Carinthia / Drava

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Trekking bikeE-bike7 days / 6 nights211 km2/5Medium-EasyLoop

Short Description

A scenic 6-night loop through Carinthia's warmest lakes and Alpine valleys, starting and ending in Villach. Cycle around Lake Ossiach, swim in Lake Klopein — Europe's warmest — and cruise the shores of Lake Wörthersee.

Tour Program

Day 1 — Arrival in Villach
Settle into your hotel in Villach, the gateway to Carinthia's lake district. Collect your rental bike and explore the charming old town at your own pace.

Day 2 — Round Tour Lake Ossiach (52 km)
Follow the Drau cycle path downstream to the Red Bridge, then loop around Lake Ossiach through postcard-perfect scenery. Stop at Ossiach Abbey to admire its baroque collegiate church.

Day 3 — Ferlach / Unterbergen (52 km)
Pedal past Silver Lake to Rosegg, home to a castle and Austria's most species-rich zoo. Glide through the enchanting Rosental — one of Carinthia's most beautiful valleys — to the historic gunsmith town of Ferlach.

Day 4 — Lake Klopein (29 km)
A shorter stage along the Drau through the Guntschacher Au bird sanctuary. Pass Kleinsee lake and arrive at Lake Klopein, the warmest bathing lake in Europe. Active option: extend via the Völkermarkt reservoir (+18 km).

Day 5 — Klagenfurt / Krumpendorf (38 km)
Cycle through the dreamy Jauntal valley past Grafenstein Castle to Klagenfurt, Carinthia's capital with its unmistakable southern flair. Stroll the Renaissance arcades and lakefront promenade.

Day 6 — Back to Villach (40 km)
Ride the lakeshore path along Wörthersee to Pörtschach for panoramic views framed by the Karawanken mountains. Continue through Velden back to Villach.

Day 7 — Departure
End of the tour. Extend your stay or head home.

Tour details

LoopSelfguidedCouplesFriendsFamiliesMinimum 2 people

✅ What is included in the trip?

🏨 Overnight stay and breakfast
💼 Luggage transfer
📲 GPS or navigation APP
📞 Local telephone assistance 7/7
🗺️ Maps

❌ What is not included?

🚎 Transfers not listed as Included
✈️ Journey to/from the starting point
🍽️ Meals and drinks not listed as Included
🖼️ Entrance fees and extras not listed
🌎 Tourist taxes
🛡️ Travel insurance

🙋 Common questions

How hilly is the route?
The route is predominantly flat, following the Drau cycle path and lakeshores. A few gentle inclines connect the valleys, but nothing strenuous.
Can I park my car in Villach?
Yes. Free public parking is available at Willroider Parkplatz (subject to availability). Underground garage parking costs approx. €12/night. Some hotels also offer parking for a fee.
Is an e-bike recommended?
The terrain is easy enough for a standard trekking bike, but an e-bike lets you add the active extensions without fatigue.
Are the lakes swimmable?
Absolutely — Carinthian lakes are famous for their warm water. Lake Klopein regularly reaches 28°C in summer.
What about dinner?
Demi-board (4 x 3-course dinner) is available as an optional supplement at +€117 pp.