Cycling in Carinthia

Water temperatures of up to 29°C (84ºF) in summer make Klopeiner See a wonderful destination for swimming and water sports. Located southeast of the town of Völkermarkt, Klopeiner See is the remnant of a much larger ancient lake from the post-glacial period. The area is particular popular with bicycle enthusiasts of all levels due to its varied and extensive (1200 kilometers or 745 miles long) network of marked cycle routes. Nearby Petzen mountain is a highlight for mountain bikers: with a length of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), Europe’s longest Flow Country Trail.

Ossiacher See lies in the heart of Carinthia, flanked by the peak of the Gerlitzen mountain and the foothills of the Ossiacher Tauern range. The region surrounding the third largest lake of the province is popular with hikers and cyclists alike. The Alpe Adria Trail, a long-distance hiking trail from the foot of Grossglockner to Muggia on the Adriatic coast, leads past the lake. The spectacular mountains serve to attract sports enthusiasts, but the flat Ossiachersee cycle path R2 caters to families and cyclists of all abilities, following the shore to the town of Feldkirchen.

Millstätter See is situated north of the scenic Drautal valley. With a depth of 141 metres (463 ft), it is the deepest and most plentiful of the Carinthian lakes. The southern shore is thinly populated and especially charming with its idyllic panorama of surrounding mountaintops. There is a beautiful bike path surrounding the lake, and a nearby cycle path named after the Drau River and valley. The Drau cycle path R1 is 360 km (224 miles) long and follows the river from Toblach (South Tyrol, Italy) to Maribor (Slovenia).

A shallow island near Villach divides Faaker See in two. Together the two pools form the fifth largest lake in Carinthia. Every September, motorbike riders take over Faaker See to celebrate European Bike Week. But the region also has plenty to offer for unmotorized two-wheelers, most notably the 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) cycle route around the lake. For those passing through, the Faakersee cycle path R1b forms a useful connection between the Rosental cycle path R1c and the Gailtal cycle path R3.

The Wörthersee is the largest of the Carinthian lakes and – with its bright turquoise colouring – one of the most spectacular. Due to its wind-protected location, the Wörthersee’s water temperatures can easily climb to over 25°C (77ºF), making it one of the warmest Alpine lakes. The Wörthersee path R4 takes cyclists on a tour of the lake, inviting them to explore the towns on the way – Pörtschach and Krumpendorf, the Carinthian capital Klagenfurt and the beautiful peninsula Maria Wörth.

In winter, Weissensee is paradise for ice skaters. At 930 metres (3051 ft) above sea level, the lake has been known to form an ice surface up to 58 cm (22 inches) thick, making it the largest frozen lake in the Alps. In summer, the area is a popular destination for bike tours. It offers the best of both worlds: challenging climbs to the surrounding mountain peaks and gentle easy rides for all ages. Gitschtal cycle path R3b takes you on a scenic tour from Weissbriach to Hermagor.