Quick ride by bicycle from Ossiach to Villach

Roll out from lakeside Ossiach, ideally after a peek at Stift Ossiach, the former Benedictine abbey that hosts the Carinthian Summer music festival. Follow the Ossiacher See cycle path west with constant lake views and the Gerlitzen Alpe rising across the water.

It’s an easygoing ride of about 17 km, mostly on dedicated cycleways (roughly three-quarters) and smooth asphalt. Expect gentle undulations (about 175 m of climbing) and a net downhill into town, with just a short splash of gravel along the way.

Near the lake’s western end, swing onto the Drau cycle route and cruise the riverside straight into Villach. Park your bike for a wander through the medieval old town and along the bridges over the Drau—this is Carinthia’s second-largest city, famous for its lively Villacher Kirchtag festival, local beer, and thermal waters at Warmbad-Villach. If you’ve got extra time, Dobratsch Nature Park sits just above the city for bonus views.