Carinthia in Summer
Holidays filled with lakes, fun and sunshine

Austria's south is made for summer: Turquoise lakes perfect for swimming, trails for hiking and cycling, and plenty of city and culture life to soak up.

Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost province, shines in summer with a unique blend of Mediterranean vibes, crystal-clear lakes, and culinary delights. The region boasts countless hiking and cycling trails through the stunning Alps, including the Hohe Tauern with the mighty Großglockner.

Carinthia’s lakes, like Lake Wörthersee and Lake Faak, are perfect for relaxing, while the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve are a dream for nature lovers. Here, breathtaking landscapes meet sustainable holidays and a carefree way of life.

Hiking enthusiasts are in for a treat with stunning natural landscapes, a mild climate, and ideal trails at every altitude. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, you'll find well-marked routes that promise unforgettable nature experiences. The crown jewel of Carinthian hiking is the Alpe-Adria Trail, which spans 43 stages and over 750 km / 466 miles, starting from the Grossglockner in Carinthia, passing through Slovenia, and finishing at the Adriatic Sea near Trieste.

Quick info about Carinthia
Capital city:Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Area:9.538 km² / 2356 ac
Population:approx. 570,000 (as of 2024)
National parks:1
Nature parks:3
Wellness spas:5

Events in Carinthia
Traditional and modern highlights can be found in the calendar of events.

Meet Carinthia

Top highlights

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Cities and places

Sights in Carinthia

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Experience Culinary Carinthia

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Unique places to stay

Sustainability Tips

How to behave responsibly at the lake:
  • Use eco-friendly sunscreen: Biodegradable sunscreen protects water quality and the wildlife that depends on it.

  • Reduce and properly dispose of waste: Take your rubbish with you and dispose of it correctly to keep the lakes and shores clean.

  • Respect nature: Stick to marked paths and designated swimming areas to avoid disturbing the shoreline vegetation and the habitats of local wildlife.

  • Make water sports eco-friendly: Choose paddling or sailing over motorboats to maintain water quality and keep noise levels low.

  • Consume local and seasonal products: Support local producers and enjoy regional specialities to reduce transport emissions and promote sustainable farming.

Slow food: the flavours of southern Austria

Carinthian Slow Food puts local producers, culinary experiences, and the diversity of the region at its heart—and you can taste it! Carinthian cuisine blends the richness of the Alpine-Adriatic region, from hearty home-cooked meals to gourmet dishes. Think fish from crystal-clear waters, asparagus from the Lavant Valley, or the UNESCO-listed Lesach Valley bread.

Typical of the province is the Reindling, a succulent ring cake with finely chopped nuts and a good shot of rum. Whether with or without raisins is a matter of taste. The Carinthian noodles with their "crinkled" edges and sweet or savoury fillings also characterise Carinthian cuisine.

FAQs

Carinthia is known as the province of lakes and mountains. And rightly so: after all, the south of Austria has more than 200 bathing lakes with drinking water quality, which are among the warmest in the Alps.

Carinthia, Austria's southernmost province, is characterised by its variety of mountains and idyllic lakes with drinking water quality, such as the Wörthersee and Millstätter See. The region offers ideal conditions for hikers, cyclists and winter sports enthusiasts. The Hohe Tauern National Park protects an impressive high mountain landscape. In culinary terms, Carinthia is characterised by the slow food philosophy and regional specialities such as Carinthian cheese noodles carinthian cheese noodles. Culturally, the Carinthian Summer Music Festival and historic cities such as Klagenfurt and Villach are particularly noteworthy.

The Carinthia Card offers access to over 100 excursion destinations in the province. These destinations include nature experiences, leisure and adventure activities, zoos, museums, panoramic roads, boat trips and mountain railways. The card offers free admission and discounts at around 50 bonus partners.

The Kärnten Card is available in different versions: as a 1, 2 or 5-week card. Prices vary depending on the season and duration. The card is free for children up to the age of six and from the third child per family. It can be purchased at numerous points of sale and online.

These attractions offer a variety of experiences and are specially tailored to the interests and needs of children.

  • Affenberg Landskron: In the monkey park, children can experience Japanese macaques in a natural environment.

  • Drautal Perle Water Park: A fun pool with various slides and a large wave pool.

  • Pressegger See Adventure Park: A leisure park with adventure playgrounds right by the lake.

  • Minimundus: A miniature world where children can explore famous buildings from all over the world in miniature.

  • Pyramidenkogel observation tower: The highest wooden observation tower in the world with an impressively loooong slide.

  • Happ Reptile Zoo: A zoo where children can experience a variety of reptiles and exotic animals up close.

  • Terra Mystica: An exciting guided tour through old mines that offers children an insight into the world of mining.

  • Klopeiner See forest adventure world: An adventure park in the forest with tree houses, suspension bridges and numerous play options.

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