Carinthia comes up with some superlatives. In the southernmost province are the largest alpine national park, the Hohe Tauern, and the highest mountain in Austria, the Großglockner. The Austrian province has the largest glacier areas in the Alpine region with the highest, year-round ski area, the Mölltal Glacier. The longest long-distance hiking trail, the Alpe-Adria-Trail, leads over 750 km from the Großglockner to Veneto. Carinthia is the land of mountains, lakes and superlatives.
Holiday region par excellence – Carinthia
Carinthia is predestined for varied holidays. Everyone will find their Eldorado here: active holidaymakers, wellness fans, couples, families with children and dogs. In summer, warm bathing lakes beckon. Winter belongs to skiers, cross-country skiers, ski tourers and winter hikers. Enjoyment is not neglected either. Carinthian cuisine combines Austrian, Slovenian and Friulian influences. Tourists will find classics such as Carinthian cheese noodles and Kaiserschmarrn everywhere. In the rustic mountain huts, there are hearty snacks with smoked sausages, bacon, cheese and hearty bread. The enjoyment is rounded off by a beer, a cider and a local fruit brandy.
Mighty mountains and unspoilt nature
Swimming, hiking, biking, rafting, paragliding in summer. Pure skiing pleasure and a dreamlike snow-covered landscape in winter. In addition, there is plenty of culture, sights and events all year round. The state capital of Klagenfurt is always worth a visit. It exudes Italian charm with its Renaissance buildings. Dolce Vita in the arcaded courtyards of the old town and narrow alleys. Nature lovers, on the other hand, are drawn to the mountains.
Hohe Tauern National Park with Großglockner
Directly on the Großglockner (3,798 m) lies one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alpine region at almost 1,300 m: Heiligenblut. In summer and winter, it is the entrance portal to the Großglockner and the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Right next door is the Mölltal Glacier as a year-round ski area. In summer, the Mölltal whitewater arena and the Ragga Gorge captivate adventure seekers. A kayak trip or rafting tour through roaring water is a very special experience. Cyclists appreciate the Drau Cycle Path, which leads over 366 km to Marburg. If you like it more family-friendly, take the Glockner Cycle Path in Stall. The tour goes along the Möll through untouched nature and historical places. Exciting for children is Europe’s first Sensopark in Berg im Drautal with five mountain, forest and water adventure trails.
Region Nockberge
Since 2012, the Nockberge Mountains have been a biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO. The special thing about it is the world’s highest density of stone pine. The pine species, also known as the Queen of the Alps, is extremely robust – no other tree grows taller and gets older. The best way for tourists to discover the stone pine is in the company of a ranger who knows a lot about it. A must for hikers is the Nockberge Trail. In summer with mountain boots and in winter as a ski tour, the unspoilt nature impresses. A tour on the Turracher Höhe is also an experience. Families enjoy the natural jewel in winter while skiing and snowshoeing. Ice skating is possible on Lake Turrach , which becomes a refreshing mountain lake in summer. Then the 3-lake circular trail Turracher Höhe invites you to hike through the pine forest.
The land of 1,000 lakes – holidays in sunny Carinthia
The sunny south of Austria has countless lakes to offer. Depending on their taste, the tourist chooses bathing lakes with an entertainment program or quiet lakes to unwind.
Region Wörthersee
Almost on the border with Slovenia and Italy lies the most famous Carinthian lake, Lake Wörthersee. Water sports enthusiasts, party animals and sun worshippers get their money’s worth here. In Keutschach am See is Europe’s highest wooden observation tower, the almost 100 m high Pyramidenkogel. The viewing platforms, panoramic rope ride and the freefall from 52 m to 30 m are spectacular.
Villach region with Lake Ossiach and Lake Faak
The opposite of the lively Lake Wörthersee is the natural paradise in the Villach region. The largest lake is Lake Ossiach. Families with children take the Kanzelbahn cable car to the Gerlitzen adventure mountain for a change from the bathing fun. There, a high ropes course and piste racers promise lots of fun. If you like it sporty, choose the Faaker See with kayak tours, climbing garden and. Mountain biking. Relaxation is provided by splashing around in the turquoise blue water.
Lake Millstatt region
Lake Millstatt is made for romantics. In the midst of sublime nature, lovers picnic on the south bank. After breakfast, the day starts at the Alexander Alm with the Sentiero dell’Amore, the path of love. The Höhensteig offers breathtaking views of Lake Millstatt and the Hohe Tauern. On an e-bike, you can comfortably walk around the lake and enjoy the silence of nature. Lovers enjoy the starry sky in a particularly romantic way in the bivouac.
Nassfeld region with Pressegger See, Weissensee and Lesachtal
On the border with Italy, the Nassfeld-Pressegger See region attracts crowds of skiers in winter. The snow park, the fun slope and freeride areas are also something for teenagers. Lake Weissensee attracts ice skaters to Europe’s largest natural ice surface. In summer, the warm lakes invite you to swim. Lake Weissensee is even the cleanest bathing lake in Austria. Hikers enjoy the cross-border routes, a captivating panorama and regional cuisine. Tourists will find unspoilt nature in the Carinthia Nature Arena, in the Lesachtal Valley. It is the first Slow Food Travel destination in the world. A special experience is baking bread according to traditional recipes.
Region Klopeiner See
The warmest lake in Europe is a swimming and water sports paradise. Away from the bathing lake, the Karawanken Geopark invites you to explore it. The little ones are also thought of with golf for children, archery, children’s fishing and horseback riding in the pony club. Nevertheless, cyclists get their money’s worth. On the border with Slovenia lies the Petzen Bike Park with a mountain bike downhill trail.
Skiing in Carinthia: Overview of the best ski resorts
Carinthia, the southernmost province of Austria, is not only known for its idyllic lakes, but also for its diverse ski resorts. With snow-sure slopes, modern lifts and a sunny climate, Carinthia is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Below we present the best ski resorts in Carinthia.
1. Nassfeld – The largest ski area in Carinthia
- Location: Close to the Italian border in the Gailtal Valley
- Km of slopes: 110 km
- Elevation: 610 m – 2,020 m
- Highlights:
- Over 30 modern lifts
- Spectacular panoramic views of the Carnic Alps
- Ski and snowboard parks for freestylers
- Night skiing and floodlit toboggan runs
- Special feature: Thanks to its geographical location, Nassfeld offers many hours of sunshine, combined with guaranteed snow thanks to state-of-the-art snow-making systems.
2. Bad Kleinkirchheim – Ski and thermal spa experience
- Location: Nockberge Mountains
- Km of slopes: 103 km
- Elevation: 1,100 m – 2,055 m
- Highlights:
- Perfect combination of winter sports and wellness
- Two renowned thermal baths: Römerbad and Therme St. Kathrein
- Home of the World Cup course “Carinthia – Franz Klammer”
- Family-friendly offers and children’s ski schools
- Special feature: Ideal for winter sports enthusiasts who want to combine action on the slopes with relaxation in the thermal baths.
3. Gerlitzen Alpe – Perfect for families and beginners
- Location: near Villach
- Km of slopes: 45 km
- Elevation: 1,000 m – 1,911 m
- Highlights:
- Wide, perfectly groomed slopes – ideal for beginners
- Special ski courses for children and beginners
- Panoramic view of Lake Ossiach
- Special feature: Gerlitzen is one of the most family-friendly ski areas in Carinthia and offers a varied programme for young and old.
4. Mölltal Glacier – year-round skiing fun
- Location: Hohe Tauern
- Km of slopes: 17 km (can be extended with the Ski Kärnten Verbund)
- Elevation: 2,200 m – 3,120 m
- Highlights:
- Guaranteed snow from October to May
- Freeride opportunities for experienced skiers
- Breathtaking glacier landscapes
- Special feature: Carinthia’s only glacier ski area – perfect for winter sports enthusiasts who want to start the season early or ski late in spring.
5. Katschberg – The all-rounder
- Location: Between Carinthia and Salzburg
- Km of slopes: 70 km
- Elevation: 1,066 m – 2,220 m
- Highlights:
- Family-friendly offers with wide slopes
- “A1” slope – one of the longest runs in Carinthia with a length of 6 km
- Après-ski opportunities and rustic huts
- Special feature: Katschberg is known for its perfect mix of action, enjoyment and relaxation.
6. Turracher Höhe – Enjoyment and pure nature
- Location: On the border with Styria
- Km of slopes: 42 km
- Elevation: 1,400 m – 2,205 m
- Highlights:
- Slopes in the middle of a fascinating high plateau landscape
- The famous “Piste Butler” provides service and entertainment
- Top offers for ski tourers and cross-country skiers
- Special feature: The Turracher Höhe is known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional services.
7. Ankogel – The insider tip ski area
- Location: Mallnitz, Hohe Tauern
- Km of slopes: 12 km (ideal for advanced skiers)
- Elevation: 1,287 m – 2,636 m
- Highlights:
- Challenging runs for experienced skiers
- Freeride areas with deep snow
- Quiet atmosphere without crowded slopes
- Special feature: The Ankogel offers an undisturbed natural backdrop, ideal for all those who want to ski away from the crowds.
Practical information for skiers in Carinthia
- Ski passes: Many ski areas are integrated into the “TopSkiPass Carinthia & East Tyrol” network, which offers access to more than 800 kilometres of slopes.
- How to get there:
- By car: Good accessibility via the Tauern motorway (A10).
- By train: Many ski resorts are connected to Villach or Spittal train stations.
- By plane: Klagenfurt Airport is the nearest international connection.
- Accommodation: From cosy holiday apartments to family-friendly hotels to luxurious wellness hotels – Carinthia offers the right accommodation for every taste.
