Discover Austria’s beauty on the 8-Day Carinthian Lakes Cycling Tour
The 8-Day Carinthian Lakes Cycling Tour is an incredible adventure that begins in the enchanting small town of Villach, where you get a perfect first impression of Carinthia’s sunny climate. From here you can discover Austria’s warmest swimming lakes, such as the Ossiacher See, Klopeiner See, Faaker See and of course the Wörthersee. A slightly hilly route on mostly separate cycle paths – always with the lake in sight – makes this tour a real pleasure.
Over eight days you will get to know the most beautiful sides of Carinthia and you will be surprised every day. Look forward to southern temperatures, lots of sunshine, lovely landscapes, and friendly towns on the 8-Day Carinthian Lakes Cycling Tour!
Highlights of the 8-Day Carinthian Lakes Cycling Tour
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8-Day Carinthian Lakes Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Villach
After your arrival in Villach, you will instantly take note of the stillness of the mountains, the serene shores of the crystal-clear lakes, and the pure nature surrounding you – located in the heart of Carinthia the entire region around Villach reflects this diversity. Take your time exploring the town before settling in for the journey ahead
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villach
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Bike Around Ossiacher See
Today you will leave Villach along the Seebach-stream towards Ossiacher See and enjoy the view onto the castle ruin Landskron, which on a clear day is visible above Villach and far beyond. Ossiacher See, the so-called ’bath tub‘, features drinking water quality and a temperature of up to 27 degrees in the summer. After, a short stop in Bodensdorf before today’s tour has finished the full circle in Villach.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villach
Distance: 45 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Travel to Klagenfurt, the State Capital of Carinthia
You start the day by cycling a few kilometres along the Drau-cycle path, heading east as the route continues through unspoilt Carinthian farmland. Your next destination is the bustling town of Velden on Lake Wörthersee. The wide valley, soft rolling hills, wooded mountains, and four lovely lakes – Lake Hafnersee, Lake Keutschacher See, Lake Baßgeigensee and Lake Rauschelesee – make for incredible scenery. The Lend canal, situated at the eastern shores of Lake Wörthersee, leads you into the state capital of Carinthia, Klagenfurt.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Klagenfurt
Distance: 50 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Witness the Klopeiner See
Klagenfurt – "the Rose of Lake Wörthersee" – captivates with its enchanting old part of town. Built by Italian architects in the 16/17th century, it has kept its southern flair over centuries. After such a big dose of culture, you will continue by bike along the small river Glan to leave Klagenfurt, passing a small range of hills with villages and forests until you reach the river Drau. On the Drau-river cycle path you will cycle to the Völkermarkter reservoir, before continuing on to the warmest lake of the state, Klopeiner See.
Overnight Location: Hotel at Lake Klopeiner See
Distance: 35 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Take in the History of St. Veit
Idyllic cycle paths lead you from Klopeiner See to the Völkermarkter reservoir, where you will cycle along its waterfront and then pass the river Drau for the last time. On the Glan-Gurk-cycle path you will be led around the former duke city Völkermarkt, capital of the Jaunatal and located on a rising ground and further through typical Carinthian villages and landscapes in direction to the castle Hochosterwitz. On top of a 150m high chalk rock there is an invulnerable fortress that has stood for centuries and begs to be visited. The numerous castles and palaces of the surrounding area will remind you of the significance of the onetime state capital St. Veit.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sankt Veit an der Glan
Distance: 50 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle Past Castles in the Carinthian Countryside
For centuries St. Veit has been the seat of the Carinthian bishops, and it is also home to a rich history and impressive architecture that includes the city wall, the medieval main square, the opulent Renaissance houses, Herzogsburg-castle and much more. You will make your way west and cycle along the river Glan to Glanegg. Already visible from afar is Glanegg castle ruin, which towers above the valley.
The cycle path leads you through Feldkirchen which is surrounded by wooded hills, romantic palaces and venerable ruins and directly to Lake Ossiacher See and back again to the start and end point of the tour, beautiful Villach.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villach
Distance: 55 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Bike Below the Karawanken Mountains to Faaker See
Past Villach’s thermal spa, you will leave the town and cycle at the foot of the Karawanken-mountains to visit the last lake of your tour, the turquoise-blue Faaker See. The lake’s backdrop is the Mittagskogel peak, a genuine rock giant. Extensive, undeveloped meadows and green wooded areas surround the lake, and in the middle of the lake you will find a wooded island.
After a relaxing break at the lakeside and/or a lunch break, you will start your journey back to Villach. Here, you will tackle a small ridge on your bikes to reach the glistening river Drau, following the Drau cycle path through flat terrain to arrive back in Villach.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villach
Distance: 50 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure Day
After breakfast, you will pack up for an individual departure from Villach or spend a few extra days if you have chosen to extend your stay in the Carinthian Lake District.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
8-Day Carinthian Lakes Cycling Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of the rooms that you need.
2025 Departures:
The departures are available every Wednesday and Sunday, from April 13th to October 5th, 2025.
- Single room: from $1,395 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,025 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on 8-Day Carinthian Lakes Cycling Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are of a 3 and 4-star standard and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplemental fee to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Voco ★★★★
This stunning hotel can be found along the banks of the River Drava and has modern amenities for a luxurious stay.
Cityhotel zum Domplatz ★★★
Situated on Cathedral Square in the heart of Klagenfurt, this charming hotel is well-positioned and allows you to experience all that the town has to offer.
Hotel Menüwirt ★★★
Located close to the Klopeiner See, this hotel is a great choice if you are looking to get out and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Fuchspalast ★★★★
Designed by Austrian painter Ernst Fuchs, this eclectic hotel combines modern amenities and interesting design choices that make for a pleasant and memorable stay.
Hotel Voco ★★★★
This stunning hotel can be found along the banks of the River Drava and has modern amenities for a luxurious stay.
What’s Included in the 8-Day Carinthian Lakes Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Villach are not included, but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour.
Also Included
- Welcome briefing (German, English)
- Route map/details
- Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
- App for Navigation and GPS-data available
- 24/7 service hotline
Not included
- Flights and transportation to and from Villach
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist tax
- Helmets (can be purchased locally)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Bike rental and insurance (helmets not included)
Frequently Asked Questions about 8-Day Carinthian Lakes Cycling Tour
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