Discover Carinthia – Austria’s Sunny South

Q: Which are the best lakes in Carinthia for swimming?

The most popular are Wörthersee, Millstätter See, Ossiacher See, Faaker See and Weissensee. They are among the cleanest lakes in Europe and reach up to 25°C in summer – perfect for swimming, SUP or family boat rides.

Q: What’s the best way to travel to Carinthia, Austria?

Carinthia can be reached all year round by car via the Tauern Motorway (A10), by train from major European cities, or by plane to Salzburg, Graz or Ljubljana airports. Once there, excellent roads and local trains make it easy to explore the lakes and mountains.

Discover Carinthia – Austria’s Sunny South

Carinthia is famous for its turquoise lakes, welcoming villages and more than 200 days of sunshine each year. In this article, we’ll show you the best of Carinthia – from vibrant lakes and peaceful valleys to snow-sure ski resorts and charming alpine towns. By the end, you’ll know exactly why Carinthia is one of the most beautiful and versatile holiday destinations in Austria.

This blog post about Carinthia is written by René Schwarte, founder of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu.

Why Carinthia Captures So Many Hearts

Thinking about a holiday in Austria, but not sure where to go? You want mountains, lakes, sunshine and charm – all in one place.
Carinthia has it all.

After reading this article, you’ll know:

Why Carinthia is perfect for both summer and winter holidays
Which lakes and ski resorts you shouldn’t miss
Which towns and villages are worth visiting
And how to find your ideal holiday home in Carinthia

Where Exactly Is Carinthia?

Carinthia (German: Kärnten) lies in the very south of Austria, bordering Italy and Slovenia. It’s a region framed by mountains yet blessed with a mild, Mediterranean touch thanks to the nearby Adriatic Sea.

That means:
Over 200 days of sunshine each year, warm summers and pleasantly cool nights.

From Germany, the Netherlands or Belgium, Carinthia is easy to reach by car via Munich, Salzburg and the Tauern Motorway (A10). It’s scenic, direct and perfect for a self-drive holiday in Austria.

The Charm of Austria’s Sunny South

Carinthia stands out for its relaxed atmosphere. While Tyrol feels alpine and rugged, Carinthia feels light, sunny and full of southern flair. The people are friendly, the food has a Mediterranean touch, and the days seem longer thanks to the endless sunshine.

The lakes are the heart of the region, shimmering in shades of turquoise and emerald between the mountains. The most famous are

Wörthersee – lively and stylish, lined with cafés and lakeside promenades.
Millstätter See – great for families and water sports.
Weissensee – peaceful and natural, perfect for swimming and skating in winter.
Ossiacher See – ideal for sailing, wakeboarding and active holidays.
Faaker See – small and charming, loved by campers and nature lovers.

👉Explore the most beautiful lakes of Carinthia

Holidays for Every Season

Carinthia is a year-round destination. Whether you love hiking, cycling, skiing or simply relaxing – there’s always something to enjoy.

Summer in Carinthia

Summer here means lake life, sunshine and adventure. Go swimming in warm, clear waters, hike through the Nockberge Mountains or cycle along the scenic Drau Cycle Path.
Families will find plenty to do – from nature trails and mountain slides to the Pressegger See Adventure Park, perfect for kids.

Winter in Carinthia

In winter, Carinthia transforms into a snowy wonderland. The region is known for its sunshine skiing – reliable snow and clear blue skies.

Top ski areas include:

Nassfeld – modern, extensive and bathed in sunshine.
Bad Kleinkirchheim – family-friendly, with relaxing thermal spas.
Mölltaler Glacier – one of Austria’s few glacier resorts, offering guaranteed snow well into spring.

If you don’t ski, enjoy winter hiking, tobogganing or wellness in the alpine villages.
👉 Find out where to ski in Carinthia

Towns and Villages to Discover

Carinthia is full of charming towns and alpine villages, each with its own character and atmosphere.

Klagenfurt – the capital, with beautiful architecture and the lively Alter Platz.
Villach – friendly and festive, known for its carnival and summer events.
Heiligenblut – an iconic mountain village at the foot of the Großglockner, Austria’s highest peak.
Spittal an der Drau – gateway to the Millstätter See.
Bad Kleinkirchheim – a spa town combining thermal baths and ski slopes.

Taste the Alpine-Adriatic Cuisine

Carinthia sits at the crossroads of the Alps and the Adriatic – and you can taste it. Its cuisine combines Austrian heartiness with Mediterranean lightness.

Local dishes to try:

Kärntner Kasnudeln – pasta pockets filled with cheese and herbs.
Ritschert – a traditional barley and bean stew.
Kärntner Laxn – local trout, often served grilled or smoked.

Wines from the Lavanttal and Rosental valleys are crisp and refreshing, perfect for a summer evening. For foodies, the Alpe-Adria Trail combines scenic hiking with culinary experiences.
Read more in Culinary Highlights from Carinthia.

Active Holidays in Carinthia

Love being outdoors? Carinthia is your playground. The landscape is varied yet gentle, making it ideal for families and beginners too.
Top outdoor activities:

Hiking: explore the Nockberge, Gailtal Alps and Hohe Tauern National Park.
Cycling: the Drau Cycle Path is one of Austria’s most beautiful long-distance routes.
Climbing: try via ferrata routes around the Mölltaler Glacier.
Water fun: paddleboarding, canoeing and swimming in the lakes.

Many destinations offer the Kärnten Card, giving free or discounted access to cable cars, museums and attractions – great for families!
Find more ideas in our post about active holidays in Carinthia.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Getting there: by car via Munich – Salzburg – Villach, or by train to Klagenfurt.
Accommodation: find chalets, apartments and holiday homes on Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu .
Best time to visit: June–September for lakes and sunshine; December–March for skiing.
Travel tip: bring some cash – smaller villages may not accept cards everywhere.

Why Choose Carinthia?

Over 200 days of sunshine each year
Perfect mix of mountains and lakes
Ideal for families and nature lovers
Authentic Alpine-Adriatic cuisine
Great for both summer and winter holidays
Wide range of holiday homes and chalets

Summary & Invitation

Carinthia is where alpine tranquility meets southern warmth. Whether you’re travelling with family, as a couple or with friends – the region offers a perfect balance of relaxation, adventure and culture.

A holiday home in Austria gives you the freedom to explore Carinthia at your own pace – between lakes, mountains and sunshine. On Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu, you’ll find a wide selection of holiday homes in Carinthia – carefully chosen for location, quality and comfort.

Plan your holiday in Carinthia today and experience why this sunny region is one of Austria’s most beloved destinations.

More information about Carinthia

Frequently Asked Questions about Holidays in Carinthia

Where is Carinthia located in Austria?
Carinthia is in southern Austria, bordering Italy and Slovenia. Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic, it enjoys a mild climate with over 200 sunny days per year. The capital city is Klagenfurt, located near Lake Wörthersee.

Is Carinthia snow-sure in winter?
Yes, especially the higher regions are very snow reliable. Ski areas like the Mölltaler Glacier and Nassfeld offer guaranteed snow from December to April. Bad Kleinkirchheim also enjoys good snow and offers relaxing thermal spas.

Is Carinthia snow-sure in winter? Close

Which are the best lakes in Carinthia for swimming?
The most popular are Wörthersee, Millstätter See, Ossiacher See, Faaker See and Weissensee. They’re among the cleanest lakes in Europe and reach up to 25°C in summer – perfect for swimming, SUP or family boat rides.

Which are the best lakes in Carinthia for swimming? Close

What’s the best way to travel to Carinthia, Austria?
Carinthia can be reached all year round by car via the Tauern Motorway (A10), by train from major European cities, or by plane to Salzburg, Graz or Ljubljana airports. Once there, excellent roads and local trains make it easy to explore the lakes and mountains.

What’s the best way to travel to Carinthia, Austria? Close

Discover Carinthia – Austria’s Sunny South​​​​​​​