Visiting a lake in Carinthia with your dog: where can they swim?

Visiting a lake in Carinthia with your dog? Explore seven swimming spots and find out where your dog is allowed in the water.
​​​​This blog was written by Bjorn Schwarte, co-founder of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu.

Carinthia is a lovely destination for a lakeside holiday with your dog. Before your dog runs into the water, however, check the exact swimming spot. Some lakes have designated dog beaches. Elsewhere, dogs may only enter the water at certain natural shoreline areas. And “dogs allowed” can mean that your dog is welcome on the sunbathing lawn but cannot swim.

​​​​​​​Below are seven specific options in Carinthia. Before visiting, check the operator’s current information and read the signs on site. Access arrangements, opening hours and rules can change.

Seven lakes and swimming spots for dogs in Carinthia

1. Lake Wörthersee: dog meadow near Klagenfurt

Between Strandbad Klagenfurt and Maria Loretto, there is a dog meadow with access to Lake Wörthersee. According to Carinthia’s tourism organisation, access is free.
Choose this particular spot: dogs are generally not allowed to swim at the public lidos around Lake Wörthersee. Walking along the lakeshore does not mean your dog can enter the water anywhere.

2. Lake Keutschacher See: dog bay beside Strandcamping Süd

Directly beside Strandcamping Süd, there is a publicly accessible dog bay on Lake Keutschacher See. The distinction matters: dogs are welcome at the campsite, but Carinthia’s tourism organisation states that the campsite itself does not provide direct swimming access for them.

Head to the neighbouring dog bay and follow the signs for that stretch of shoreline. The regional tourism organisation Wörthersee-Rosental also confirms that dogs can enter the water there free of charge.

3. Lake Ossiacher See: dog area at ZIS Lauritsch

At ZIS Lauritsch lido, there is a separate area with direct lake access for guests and their dogs. Dogs must be kept on a leash on the sunbathing lawns and may swim in the designated dog area.
Check the current admission fees and access arrangements with the operator before visiting. Other lidos around Lake Ossiacher See may have different rules.

4. Lake Silbersee near Villach: dog area on the western shore

On the western shore of Lake Silbersee, there is a designated area where dogs can enter the water. Follow the signs indicating the rules for other parts of the lake.
According to Carinthia’s tourism organisation, the dog area is fenced towards the car park and bordered by hedges on its sides. Look for this specific area rather than assuming dogs can swim along the entire shoreline

5. Lake Pressegger See: dog beach at Schluga Strand

At Schluga Strand, you will find a designated dog area and a dog beach with access to Lake Pressegger See. You can also visit as a day guest without staying at a Schluga property. An admission fee applies.
Check the current opening hours, prices and rules with the operator. This dog beach is a specific swimming spot on Lake Pressegger See; it does not mean dogs can swim along every part of the shore.

6. Lake Forstsee near Techelsberg: natural shoreline access

Lake Forstsee is close to Lake Wörthersee and is easy to combine with a walk. According to Carinthia’s tourism organisation, dogs can enter the water along much of the shoreline. Individual sections may have different rules, which are indicated by signs.

Access to the lake is free, although parking is paid. A short, steep path leads through the forest from the car park to the water. Check the signs at your chosen access point. Wörthersee-Rosental Tourism also lists the signposted areas of Lake Forstsee as places to swim with your dog.

7. Lake Aichwaldsee: free access for dogs

Lake Aichwaldsee lies south of Lake Faaker See. Dogs can enter the water at the free access point reached from the car park. A local accommodation provider specifically recommends this entrance for swimming with dogs.

Do not confuse it with the neighbouring paid lido, which has its own rules. Check the signs at the free access point. Dogs should not swim in nearby Lake Faaker See

Where are dogs not allowed to swim in Carinthia?

Not every lake in Carinthia offers swimming access for dogs. Dogs should not swim in Lake Faaker See. At Lake Klopeiner See, some lidos allow dogs on the sunbathing lawns on a leash, but not in the water. At Lake Turnersee, dogs are welcome on the grounds of certain lidos but cannot swim. 

When contacting a lido, ask specifically: “Is my dog allowed in the water?” Asking whether dogs are welcome does not necessarily tell you whether swimming is permitted.

Making the swimming trip enjoyable for your dog

Choose a spot where your dog can easily enter and leave the water. Let them decide whether to swim or simply paddle. Bring fresh drinking water and find some shade on warm days.

Keep your distance from other swimmers and waterbirds. Follow the local leash rules and keep your dog out of protected reed beds and closed shoreline areas. Bring waste bags and put used bags in a bin.

​​​​​​​If the water looks unusually cloudy and blue-green, or an official warning is in place, do not let your dog swim. Austria’s Agency for Health and Food Safety, AGES, warns that certain cyanobacteria can produce toxins that are dangerous to dogs.

Combining a walk with a swimming stop

Many of these lakes offer the chance to combine a walk with a swimming stop for your dog. Choose a route that suits your dog’s fitness and bring enough drinking water. For more tips on suitable trails, grazing animals and leash rules, read our blog ‘Hiking in Austria with your dog: what should you consider?’

Also read "Discover Carinthia – Austria’s Sunny South​​​​​​​"

Finding accommodation for a holiday with your dog in Carinthia

If you want to spend several days by the water, first choose a lake with a confirmed swimming spot for dogs. Then check how far your accommodation is from that exact spot. A holiday home described as “by the lake” does not automatically mean your dog can swim at the nearest shoreline.

On Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu, you can search for holiday homes and other accommodation in Austria where dogs are allowed. Select Carinthia as your destination and check how many dogs each property permits.

Frequently asked questions about swimming with dogs in Carinthia

Can dogs swim in every lake in Carinthia?
No. There are designated dog beaches and natural swimming spots, but also lakes and lidos where dogs cannot swim. Lake Faaker See is one example where dogs should not enter the water to swim.

Can my dog swim if dogs are welcome at the lido?
Not automatically. At Lake Klopeiner See, some lidos allow dogs on the sunbathing lawns on a leash but not in the water. Always check separately whether swimming is permitted.