Hiking in the Wörthersee Region

This hike follows the Drau River and includes a visit to Rosegg Castle and the zoo. The small animal zoo and the large playground are a huge hit with kids. And if you get hungry, you can grab a bite at the buffet.

STREKLHOF TIP: This hike is highly recommended, especially on cooler days.

Walking time approx. 1.5 hours • easy

The hike begins at the Streklhof in Aich on paved paths heading toward the Schieflinger Forest. The route then continues on natural trails through a beautiful wooded area. The ascent to the Kathreinkogel at 772 m takes about half an hour. Since 1984, remarkable finds spanning three millennia have been on display here at the prehistoric-Roman excavations. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-October.

STREKLHOF TIP: This hike is especially recommended on hot days, as it leads through the forest.

Walking time approx. 3 hours • easy

This hiking trail is perfect for nature lovers who want to combine a beautiful hike with a refreshing swim in the idyllically situated Forstsee. It circles the entire lake and is ideal for people of all ages. A detour to the romantic “Kleiner See” is highly recommended.

Directions: From Velden, take the federal highway toward Pörtschach – long straight stretch – railroad crossing in Saag – then turn left toward Forstsee

Walking time approx. 1.5 hours • easy

Located in southern Carinthia, it was designated a nature reserve as early as 1942. The Dobratsch Nature Park is primarily dedicated to recreation and nature conservation, but also to education and regional development. A variety of alpine huts offer places to stop for a bite to eat, guaranteeing a cozy mountain atmosphere.

Directions: Take the Villach Alpine Road – exit at Villach West, then take the B86 bypass toward Warmbad Villach; from the B86, take the turn-off for the Villach Alpine Road

The lakeside trail leads to Neusach and Techendorf. From the eastern shore of Lake Weissensee (Ortsee), the trail heads north to the entrance of the Silbergraaben, where it continues left onto the red-marked North Shore Trail to the Ronacherfels. You can take a boat back.

STREKLHOF TIP: Sure-footedness and appropriate footwear are recommended for the steep section over the small rock face.

Directions: Toward Villach – A10 toward Salzburg – Exit Feistritz, Paternion, Weissensee Ost (travel time 45 min.)

Walking time approx. 2 hrs • red trail, easy

Perched at an altitude of 1,664 meters, the Klagenfurter Hütte is both an alpine refuge and a wonderful destination in the Carinthian Karawanken Mountains. Situated at the southern foot of the Kosiak, it offers a breathtaking view of the mighty Hochstuhl cirque.

Directions: From Feistritz im Rosental via the Bärental valley to the parking lot.
Take the Karawanken Expressway (A11), exit at St. Jakob/Rosental, continue on the state highway to Feistritz/Rosental, then in Feistritz head toward Bärental until you reach the Klagenfurter Hütte parking lot

Travel time: approx. 30 min.

A family-friendly destination in the heart of Carinthia. Take the gondola from 500 meters above sea level up to nearly 2,000 meters. The unique combination of mountains and lake will enchant you.

Directions: From Klagenfurt: Take the A2 Südautobahn to the Villach interchange, then continue on the A10 Tauernautobahn toward Salzburg and take the first exit, “Villach/Ossiacher See,” then continue to Annenheim – Kanzelbahn

The 3 Lakes Loop is designed as a sensory trail and offers several options for mountain walks:

• short and very easy around Lake Turracher See (30 min)
• a bit longer—to Lake Grünsee and back to Turracher Höhe (45 min)
• or about 2 hours total: starting from Lake Turracher See, past the Museum Alpin+Art Gallery toward Lake Grünsee. Here you’ll experience the first stops of the alpine sensory journey. The trail passes the Karlhütte on its way to the Katscherhütte and continues along the foot of the Schoberriegel toward Schwarzsee. The trail is marked by a red sign with a white “T,” and in some places by wooden arrows bearing the inscription “Turracher 3-Seen-Weg.”

Starting at Lake Turracher See, this trail leads past the Mei Zeit Hut, the Sonnalm, and the Sonnenbahn mountain station—offering stunning panoramic views of the Turracher Höhe—up to the Schoberriegel. Between the Sonnalm and the Schoberriegel, the trail is relatively steep in places—but it’s definitely worth the effort. Once you reach the top, the trail continues at 2,200 m to the next peak—the Gruft. Just before the Gruft, you’ll see the former World War II airstrip. Passing the Schönebennock at 2,002 m, the trail leads to the Obere Våstlhütte on the Sam and continues via Grünsee to the Turracher Höhe.

Hiking time approx. 3.5 hours • moderate

Starting at the valley station of the Panoramalift, Trail 149 leads uphill toward Kornock. During the ascent, just before the Almstube inn, you’ll see the “Gletschermühle” on your right—a relic from the Ice Age. Once you reach the Kornock summit, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view along the ridge toward the Rinsennock. The descent leads from the summit of the Rinsennock down to the Winkleralm, continuing on to the Schafalm and back to Turracher Höhe.

Hiking time approx. 5 hours • moderate

This beautiful hike takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Nockberge Mountains without requiring you to “conquer” any peaks. The route starts at Lake Turracher, passes the Schlosshotel Seewirt, and continues to Schwarzsee and on into the Weitental valley to Engeleriegel. The climb to the Weitentalsattel is rewarded with views of the Kaser lakes. Passing these lakes, the trail leads to Hochkaser, continues to the Obere Våstlhütte at Sam, and then past the Karlhütte and Grünsee back to Turracher Höhe.

Directions to Turracher Höhe: Take the Velden federal highway toward Pörtschach; in Pörtschach, turn left toward Moosburg–Feldkirchen; in Feldkirchen, turn right toward Nockalmstraße–Turracher Höhe.

Travel time: approx. 1 hour 

STREKLHOF TIP: On the way back, take the Nockalm Panorama Road!

Hiking time approx. 6 hours • moderate