Things to see around the lake

Simply calling it a „mountain“ wouldn't do it justice. The Gerlitzen Alpe, at 1,911 metres high, is Carinthia's panoramic balcony: from here, your gaze sweeps over the Julian Alps, the Karawanken, and Lake Ossiach at its feet. In winter, it transforms into a true skiing paradise with 21 lift systems and 34 pistes, which are guaranteed to have snow from December to April thanks to modern snow-making facilities and are suitable for every level. But the Gerlitzen doesn't hibernate after the snow melts: in summer, its paths fill with hikers, and it's one of the most popular take-off sites for paragliders thanks to almost year-round good thermals. The Kanzelbahn cable car, which connects the valley and the summit in around 10 minutes, makes it effortlessly accessible for everyone. And the best part: you can reach it in just a few minutes' walk from the Lake Lodge.

There is a lake that becomes the first thought of the day each morning: Ossiach Lake, the third-largest lake in Carinthia, with drinking-water quality water that warms up to 26-27°C in the summer. From the terrace of the Lake Lodge, it's just a few steps to the shore, to the lidos in Annenheim, Sattendorf, and the Lido Christa, which are open daily during the warmer months. But the lake is more than just relaxation: its shores are home to padel courts, cycle paths, and hiking starting points, while the Tennis Centre Annenheim allows games into the evening thanks to its floodlit courts. Surrounded by mountains, with the Gerlitzen Alpe reflected in its waters, Ossiach Lake is the vibrant heart of every holiday at the Lake Lodge – whatever the season.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Lake Lodge, Villach welcomes you with that almost Mediterranean charm so characteristic of border towns: this is where Austria, Italy and Slovenia meet. As Carinthia’s second-largest city, the old town, with its colourful façades, winding alleyways and lively main square, invites you to linger amongst cafés, small shops and buildings that tell tales of centuries of history – the settlement dates back to Roman times. Towering above the city’s rooftops is the spire of St Jakob’s Parish Church, which, at just under 94 metres, is the tallest church spire in Carinthia: anyone who climbs the 239 steps will be rewarded with a magnificent view over the Drau Valley and the surrounding mountains. The River Drau itself, which flows right through the centre of the town, invites you to take a leisurely stroll along its banks. And when December arrives, one of the region’s most popular Advent markets transforms the old town into an atmospheric winter wonderland.

While the Ossiacher See is the lake on your doorstep, the Wörthersee is the perfect destination for a day trip. It's Carinthia's largest lake, with summer temperatures of up to 27°C – ideal for swimming, sailing, or a spot of paddleboarding. Charming towns such as Pörtschach, Velden and the state capital Klagenfurt line its shores. Here, amidst Art Nouveau villas and historic buildings, you can still feel the spirit of the Belle Époque, when European aristocracy discovered this corner of the world. From Klagenfurt, you can also take one of the excursion boats that connect the various towns on the lake – for a relaxing tour with panoramic views. A trip to the Wörthersee is the perfect opportunity to discover another, more sophisticated side of Carinthia during your stay at the Lake Lodge.