Hiking in Carinthia: It's the most fun in these top regions!

The Carinthia region in Austria has a lot to offer. Breathtaking landscapes such as the Dobratsch, the Wörthersee and the Millstätter See. The Großglöckner, which is the largest mountain in Austria, is also located in the southern Austrian region. The Carinthia region is also a completely green, natural area in which you can unwind and relax. Because of this, the region also attracts a lot of hikers. When hiking, however, you should get the correct hiking equipment in advance. We have summarized the best excursion destinations and the three most popular hiking routes from Komoot for hiking in Carinthia.

This is what the Carinthia region has to offer

No matter where you are in Carinthia, there are guaranteed to be plenty of places worth seeing, such as viewing platforms, nature parks, mountains, lakes and more. You can experience a lot, from hiking in Carinthia to swimming in the crystal-clear lakes or discovering over 75 protected landscape areas and 2 national parks.

The Dobratsch – an adventure and hiking oasis

The Dobratsch is a 2nd mountain belonging to the Gailtal Alps.166m high mountain. Even if the name suggests that it is a foreign language word, this is simply the name for the high mountain range in Carinthia. If you come by car, you pay 90 cents per half hour at the Dobratsch parking lot on the Villach Alpine Road, capped at a daily rate of €9. In addition, in the summer half of the year between the 16th. April and the 14th A toll must be paid in November. The current prices for the parking spaces and the amount of the toll can be checked at any time on your own website . From the parking lot to the top of the Dobratsch, where the highest chapel in Europe is located, it takes approx. 1.5 - 2 hours. You can also travel comfortably and cheaply by public transport, as there is a bus stop right next to the car park. It's worth traveling by car, as you can discover lots of great views and clues on the adventure and panoramic road on the Dobratsch. The national park located on the mountain, where animals can also be found, offers various activities for young and old. No matter whether insect hotels or numerous rare animal and plant species. There are special highlights every summer: There are special exhibitions or courses here, as well as, for example, the Dobratsch traveling exhibition that took place in summer 2022. Here, too, there are always activities where you can observe and get to know the rare animal and plant species in more detail. The mountain also offers plenty of hiking routes with great views and paths through pure nature. There are tours for every level of difficulty.

Hochobir – The highest mountain range in the North Karawanken

Although the Hochobir is not the highest mountain in all of Carinthia, it is considered the highest mountain massif in the Karawanken. The highest peak in the mountain group is 2.139m of the high Hochobir just below the Dobratsch. Other parts of this mountain range are the Kuhberg, the Kleinobir, the Vielspitz and the Altberg. Here too, as is typical for Carinthia, there is a lot of nature. Many flower meadows can be discovered, especially in spring and summer. The mountain range is also ideal for hiking. The Eisenkappler Hütte, which can be easily reached by car and has great parking on site, is located in 1.555 meters high and invites you to take a break thanks to its charm and view. A small disadvantage is that the toll fee, which is €6, cannot be paid with paper money or bank cards. The machine only accepts coins and does not give change. So you should definitely have enough change with you beforehand. From here, the tour from the Eisenkappler Hut to the summit offers you a nice opportunity for hiking in Carinthia. It is 2.70 km long and takes approx. one hour and 30 minutes and is considered rather easy with an altitude difference of 584 m. classified as moderately difficult. Once at the top you will be rewarded with the beautiful panoramic view of the Drautal and the Carinthian lakes.

Lake Millstätter See – swimming paradise with natural hiking trails

The Millstätter See is a large lake in Carinthia that is 11.5 km long, up to 1.8 km wide and has an average depth of 89 m. The lake is located north of the Drautal near Spittal. It is the second largest lake in Carinthia after Lake Wörthersee and has a maximum depth of 141 meters, making it 1.With 204.5 million cubic meters, it is the most water-rich lake in the region. In summer you can swim at one of the 11 beaches and the lake is also ideal for hiking. There are long tours in the Nockenberge mountains or relaxed hikes along the shore around the swimming lake. There are also always hikers who walk completely around Lake Millstätter See, although this is only possible as a planned stage hike due to the route length of 55 km. With a water temperature of around 27°C, the lake is very warm and temperature-stable due to the high water mass and few inlets and outlets. The water has a high mineral quality at drinking water level. While the north side of the lake serves as a starting point, the south bank is still natural and hardly developed. To relax and unwind, you can take a hike to the south bank, where you can enjoy nature to the fullest and take a break. The southern shore of Lake Millstätter See is most beautiful if you are a nature lover.

The Wörthersee – surrounded by legends

With a length of 16.5 kilometers and a width of up to 2 kilometers, Lake Wörthersee is the largest lake in Carinthia in terms of area. It is also very suitable for swimming, as its temperature is very warm and stable at 24°C. The lake is also surrounded by a legend that says that it was created by the barrel of a gray man. That little man wanted to punish the residents of the town “on Lake Wörthersee” because they didn’t prepare for Easter and instead wanted to have a party. Based on this certainly very daring theory, you can find fountains and decorations on Lake Wörthersee that reflect this scenario. Otherwise, Lake Wörthersee also has a lot to offer in terms of activities. Water sports fans get their money's worth with jet skiing, water skiing and water boarding, or diving. Exploring the shore is also fun by bike. There are also numerous attractions, such as the harbor of Velden or charming villages. A real highlight, however, is the Pyramidenkogel. Here you can climb the 100 meter high observation tower. After 141 steps you have a great 360° panoramic view of the landscape and can then slide down the 120m long slide - fun for the whole family. Admission for adults is €14, with a reduction of €10 and children aged 6 and over pay €6.50. Admission is free for children under 6 years old. Of course, there are also numerous hiking routes and discovery tours here. The best place to hike is on the north shore of Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia. You can also visit the popular Pirkenkogel there.

Where is good hiking in Carinthia?

Thanks to the many lakes, forest areas and mountains, almost every place in Carinthia is suitable for hiking. There is also the perfect hiking trail for every requirement. So it doesn't matter whether you need a total challenge, want to relax or are looking for an outdoor activity for the family. Children also get their money's worth thanks to the many activities on the go. If you like a bit of both, that's no problem in this beautiful, natural region. Below we have summarized the three most popular Komoot hiking routes from Carinthia. If the Carinthia region isn't for you, take a look at where you can hike in Dresden and Saxony.

Pure relaxation – hiking in Carinthia as meditation

A relaxed hiking trail that leads around Lake Millstätter See along the popular holiday region. Due to its duration of just one hour and a distance of 3.60 km, this hiking trail is also a good option for those who have spontaneously decided to hike in Carinthia during their vacation. Thanks to its low altitude and solid ground, it is ideal for the whole family or for a romantic get-together in nature. Untouched nature or viewing platforms invite you to relax and also offer breathtaking photo backdrops. When you arrive at the dwarf lake, you can cool off briefly by dangling your feet in the water before continuing on. The rest of the hiking trail leads through forest paths where you can listen to the birds and leaves of the forest - pure relaxation. Another highlight at the end: the Klieberteich - Here you can observe some natural spectacles and are surrounded by the most beautiful nature.

Highlights of the Millstätter See hiking trail:

• Lots of nature in the area
• Mainly flat, loose forest floor for pleasant hiking
• No special equipment or skills required
• Circular route (start and finish identical)

Challenging – hiking around Lake Wörthersee

The moderately difficult hiking route in Carinthia begins in Velden am Wörthersee. You can park at the nearby train station or travel directly by train. A total of 8 highlights await you on this route. With a distance of 11.5 km, the duration is approx. depending on walking speed. 3:18 h. On the hike at the forest lake you lay approx. 280 meters back. First you come across the Veldener Römerschlucht, which is characterized by stony paths and loose ground. The rest area, now around 1.5 km away, with a view of the Mittagskogel, invites you to take a short break for photos or a small snack. From here you go up to the Hohes Kreuz viewing point, which offers a fantastic view of Lake Wörthersee and the mountains. After another 6 kilometers you will find yourself at the forest lake. Nature and sun are reflected in the crystal clear water. The climate in the region is usually very mild and therefore ideal for hiking. The circular route around the lake is relaxing after the elevation gain and you can fully enjoy nature. If you have some time with you, you can also spend the day at one of the bathing bays and cool off a bit before heading back. For some, the Forstsee nudist bathing bay may also be a good starting point on the Carinthian hike. The way back then leads over the rocky bridge ride back to the starting point of the Forstsee Runde, from where you walk back the way there. If it is now dusk or even dark, you will get a completely different, great view from the Hohes Kreuz viewing point.

Highlights of the Forstsee hiking trail:

• Natural
• Little road (only 391m)
• Circular route (start and destination identical)
• Great views and places to stay

For hiking professionals – hiking in Carinthia at dizzying heights

There are also opportunities for hiking in Carinthia for real hiking professionals and adrenaline junkies. For this route, which is at an altitude between 1.730 and 2.120m, you should definitely bring sturdy shoes and experience hiking. In total, you will cover a distance of 8.43km and 410 meters in altitude on this hiking trail. The path leads over some really steep and rocky surfaces, as well as along areas where caution is required, which is why you need to be in good physical condition. The hiking route begins at the Villacher Alpe Rosstratte, where you can travel by public transport or easily park your car. As soon as you arrive at the starting point and look at the view from the Jägersteig, it becomes clear: This route is not for the faint of heart and certainly not for people with a fear of heights. Everyone else can enjoy a beautiful view of the valley and the other mountains in the distance. For an absolute panoramic view, go to the Gams and Summit View viewing platform, just 1km away. Here you can climb a few steps in front of a slope and then enjoy the view without anything next to or directly in front of you. under you - A great place for souvenir photos. The stony hiking trail continues to the next viewing platform, with a great view of the Bleiberg. The best thing: There are no real railings to obscure your view. The Dobratsch Nature Park offers another hiking highlight. Afterwards we take another look into the distance: nature as far as the eye can see.

Highlights of the Dobratsch hiking trail:

• Natural
• Little road (less than 100m)
• Circular route (start and destination identical)
• Great views and places to stay
• Parking options and public transport connections

Conclusion

There is a lot to experience in Carinthia. The popular natural region is a great destination for young and old. Especially for hiking in Carinthia, there are numerous paths and routes that lead through the beautiful natural forests and past flower meadows. Thanks to various huts and clear, well-maintained rest areas along the hiking trails, you can easily take breaks along the way. Accordingly, longer hiking trails are no problem. The views you have on the mountain hikes as well as the numerous lakes with crystal clear water are once again reasons to travel to this region for hiking.