Carinthia, natural kingdom with an abundance of water

Multi-faceted, beautiful and idyllic

A quick dip in a lake after work, a weekend spent in the mountains or in one of Carinthia's Nature, Biosphere or National Parks: Carinthia’s stunning natural setting offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation, regeneration and for amazement. Carinthia is a paradise for sun worshippers, skiers, mountaineers, hikers and nature enthusiasts all year round!

A southern lifestyle

Franz Gerdl; © Kärnten Werbung

Especially in these fast-living times in a world of digitalisation, spending time in nature and experiencing it in all its glory is becoming ever more precious. Carinthia is one of the rare places that have high-tech on the one hand and untouched, intact natural setting on the other, also because Carinthians are aware of the beauty of their landscape and take their environmental responsibility very seriously. For many, this stunning natural setting is the reason for coming and for staying. Thanks to its location in the Alpen-Adria region south of the Alps, Carinthia is also lucky when it comes to the weather – expect a Mediterranean climate with an above-average number of hours of sunshine. This natural setting may be enjoyed in summer and in winter, not just during outdoor activities, but also through many events. Traditional festivals are starting in spring, and the beer gardens and outdoor dining areas in the cities, towns and villages are perfect for enjoying a coffee or after-work drink well into the autumn, when the region’s “Wiesenmärkte" fairs and harvest festivals, all of them steeped in tradition, take place in the multi-coloured autumn landscape. In the run-up to Christmas, Carinthia lights up with the warm glow of atmospheric seasonal markets.

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Tine Steinthaler; © Kärnten Werbung

Carinthia, kingdom of water

There are not many regions in Austria that are as abundant with water as Carinthia: With more than 1,000 rivers and streams and 1,270 lakes, some of them with water temperatures of up to 28 degrees during the summer and with water that is clean enough to drink. The four largest and best-known lakes are glamourous Lake Wörthersee, Lake Millstätter See with its mythical depths, Lake Ossiacher See with its magnificent mountain backdrop and Lake Weissensee in an untouched natural setting. In winter, some of the lakes are great for ice-skating, a highly popular form of exercise in Carinthia. Medicinal springs and thermal spas are ideal wellness destinations.

Michael Neumann; NLW Tourismus Marketing GmbH

Hiking and skiing in the mountains

In addition to its lakes, Carinthia is also known for its mountains, there to be enjoyed from spring until autumn and of course during the winter season that usually lasts well into spring, with skiing, snowboarding, freeriding and ski trekking: From high alpine downhill runs to gentle family slopes, untouched deep-snow runs or hair-raising halfpipes, the possibilities are endless. What is always there is the breath-taking view of Carinthia’s scenery and stunning natural setting, which may also be explored on one of many hiking routes, for instance on guided tours through the Nature, Biosphere and National Parks.