Wörthersee
Klagenfurt, Austria
Flanked by the Carpathian Mountains of southern Austria, Lake Wörthersee is a ribbon of water stretching from the glamorous town of Velden in the west to the city of Klagenfurt in the east. Known as one of Austria’s warmest and cleanest lakes, Wörthersee draws travelers wanting to swim in its spa-like waters and hike or cycle its shores.
The basics
Most Lake Wörthersee tours start near Strandbad Klagenfurt or in the lively towns of Krumpendorf or Pörtschache. From here, you can take bike tours around the lake or cruises that spotlight pretty towns such as Maria Worth. From the water, look out for Klagenfurt Pyramidenkogel—one of the world’s tallest wooden viewing towers—or Schloss Velden, a Renaissance castle turned luxury hotel. Many walkers come for the circular 37-mile (59-kilometer) Lake Wörthersee hike; get a free map at any Lake Wörthersee tourist office.
Things to know before you go
The lake appeals to families and active travelers; cycling, hiking, running, water sports, and yoga all take place around the water.
Swimming is restricted in certain places. Look for strandbad signs, which indicate the lake beaches.
Many hotels in the area offer overnight guests a Wörthersee Plus card, which offers some free admission to lake beaches, plus discounts on cruises and attractions.
How to get there
Lake Wörthersee is on the Austrian side of the border with Slovenia, just 15 minutes by car from central Klagenfurt. If you are staying in town or arriving at the train station, you can take the C bus to Strandbad Klagenfurt, the main city beach. The northern shores of the lake are serviced better by train, while the southern shores are better by bus. There’s a regular cruise service between Klagenfurt and Velden between April and October.
When to get there
Summer (June–August) is when the lake is at its liveliest. The beaches open up for lake swimming and water sports, and lakeside bars spill out onto the shores for balmy evenings out. The lake is quieter in the winter, as the lake no longer freezes often enough to guarantee ice skating. However, there’s plenty of winter hiking, and snow in the nearby mountains for skiing or sledding day trips.
Sallach, near Krumpendorf
A common Wörthersee complaint is that private beaches take up much of the lake’s shoreline. If you’re on a budget, fear not; there are places to sunbathe, swim, or enjoy water sports for free. The lake lido at Sallach is a lovely spot to idle away a sunny day, with a grass beach, ample tree shade, and shallow entry to the water—perfect if you have kids. Entry is free, although there’s a charge for on-site parking.
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