Visit Wörthersee: Our Top 5 Tips

Vacation in Austria calls for a visit to beautiful turquoise blue lake Wörthersee. As you know, we love this part of our home country very much. And therefore we wanna share with you our top 5 tips there.

The Wörthersee is located in the south of Austria in the federal state of Carinthia. With its 19,39 km2, it is one of the most popular swimming lakes in the country. The reason for that is partly due to the fact that the Wörthersee is usually one of the warmest and clearest lakes of all. As we learned, the reason for the intense color of the water is calcification. The finest lime particles provide (among other things) the turquoise-blue color.

There are several cities and towns on Lake Wörthersee. First of all, there is the state capital Klagenfurt in the far east. But holidaymakers are more likely to head west, for example to Pörtschach, Maria-Wörth or Velden.

We personally prefer to stay in Velden. As we totally fell in love with our all-time favorite Hotel Schlosshotel Velden there.

Visiting Wörthersee is possible all year round. But of course, it has a very special charm during summertime. Our 5 favorite tips and excursion destinations around this wonderful lake are the following:

1. A boat trip on the lake Wörthersee

What would a visit at lake Wörthersee be, without a boat trip? In spring, summer, and autumn, the Wörthersee Schifffahrt liner ships head for the most important locations. Including Velden, Pörtschach and Maria Wörth). With a day ticket (about 16 euros) you can roar across the lake all day and get on and off as often as you want.

Of course, it´s an even more tempting experience to hire a private boat and your own captain. Like this, it is possible to explore flexible and see all your preferred spots.

We had a very special morning with Captain Robert, the experienced captain of the Schlosshotel Velden. He handles the in-house boat and knows the Wörthersee like the back of his hand. As a house guest, you can book individual boat trips. And we guarantee you that you will never forget this experience.

2. Excursion to the Pyramidenkogel

A visit at Wörthersee should include a trip to the “Pyramidenkogel” as well. The Pyramidenkogel is an 850-meter high mountain that rises on the south bank of the Wörthersee. The observation tower with the same name sits enthroned on its summit. With its distinctive construction made of wood and steel, the Pyramidenkogel is the highest wooden tower of the world. And a widely visible landmark of Carinthia which offers a breathtaking view and a very long slide.

The Pyramidenkogel is located near Maria Wörth and can be easily reached by car. A lift takes you comfortably to the viewing platform on site. Sporty people can also dare to climb the stairs: there are 441 steps to conquer. From above you can enjoy a wonderful 360-degree view over the Wörthersee and the surrounding hills and mountains.

3. A bike ride through the landscape of Wörthersee

The landscape around Lake Wörthersee is stunning and beautiful. Therefore we can highly recommend hiring a bike and exploring the scenery with it.

The most famous bike tour on the Wörthersee is the Wörthersee round via the north bank. It is an absolute “must-do” for leisure cyclists during a stay at Lake Wörthersee. The 50 km long route takes about 3 hours and overcomes just 400 meters in altitude.

All cyclists who take it easy, usually only drive from Velden to the Metnitz beach in Klagenfurt. Or exactly the other way around – and start the return journey with the Wörthersee Schifffahrt by boat. But the Cycling opportunities around Wörthersee are extensive.

We enjoyed it very much to explore the beautiful nature with an E-bike from Schlosshotel Velden. They offer different bike options for their guests and believe us: “Cycling with an E-bike is so much fun!” (thats what Jojo says who isn’t a cycling fan at all).

4. Sunny Beach days at lake Wörthersee

There is a reason why the area around Wörthersee is also called the “Austrian Rivera”. The crystal clear lake invites you to jump in immediately. Therefore, relaxing days on the beach are ideal to unwind and simply relax. Since the majority of the lake access is privately owned, it is advisable to visit a public outdoor pool.

We can recommand the Kropfitschbad in Krumpendorf or the Promenadenbad in Pörtschach (with a giant slide). Or if you are looking for a quiet and idyllic place, we can recommend the Strandbad Sekirn in Maria Wörth.

We personally prefer to enjoy the stunningly beautiful ambiance of Lake Wörthersee, at the beach club of Schlosshotel Velden. It’s accessible for hotel guests only and offers a heated seawater pool located directly at lake Wörthersee. Once you are there, you will never want to leave, believe us.

Overall you can find a wide variety of water sports: sailing, diving, stand up paddling, or windsurfing as well. There are many options for the adventurous beyond you.

5. Staying in a dreamy Castle

We are sure, that you already have heard about “Schlosshotel Velden”(*). Maybe because we talk about it all the time or you have heard about it in another way.

Directly located at the glittering radiant blue Wörthersee, all your dreams are coming true there. The Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden offers an almost unreal sight. It is one of the best hotels in Austria which looks back on a long history and we simply fell in love with it. The extraordinary location, the amazing staff, and the wide range of high-level service simply make you happy.

The Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is not only proud of the long history, the interior and the cuisine. The 3600 square meter Acquapura Spa is also more than impressive. Several saunas, an enchanting outdoor and indoor pool as well as its own medical spa are available to guests.

But the greatest relaxation of all is swimming in the clear Wörthersee in summer. Their private and very famous beach club makes it possible to enjoy summer to the fullest. Sipping on a cocktail right on the shore and watching the sunset- believe us, that’s what dreams are made of.

Also the cuisine at their Restaurants is a pure delight. Discover culinary diversity, as individual as your taste! And for all the sushi lovers: Yes, Schlosshotel Velden is cooperating with Mochi Vienna (our personal highlight).

Wanna know more about the Schlosshotel Velden? Check out our Post about our weekend getaway in autumn.

Just Visit Wörthersee

Every time we visit Lake Wörthersee we have a wonderful time. Maybe we woke your wanderlust too? How about a little weekend trip to the beautiful Wörthersee region?