Holidays on Lake Faaker See – nature and relaxation in one of Austria’s most beautiful regions
Anyone spending their holiday at Lake Faaker See will discover a true natural gem in the heart of Carinthia. The Lake is known far beyond the borders of Carinthia for its unique, bright turquoise water and its extreme purity. It owes this special color to the finest lime particles, which are brought in by the main tributary, the Worounitza, and reflect the sunlight beautifully.
With an area of 2.2 km², Lake Faak is the fifth largest lake in Carinthia. At its deepest point, it reaches almost 30 meters, with an average depth of just over 16 meters. A special feature is the 8.4-hectare island that divides the lake. The island can only be reached via the water.
Beach resorts, public lake access points and real hidden gems
Around Lake Faaker See, you’ll find everything from well-equipped beach resorts to public lake access points, small bathing spots and real hidden gems. Whether you’re looking to spend a varied day out with the family, get active or simply relax by the turquoise-blue water – there’s a spot to suit everyone here.
Panoramabeach in Drobollach
At Panoramabeach in Drobollach – formerly known as Strandbad Drobollach – you can swim in Lake Faaker See with free admission. Families in particular will find everything they need here for a varied day by the water. The child-friendly access to the lake makes it easy to get into the water, whilst various play equipment and the 102-metre-long water slide provide plenty of entertainment. Those looking for a more leisurely experience will find plenty of space to relax and sunbathe on the spacious sunbathing lawn. A modern restaurant on site is available for refreshments throughout the day. Free Wi-Fi is also available. In addition, there is a boat hire service as well as tennis and volleyball courts. Thanks to a lift at the western jetty and suitable car parks, Panoramabeach is even accessible for people with disabilities.
Greenbeach Tschebull
You can also swim for free at Greenbeach Tschebull, formerly known as Tschebullbad, in Egg. The sunbathing lawn offers plenty of space to relax, whilst a table tennis table provides a bit of variety. This freely accessible bathing spot is particularly easy to reach on foot or by bike.
Sunsetbeach Lido in Egg
If you like to keep your day at the beach active, you’ll be in good hands at Sunsetbeach Lido in Egg. On the large sunbathing lawn, you’ll find sunny spots as well as a few shaded areas. Children can let off steam at the water playground with its water mushroom and play tower. At the kayak centre, you can hire SUP boards, pedalos, kayaks and canoes, amongst other things. Various courses and guided tours are also on offer. Access to the lido, the toilet facilities and the entry point to the lake are all wheelchair-accessible. There are only a few parking spaces directly at the lido, but there is a large free car park just a 5-minute walk away.
Finkenstein Municipal Lido
If you’re looking to spend a classic day at the beach with plenty of space and a variety of leisure activities, the Faak am See Municipal Lido is the perfect place for you. On the large sunbathing lawn, numerous trees provide pleasant shade even on hot summer’s days. Children can let off steam in the playground. For a bite to eat or a drink, there’s a lakeside restaurant right at the lido.
The Sandbank
The Sandbank in Faak am See is a real hidden gem. The lido owes its name to the material that the Worounitzabach stream has washed up over time. Today, families and those seeking peace and quiet will find a lovely spot here for a relaxing day by the water. Sun loungers and parasols can be hired on site. A self-service restaurant is available for a bite to eat.
Strandbad Walter
At Strandbad Walter in Faak am See, a well-maintained 1,500-square-metre sunbathing lawn awaits you right by the turquoise-blue water. The youngest visitors can let off steam in the small playground. Pedalos are also available on site for trips out onto the lake. In the white beach pavilion, you can enjoy chilled drinks, light snacks, coffee and homemade cakes. The lido is open during the summer months, weather permitting.
Enjoy water sports in peace and quiet
What makes Lake Faaker See so special is that motorboats with internal combustion engines are not permitted here. So if you’re looking to combine peace and quiet with gentle water sports on holiday, you’ll find ideal conditions here. The water warms up to a pleasant 24 degrees in summer. With the right kit, such as a wetsuit, you can even enjoy adventures on the lake well beyond the summer months.
In addition to swimming, activities such as stand-up paddling (SUP), kayaking, canoeing, sailing and rowing are very popular.
Hiking, cycling and climbing
The region around Lake Faak is a true Eldorado for active vacationers. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the diverse nature. There are routes for every taste, from long-distance hiking trails such as the famous Alpe-Adria-Trail to gentle short hikes on the Slow Trails right by the lake, which take you to the most enchanting and lesser-known places.
You can enjoy the most beautiful views of the turquoise lake and the surrounding mountains of the Karawanken with the majestic Mittagskogel on tours to the Taborhöhe, the Baumgartnerhof or directly from the Mittagskogel.
Cyclists also get their money’s worth. Whether leisurely tours along the Drau or on stages of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path for leisure cyclists, exciting single trails and pump tracks near the lake for mountain bikers; there is something for everyone here. Practical cycle buses make it easy to get to more distant starting points.
Those who love heights can discover new perspectives while climbing. The Kanzianiberg, one of the largest climbing areas in Carinthia, is located in the immediate vicinity of Lake Faak. Climbing enthusiasts will find a variety of bouldering routes, multi-pitch routes and various via ferrata options here. The nearby via ferrata Rotschitza-Klamm is considered one of the most beautiful in Carinthia and offers a spectacular view of the turquoise water. The forest rope park on the Taborhöhe offers climbing fun for families.
Variety for families
Lake Faaker See and its surroundings offer the perfect setting for a varied family holiday. These include the lovingly designed family adventure trails “Fuchsfährte” and “Woroun auf der Spur” in Drobollach, where the little ones can playfully discover nature. A visit to the organic citrus garden, which is barrier-free and suitable for baby carriages, also offers an exciting, feel-good experience for the whole family.
Excursion destinations around Lake Faak
The holiday region around Lake Faaker See offers a wealth of top destinations for day trips. Just a 10-minute drive away is the Landskron Castle Eagle Arena, where you can experience birds of prey up close in impressive flight shows. An unforgettable experience for young and old. Also just 10 minutes away is the Rosegg animal park, where you can observe over 300 animals, including lynx, ibex, wolf and bison, on an area of around 30 hectares. Strolling through the grounds together makes for a great family experience.
Another attraction about 10 minutes away is the Villach Alpine Road, which leads to the Dobratsch summit. The drive itself offers wonderful views, which open up more and more towards the top. At the end of the road, you can take an easy hike up the 2,166-metre-high Dobratsch, which offers a unique panorama over large parts of Carinthia. There are also playgrounds, viewing platforms and small circular hiking trails along the alpine road.
Immerse yourself in history at the Frög Celtic World, also just a 10-minute drive from the lake. Here, the myth of the Hallstatt period around 3,000 years ago comes to life. An archaeology park with faithful replicas, burial mounds and exhibitions in the museum reveal the way of life at that time. The “Totenwagen” and the “Totenschatz” are particularly well known.
Terra Mystica and Terra Montagna in the old mine in Bad Bleiberg, around 15 minutes from Lake Faak, offer an exciting underground experience. Two exhibitions immerse you in the fascination of mining. Highlights include the longest miner’s slide in Europe, a train ride through a tunnel and a shaft elevator.
A special highlight in summer is the Faaker farmers’ market. It takes place every Thursday from May to September (with the exception of European Bike Week). Centrally located on the market grounds in the village of Faak am See, it is a popular meeting place for young and old. For 30 years, the market has not only offered agricultural products, but also handmade souvenirs from craft and art stalls. You can sample bacon bread, honey schnapps, apple juice and many other Carinthian specialties in a pleasant atmosphere.
An extra tip for hot days is the Malta High Alpine Road. Although around 45 minutes away, it is well worth the drive up to over 2,000 meters above sea level, where there is usually a cool breeze. At the end, the 200-metre-high Kölnbreinsperre, Austria’s highest dam with a walkable dam and a skywalk for the brave, awaits.
Nature combines with culinary delights
The nature around Lake Faak is characterized by the imposing backdrop of the Karawanken mountains with the Mittagskogel in the south. The western shore of the lake is largely untouched and overgrown with reeds. Forests, meadows and mountains invite you to explore. Villages such as Drobollach and Egg nestle on the lake shore or on the slopes of the surrounding hills, from where you have a breathtaking view of the lake.
After an eventful day’s holiday, there are plenty of inns, cafés and restaurants around the lake where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Discover traditional Carinthian delicacies or international cuisine. The nearby town of Villach complements the culinary offerings with many restaurants and city center eateries.
How to reach the Lake
The region around Lake Faak is strategically located. You can reach the Faaker See very easily via the Südautobahn and the B84. The “Villach-Faaker See” exit on the A2 is an important access route. The lake is close to the town of Villach. Lake Wörthersee is also nearby. Within the region you can use special bus lines, and with the Erlebnis CARD you can even travel free of charge on all suburban trains in Carinthia as well as certain bus lines such as the Naturpark Dobratsch Bus and the Radsprinter.
Holidays in the region
Would you like to experience the beauty of Lake Faak and explore the region? Then the Hotel Goldenes Lamm in Villach is the ideal address for you. Our four-star hotel is located in the beautiful old town of Villach, close to the course of the Drau. From here you can reach Lake Faak and the surrounding sights in just a few minutes. The location in Villach’s old town makes our hotel a popular starting point for excursions, culinary journeys of discovery and exploratory tours through the town and region.
A holiday at Lake Faaker See leaves you with lasting memories. Whether you want to be active, relax or experience culture – you’ll find the perfect mix here.

