Enjoy water sports in peace and quiet
The special thing about Lake Faak is that no motorboats with combustion engines are permitted here. This ensures wonderful tranquillity and makes it perfect for gentle water sports. The water warms up to a pleasant 24 degrees in summer, inviting you to swim and glide along. The numerous lidos offer bathers ideal places for carefree hours by the water. With the right equipment, such as a wetsuit, you can even enjoy the adventure on the lake well beyond the summer.
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 magical 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 Faak and its surroundings are particularly family-friendly. In addition to the general leisure activities, there are special offers for children and families. 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 experience for the whole family.
Excursion destinations around Lake Faak
There are numerous top excursion destinations around Lake Faak. 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 alone 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.
