Holidays at Lake Ossiach: a fascinating region in the heart of Carinthia

The landscape around Lake Ossiach is a feast for the senses. Nestled between the wooded slopes of the Gerlitzen Alpe in the north and the western foothills of the Ossiacher Tauern in the south, the lake offers a picturesque backdrop for your vacation. Large parts of the lakeshore are under nature and landscape protection, making them a valuable retreat for a diverse flora and fauna.

A special tip for anyone looking for peace and quiet is the Bleistätter Moor in the East Bay. The moor is not only a designated nature reserve, but also the perfect place to slow down and take in the untouched nature on a walk. Observe rare water birds such as the water rail or kingfisher or find out more about the 21 species of fish that live in the crystal-clear waters of the lake, including whitefish and zander. Incidentally, the water is of drinking water quality – ideal for a refreshing dip on warm days

The Ossiacher See region in the heart of Carinthia offers something for everyone: from sports and activities for the whole family to pure relaxation in nature.

The Ossiacher See cycle path R2 is ideal for relaxed tours. This flat, approximately 27-kilometre route leads around the lake and is also suitable for beginners. Along the way, you can expect not only fantastic views of the lake, but also exciting sights such as the historic Ossiach Abbey. For those who like it more sporty, there are more challenging mountain bike routes in the foothills of the Ossiacher Tauern on the southern shore. A flexible bike rental system makes it easy to get started.

The region is a true hiking paradise. The Gerlitzen Alpe, which is part of the famous Alpe-Adria Trail, beckons on the northern shore. You can hike to the summit or take the Kanzelbahn cable car. From the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama that extends far beyond Carinthia.

There are also picturesque trails with great views south of the lake in the Ossiacher Tauern. A special tip for relaxation are the so-called Slow Trails. Four of these short but impressive hiking trails, such as the Slow Trail Bleistätter Moor, invite you to pause and recharge your batteries.

Experience the lake from the water on a boat trip aboard the MS Ossiach or the MS Gerlitze. Discover various places around the lake and enjoy special themed trips in summer.

The Gerlitzen Alpe is considered one of the most beautiful flying mountains in Austria and is a true paradise for paragliders. A tandem flight is also possible without prior knowledge, even for children from the age of 5 (depending on weight). Hover over the magnificent landscape and the glistening lake for around 30 minutes. An unforgettable experience.

The Ossiacher See family forest and climbing forest is a highlight for young and old. Action and adventure await on over 30,000 m², including tree houses, suspension bridges, a climbing forest with over 150 exercises and Austria’s first forest rollercoaster, the “Fly-Line”. There is also a petting zoo. Another fun attraction is the Ossiach summer toboggan run. There are also special offers for families on the Gerlitzen Alpe, such as the “Kinderland Kanzelbahn”.

The region also has its charm in winter. The Gerlitzen Alpe is transformed into a ski area with 53 kilometers of pistes. Winter hikes and festive Advent markets on the lakeshore enchant visitors.

Beach resorts and bathing spots

A dip in the clear water is simply part and parcel of a holiday at Lake Ossiach. All round the lake, you’ll find numerous beach resorts and bathing spots with spacious sunbathing lawns, family-friendly swimming areas and a wide range of leisure activities.

Bikebeach in St. Andrä

At Bikebeach in St. Andrä, you can swim in Lake Ossiach with free admission. This family-friendly lido features child-friendly access to the water, a shore area lined with round pebbles and two jetties. On the 1,300-square-metre sunbathing lawn, numerous trees provide natural shade on hot summer days. A beach buffet is available for a bite to eat between activities.

ZIS Lauritsch Lido in Landskron

The ZIS Lauritsch Lido in Landskron is particularly well-suited for a day at the beach with your dog. For four-legged friends, there is a separate, enclosed swimming area with direct access to the lake, as well as a fenced-off dog run. Dogs must be kept on a lead on the sunbathing lawn. A separate area is available for guests without dogs. The self-service snack bar serves regional dishes, light snacks and drinks, which you can enjoy on the lakeside terrace overlooking Lake Ossiach.

Campingbeach in Annenheim

Campingbeach in Annenheim is situated right on the western shore of Lake Ossiach. This beach, which charges an entry fee, is not only open to campsite guests; day visitors are also very welcome. Families will find a dedicated children’s area and a non-swimmers’ area, as well as a playground. Beach volleyball, football and basketball courts provide a variety of sporting activities. A restaurant, a food truck and a beach shop offer a variety of dining options.

Christa Lido in Annenheim

The small Christa Lido is situated on the northern shore of Lake Ossiach and offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Simple snacks and refreshing drinks are available on site. You can also hire boats and explore Lake Ossiach from the water.

Gerlitzenbad

Gerlitzenbad is situated on the northern shore of Lake Ossiach, between Annenheim and Sattendorf. Tall trees provide natural shade on the spacious sunbathing lawn. You’ll find a children’s paddling area framed by the jetty, a small sandy cove and several places to enter the water. Parasols can be hired on site. At the ‘See la vie’ bistro, you can enjoy pasta, salads, ice cream, coffee and cake, amongst other things, on the lakeside terrace.

Sattendorf Lido

At the Sattendorf Lido, you can swim in Lake Ossiach during the 2026 season with free admission. The 1,000-square-metre sunbathing lawn offers plenty of space to relax, whilst numerous trees provide pleasant shaded spots. You can access the water directly via the approximately 50-metre-long jetty. For a bite to eat or a drink, the snack bar serves a variety of dishes, ice cream and refreshing drinks.

Bodensdorf Lido

At the Bodensdorf Lido, you can swim in Lake Ossiach with free admission. The site, covering around 12,000 square metres, is the largest free public access point on Lake Ossiach. Families can enjoy a varied adventure playground, whilst the mature trees on the sunbathing lawn provide natural shade. The grounds, as well as the changing rooms, showers and toilet facilities, are designed to be accessible. A variety of food and drinks are available on the lakeside terrace.

Steindorf Lido

The Steindorf Lido offers a large sunbathing lawn with shady trees, several jetties and shallow access to the lake for children. Changing rooms, sun loungers, parasols and SUP boards can be hired on site. There is also a children’s playground and a beach volleyball court in the immediate vicinity. The lakeside restaurant and the beach café cater for your culinary needs. The Ossiacher See-Ostbucht and Bleistätter Moor nature reserve, with its walking and cycling trails, begins right next to the lido.

Water Park in Ossiach

The water park in Ossiach offers a variety of water-based fun for the whole family. Special attractions include the 93-metre-long water slide with built-in jumps and a floating iceberg that can be climbed from three sides. A large jetty takes you straight into the lake. A diving board is also available. Two beach volleyball courts and a multi-purpose court for handball and basketball provide further sporting variety. Deckchairs and parasols can be hired on site.

The Ossiacher See – Faaker See – Villach region offers a wealth of attractions to enrich your vacation. Visit the imposing Landskron Castle with its impressive eagle arena and experience majestic birds of prey up close. At the foot of the castle is the Affenberg, where you can observe around 160 Japanese macaques in a large outdoor enclosure.

Discover the picturesque Finsterbach waterfalls on the northern shore of the lake, an insider tip that is particularly popular with families.

The Domenig Steinhaus on Lake Ossiach is a must-see for architecture and culture enthusiasts. This unique building by architect Günther Domenig is now a museum and part of the international Iconic Houses platform.

The nearby city of Villach, which is also home to our four-star Hotel Goldenes Lamm, offers a vibrant city life with a wide range of cultural activities and a lively gastronomic scene. Here you can feel the Carinthian way of life particularly intensely. The proximity to Italy and Slovenia characterizes the region and brings the exciting mixture of Germanic, Romanesque and Slavic culture to life. The modern KärntenTherme spa in Villach-Warmbad is also well worth a visit.

With the Erlebnis CARD or the Kärnten Card you often have free or discounted access to many of these attractions and activities. Ask for it at your accommodation.

You will find a large selection of restaurants and inns around Lake Ossiach. There is a colorful variety in the towns of Ossiach, St. Urban and Bodensdorf, for example. Here the offer ranges from traditional Austrian home cooking to Mediterranean dishes. There is something for every taste. For even more choice and a lively evening life, Villach is always a good address.

Would you like to spend your holiday at Lake Ossiach and enjoy the natural surroundings and the region’s many attractions? Then the four-star Hotel Goldenes Lamm in Villach is the perfect starting point for you. It is located in the beautiful old town of Villach, close to the course of the Drau. From here you can reach Lake Ossiach and the surrounding sights in just a few minutes. The convenient location makes our hotel a popular base for excursions, culinary journeys of discovery and exploring the city and region.

Lake Ossiach is well connected and easy to reach.

By car: From Vienna, take the A2 to the Villach junction and then change to the A10 towards Salzburg as far as the “Villach – Ossiacher See” exit. The journey from Vienna takes about 4 hours.

By train: Take the train from Vienna Central Station to Villach (approx. 4:15 hours). There you change to the S2 in the direction of St. Veit/Glan. After a total of around 5 hours you will reach St. Urban/Ossiacher See station.

A vacation full of unforgettable moments awaits you in the Villach – Faaker See – Ossiacher See region. Come and let yourself be enchanted by the diversity, warmth and beauty of Carinthia! Real experiences await you at every turn.