Nature, sport & culture in a triad of balance

Gerlitzen Alpe and Lake Ossiacher See

The Gerlitzen Alpe and the lake Ossiacher See combined nature, sport and culture like no other adventure region in Carinthia. The nearness to the Drau town of Villach, the cultural highlights around the lake Ossiacher See and the Gerlitzen Alpe - a mountain for everyone- guarantee a fantastic and eventful holiday in this region.

That's what makes this region so special

Enjoying nature: From the lake to the summit or vice versa - you have to find so much natural diversity first.
A wealth of experiences: From water to air and back again - everything is possible in this adventure region.
Experience culture: The CMA in Ossiach Abbey or the Domenig Steinhaus make culture within reach.

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Water sports

Between resting pulse and adrenalin in the blood: both are possible on lake Ossiacher See. The motorboats pull wakeboarders and waterskiers behind them and you can see people on the shores going for a SUP ride. Lake Ossiacher See is also a popular destination for fishing and windsurfing, which is a real speciality in Carinthia.

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Nature experience fishing

The crystal-clear lakes and rivers in the Villach region are a paradise for anglers. Whether it's quiet fishing by the lake, exciting drills in impressive rivers or relaxed fly fishing - whether you are a hobby or sport angler, we have the right thing for you. With a little patience and skill, you can land some truly impressiv catches, from huge pike and magnificent carp to mighty huchen from the Drau.

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Stand-up-Paddling & kayaking

Explore the lakes and rivers of our vacation region on your own and discover them up close - the best way to do this is with a stand-up paddle (SUP) or a kayak. Enjoy the peace and quiet and explore hidden bays and beautiful shorelines from a different perspective. Whether you have your own equipment or hire it from one of the numerous rental stations on spot, you can easily try out paddling or kayaking and discover the region's special places.

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All Lakes at a Glance

The lake of Villach Region - Faaker See - Ossiacher See are veritable treasures. Their crystal clear and squeaky clean water is tempting for swimmers and bathers. If however, you prefer to enjoy the lakes from on land, then the cycle and hiking tours around the lakes are perfect.

All Lakes at a Glance

Details

Hiking

The hiking options on the Gerlitzen Alpe and lake Ossiacher See are as varied as the green colours of the surrounding area. Sporty tours lead to the Gerlitzen Alpe, the Alpe Adria Trail, the Verditz or the Wöllaner Nock, where fit mountain foxes get their fill, but moderate hut hikes are also possible. For relaxed hikers, there are Slow trails or the Burgherrenrunde.

Medium

Finsterbach Waterfalls

Nature adventure path

2,42 km

01:00 h

185 m

698 m

518 m

Closed

Details

Hard

Ossiacher Gorge Path

Nordic Walking

6,72 km

01:40 h

481 m

963 m

518 m

Open

Details

Easy

Traumbogen Höhenrundweg

Hiking Trail

4,24 km

01:30 h

152 m

1908 m

1791 m

Details

Easy

Landskron Castle - Burgherrenrunde

Nature adventure path

3,68 km

01:30 h

182 m

181 m

772 m

623 m

Open

Details

Medium

Sassler circular route

Nature adventure path

10,98 km

04:00 h

660 m

1009 m

514 m

Details

zum Tourenportal

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Paragliding

The Gerlitzen Alpe offers paragliding enthusiasts an ideal flying area with an impressive panorama over Lake Ossiach and the mountains. Thanks to the easy accessibility with the Gerlitzen cable cars, both beginners and experienced pilots can experience the fascination of paragliding. Tandem flights also provide a safe and fascinating flying experience for beginners and children.

more about paragliding

Cycling & Mountainbiking

Barely any other lake is more popular for cycling round than the lake Ossiacher See in Carinthia. Even little cyclists can manage this 2- to 3-hour round trip. At the Ossiach Trail Centre and in the Ossiacher Tauern mountains, mountain bikers of all ages can prove their talent on the pedals. If you run out of energy in between, numerous cafés and restaurants along the riverside roads invite you to stay and relax.

Medium

Ossiacher Tauern Route - No.12

Mountainbiking

13,04 km

02:00 h

435 m

455 m

903 m

510 m

Closed

Details

Medium

Lake Ossiach cycle path - R2 and R2A

Cycling

28,27 km

01:45 h

61 m

538 m

503 m

Details

Medium

E-Bike Route Ossiach - Velden - No. 11

E-Bike

17,99 km

02:30 h

612 m

670 m

1003 m

452 m

Closed

Details

Medium

Prefelnig route - No. 10

Mountainbiking

11,26 km

01:45 h

304 m

812 m

508 m

Closed

Details

Easy

Alban Berg Trail - T78

Mountainbiking

1,42 km

00:08 h

2 m

110 m

615 m

522 m

Closed

Details

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Mountainbiking

Carinthia, the region of lakes and beautiful mountains, lies close to the Italian and Slovenian borders. The mountain bike or road bike tours, the unique combination of mountains and lakes, the tasty Carinthian cuisine and the influences of the neighbouring countries Italy and Slovenia all make an active holiday in Carinthia an unforgettable experience.

Three macaques are sitting on a wooden railing in the forest. One of the monkeys is eating something while the others watch attentively.

Abenteuer Affenberg

ÖZIV zertifiziert

place of excursions for families/children

Qualitätssiegel Kärnten

Landskron

+43 664 411 85 40

Details

An illustrated map of the Family Forest showcases various attractions such as playgrounds, climbing paths, and animal experiences. The map is colorful and inviting for families.

Familywald Ossiacher See

adventure park

adventure sports

place of excursions for families/children

Ossiach

+43 664/56 32 120

Details

A family is walking on a wooden dock to an excursion boat called "Ossiach". In the background, mountains and a clear sky can be seen.

Ossiacher See boat trip

boat trips

place of excursions for families/children

Ossiach

+43 699 15 077 077

Details

A person swings on a zip line through a green forest. The trees are tall and dense, creating an adventurous atmosphere.

Kletterwald Ossiacher See

climbing wall/fixed rope route

climbing/sport climbing/rock climbing

Qualitätssiegel Kärnten

Ossiach

Details

Adventurepark Gerlitzen

adventure park

adventure sports

climbing wall/fixed rope route

Kanzelhöhe

Details

Climbing & via ferrata

Climbing enthusiasts can also enjoy a unique experience in the Gerlitzen Alpe & Ossiacher See region. The Climbing park "Peterlewand", the Kanzelhöhe adventure arena at the middle station or the Family and climbing forest in Ossiach are popular excursion destinations for the whole family. In midsummer, these climbing paradises in the forest are also a great way to cool off in hot temperatures.

Climbing around Villach

The vacation region Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See offers a variety of climbing opportunities that will introduce you to the south of Carinthia from a completely new perspective. Whether you are a bouldering beginner or an experienced sport climber - an unforgettable experience is guaranteed in the climbing hall or the climbing gardens on the Kanzianiberg, the Peterlewand, in Arnoldstein and in Villach. The region also has numerous exciting routes for via ferrata enthusiasts.

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Family & climbing forest Ossiacher See

Yes, you read correctly. You can expect action, adrenalin and unlimited fun for all the family in the Familywald Ossiacher See (Family Forest Lake Ossiach). You can climb tree houses, master hanging bridges and explore spectacular treetop platforms in a woodland area of over 30,000 m2. Best of all, Familywald Ossiacher See will thrill everyone – from the youngest child to the grandparents.

Adventure Park Gerlitzen

At the middle station of Gerlitzen Alpe, a range of attractions awaits the whole family. Driven by gravity, one can flit down the secured ski piste on the Pistenflitzer mountain karts - the ultimate driving fun for all ages. The new summer tubing offers high-class sliding fun - down the piste with an inflatable tyre.

Adventure Park Gerlitzen

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Culture at lake Ossiacher See

Anyone who goes on holiday in the region Gerlitzen Alpe and lake Ossiacher See will not only enjoy beautiful nature and a wide range of sporting activities, but also many cultural highlights. Concerts at the Carinthian Summer, a tour of the Domenig Steinhaus or a visit to the Ossiach Abbey with the CMA, the competence centre for music and culture lovers.

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Ossiach Abbey

The Benedictine monastery of Ossiach, founded by the Bavarian Count Ozi and his wife Irgenburgis, was established directly on the shores of Lake Ossiach over 1000 years ago - since 1996 the monastery has been owned by the state of Carinthia.

Craft market at lake Ossiacher See

Heidi and Jean Luc Lenoble have been organising the largest and probably one of the most popular craft markets in Austria for more than 30 years. With participants from 10 countries, around 130 exhibitors and more than 40,000 visitors a year, the craft market in Ossiach is also one of the most important markets in Austria. Rating: Well worth seeing!

Domenig Steinhaus

The Stone House at lake Ossiacher See was the pinnacle of the work of the world-renowned architect Günther Domenig, demonstrating the innovative strength in his projects. Here, his ideas of design, technology and typology are combined, making the Steinhaus an architectural biography in form.

Domenig Steinhaus

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Winter on Lake Ossiacher See

Beginners and pros alike can make their turns on the perfectly groomed slopes on 34 runs. The Gerlitzen Alpe ski center, directly above Lake Ossiach, is only a few minutes' drive from Villach or the freeway and offers a magnificent panorama, rustic huts and ski tour or snowshoe routes. Skiing is by no means the only winter sport in the Gerlitzen Alpe and Lake Ossiach adventure region. Ski tours, winter walks and snowshoe hikes are possible on the north side of the Gerlitzen Alpe, in Arriach, throughout the winter. For tobogganing fun on the Gerlitzen Alpe, mobile toboggans can be rented directly from the ski school. Ice skating is possible during public hours in the Ossiacher See Halle in Steindorf.

Ski centre Gerlitzen Alpe

Powder and piste fun are back in season. A glance up reveals: Mother Hulda is doing her job really well, having cloaked the whole mountain massif in a wintery new snowy dress. Gerlitzen Alpe is considered THE top family ski resort in Carinthia and is the only certified ski centre for families with children, as well as beginners.

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Winter Hiking

For those who wish to go on hikes even in winter, the Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See region offers a range of possibilities. In particular, Dreiländereck, Gerlitzen Alpe and the Dobratsch nature reserve will entice you with breathtaking backdrops and picturesque winter landscapes. It offers everything from introductory tours to peak conquering.

Ski touring

The most beautiful peaks of the Villach region. That is the charm of ski touring: conquering a panoramic view away from the maintained pistes in pristine nature, under your own steam on skis to the most beautiful high viewing points of the region. The sun slowly rises and conjures unique silhouettes onto the glittering white slopes.

Cross-country skiing

Freshly groomed and perfectly prepared - the cross-country ski trail network in the Villach region is inspiring! Whether short or long, leisurely or challenging - every cross-country skiing fan will find the perfect trail here. Clear winter air, breathtaking panoramas and the best conditions make every lap a pleasure.

Ice skating

Ice season in the Villach region. Put your hat and gloves on, pack your ice skates - good times for enthusiastic skaters at the heart of Carinthia. Whether with the family, for romantic hours as a couple or a hockey match with friends: ice skating belongs to the winter like ice cream to the summer. The lake with the most assured ice in the region is lake Aichwaldsee.

Sledging

On your sledge, get set, go! Sledging is fun for the whole family in the Villach region. Experience grandiose descents over the wild hills of Dobratsch. Whether leisurely or fast, you will flit across open glades or along romantically snowy forest paths. Enjoyable sledging makes a fun change rom a sporty skiing day.

Erlebnis CARD winter

With the Erlebnis CARD Winter, which is provided free of charge by all participating hosts in the region, winter fun made perfect. Cold bathing on lake Ossiacher See, a photo walk through the natural jewel of the Bleistätter Moor or ice skating with the whole family in the Ossiacher See hall show why the Gerlitzen Alpe and the lake Ossiacher See region is the place to go for all snow lovers, especially in winter.

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Advent in Ossiach Abbey

From December 5th to 8th 2025, the very first Advent will transform Ossiach Abbey into a sparkling Christmas wonderland — best enjoyed with the whole family.Experience atmospheric music, magical Christmas stories and culinary delights in a unique atmosphere.