Summer in Southern Austria – 15+ Epic Things To Do In Carinthia In Summer

Scream all the way down on an alpine rollercoaster

Start your Carinthia adventure with an adrenaline rush by throwing yourself down an Austrian mountain. Literally!

Kaiserburg Bob in Bad Kleinkirchheim is Austria’s most modern alpine rollercoaster. So if you are a thrill seeker, this is for you!

It is a 1.4km long ride, with 26 curves, and a speed of up to 40kms. This has to be the most exciting way to enjoy the incredible views of Bad Kleinkirchheim and the valley. It is certainly one of the most exhilarating things to do in Carinthia. 

Take the cable car to Kaiserburg

For a slower ride where you can enjoy the views in a more traditional way, take the Kaiserburgbahn cable car all the way to 2,055m above sea level.

The views over Bad Kleinkirchheim and St Oswald as you travel up, are truly spectacular.

On the summit you will find plenty of hiking trails from which you can admire the stunning surrounding Nockberge Mountains, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

Wöllaner Nock is even higher at 2,140m above sea level, and is only a short hike from the Kaiserburgbahn station. The 360 degree views are truly breathtaking.

Hike part of the Alpe Adria Trail

Once you’ve reached the top of Kaiserburg and Wöllaner Nock, you can hike part of the Alpe Adria Trail. 

The Alpe Adria Trail is a 750km long distance trail that crosses three countries – Italy, Austria and Slovenia. It has 43 stages, and it’s stage number 17 that goes through Bad Kleinkirchheim and the Nockberge Mountains.

The Nockberge Mountains are one of the highlights of the Alpe Adria Trail, with its soft, rounded mountains, and a very unique flora and fauna. However, as hiking in winter here is not possible, making the most of them in the summer is a must.

You can hike a section of this stage from the Kaiserburgbahn mountain station, over Wöllaner Nock and beyond. From the summit of Wöllander Nock, on a clear day, you can see the Julian Alps in Italy and Slovenia in the distance.

Explore the UNESCO Biosphere Nockberge Mountains

Alternatively, you can explore the Nockberge Mountains on a guided hike with a ranger. 

The Nockberge Mountains has been a UNESCO Biosphere since 2012. The Biosphere is characterised by gentle, rounded mountain tops. The literal translation of Nock is ‘lovely hills’, so it is these rounded mountain tops that give the area its name.

The Biosphere is known for its distinctive flora and fauna, and when you do a guided hike with a ranger you can learn about the unspoilt natural landscape, and identify flora such as speick, a rare flower that is almost exclusively found in the Nockberge Mountains.

Guided hikes take place through the summer, and you can find out more and book your tour here. If you enjoy nature and the outdoors, this is one of the top things to do in Carinthia. 

Unwind in an Austrian sauna at a thermal spa

I have to admit that going to an Austrian sauna was a bit of a culture shock for me. But only initially. 

Austrian sauna etiquette requires you to be naked. Bikinis or swimming costumes are not allowed in saunas for hygiene reasons. So when I visited Therme St Kathrein in Bad Kleinkirchheim, it took me by surprise that saunas were mixed.

It felt a bit awkward at first, but I soon realised that no one really cared, was bothered, let alone looked, so that really helped me feel comfortable and I was able to relax and enjoy the experience.

If you are extremely awkward about being naked, you can always wear a towel, so don’t let that put you off enjoying a sauna session.

However, if this is still a big no-no for you, Therme St Kathrein has plenty of other options to help you unwind. From massage services to thermal water pools and relaxation areas, a visit to an Austrian spa is the perfect end to an active day up in the mountains.

Sleep under the stars in a bivouac 

A bivouac, or biwak, is a small wooden cabin built with sustainable local materials and designed to demonstrate that luxury can come in the form of simplicity.

There are a number of bivouacs near the Lake Millstättersee, all with views over the lake. I stayed at Biwak Quelle, within the grounds of Hotel Alexanderhof in Millstatt. 

Located in a small clearing in the forest, Biwak Quelle sits above the lake and has stunning views over the water. The trees around it provide shade in the sunshine without compromising the view.

When you stay in Biwak Quelle, you will have a gourmet picnic basket delivered. The basket comes with cold, regional specialities, homemade chutneys and spreads, pastries, one bottle of Austrian sparkling wine, and another one of water.

At night, you can gaze at the stars through the panoramic windows. And in the morning you will have a breakfast basket delivered too, so you can start the day with a view while eating on the porch. Or just have breakfast in bed.

Biwak Quelle has everything you need – a comfortable bed, a couple of chairs with a cosy lamb fleece, and a bathroom with running water. There is no shower, but there is a small water tank with a bowl that you can use to wash yourself. It is grand camping after all!

> Book Biwak Quelle in Millstatt here

Walk one of Carinthia’s Slow Trails

Carinthia Slow Trails are paths that have been designed to encourage people to switch off and connect with nature.

There are eleven Slow Trails in Carinthia and they all have views over one of the many lakes in the region.

I walked two of the trails, Slow Trail Südufer and Slow Trail Mirnock. Walking these trails was one of my favourite things to do in Carinthia.

Slow Trail Südufer follows the southern shore of Lake Millstattersee for 4.4km from Seeboden. The tranquil path goes past hidden bays and sandy beaches, where you can go for a dip in the lake. 

There are hammocks along the way to encourage you to slow down and take in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings.

Slow Trail Mirnock is a 3.1km route that offers breathtaking views of Lake Millstättersee. Along the way there are three yoga platforms with panoramic views of the lake and valley so you can sit down, meditate, enjoy a little quiet moment, or simply take in the magnificent landscape.

One of the things I loved on this trail was the Kneipp station, with hand and tread water pools. It’s really invigorating and you will feel like a new person. Try it at the start and at the end of the trail.

Go hyperlocal at a Buschenschank

A Buschenschank is a rustic farmhouse that acts like an inn for a few weeks a year. In other parts of Austria a Buschenschank can also be known as a Heuriger.

Traditionally, a Buschenschank would open their doors to the public to sell any surplus wine from this year’s harvest. Today, they don’t only sell wine, but also food produced in the farm, such as salami, speck, cheese, etc.

Buschechenken or Heurigen are an integral part of Austrian culture, and they tend to be cheerful and welcoming places for any social occasion.

Buschenschank Höfler near Millstatt is one such fantastic place. With magnificent views over the lake, this family-owned business offers Carinthian snacks and regional delicacies from their own farm.

From the cheese and salami, to the cider and apple juice, it is all produced there. The only thing that it’s not their own, it’s the wine. For that, they have partnered with their neighbour, Weinhof Lagger, who has a small vineyard of 1,200 vines.

Tour Lake Millstättersee on an e-bike 

Located in the heart of Carinthia, Lake Millstättersee is known as the Jewel of Carinthia. And the area around the lake is a haven for cycling enthusiasts.

There are plenty of biking routes for all sorts of experience levels and abilities. In fact, cycling is one of the top things to do in Carinthia.

I love cycling but I normally avoid challenging routes. However, I’ve recently discovered how enjoyable these routes can be on an e-bike. So challenging or not, I’m an e-bike convert and I’ll always try and choose this option if available.

With this in mind, I hired an e-bike to do the cycling route around Lake Millstättersee.

The route is 28kms long and takes around 3 hours to complete. I would recommend taking your time and stopping for a swim in one of the lakeside beaches you find along the way.

The terrain is very easy, with the odd hill here and there. But generally, with an e-bike it was great to be able to concentrate on enjoying the ride and the views, rather than the physical effort.

There are a few places in Millstatt where you can hire an e-bike. Alternatively, some hotels have e-bikes available for hire, or they can help you find a rental place.

Explore the amazing viewpoints in Mirnock

As mentioned in my entry about the Slow Trail Mirnock, along this path you will find a number of yoga platforms that will allow you to stop and take in the stunning views over Lake Millstättersee.

Besides these platforms, you will find stunning wooden structures in the shape of a loop, a giant heart-shaped bench and, further down from the trail, the famous ‘Balcony of Stars’ (Sternenbalkon).

Each of these structures is unique and offers a different view of the lake and the valley. Not only are they and the views beautiful, but they offer great photo opportunities too.

You can even hire the ‘Balcony of Stars’ for a sunset picnic with a view. You get a gourmet picnic basket full to the brim with local specialities, including “Mirnockaugen” (farmers’ donut). It’s one of the top things to do in Carinthia if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion.

Relax at a lakeside bathhouse

Carinthia is the land of lakes, and Lake Millstättersee is one of the warmest lakes in Austria, which makes it ideal for swimming, and for relaxing at a lakeside bathhouse.

Bathhouses were first built at many Carinthian lakes in the 19th century, where holiday makers would enjoy the pure waters and warm temperatures of the bathing lakes. 

Much like thermal pools in Iceland, there is a long tradition of bathhouses in the Austrian southernmost region, so visiting one is a must, and one of the best things to do in Carinthia.

Historically, a bathhouse was a place for relaxation, enjoyment and getting together with friends and family. This still stands true today.

Lake Millstättersee Bathhouse (Badehaus Millstätter See) is the perfect place to enjoy this tradition of lakeside wellness. 

The facilities include saunas with lake views, steam rooms, a swimming pool, massage and treatment rooms, relaxation areas, and the most wonderful view over the lake and surrounding mountains. 

Try stand up paddling on Lake Millstättersee 

If you’ve never tried stand up paddling before, the Carinthian Lakes are the perfect place to do it, and in particular Lake Millstättersee. The waters are very calm, and if you were to lose your balance, it is warm.

I’d tried SUP before, a long time ago, on the rough waters of an Indonesian beach. Needless to say, I struggled to stand up so I failed miserably. I’d been wanting to try it again for a long time, but with the right conditions.

So I hired a SUP board and off I went! I paddled all the way to the centre of the lake and I’m happy to report that I did not fall in the water once. Not only that, but I enjoyed it so much I can’t wait to do it all over again.

If SUP is not your thing, there are lots of other watersports that you can try in Millstättersee. Or you can hire a rowing boat instead and go for a relaxing ride.  

Cycle to the natural hidden gem that is Lake Egelsee

For those who enjoy a more challenging ride, why not head uphill and off the beaten path to the natural hidden gem that is Lake Eglesee.

Located on a moor plateau, Lake Eglesee is a small lake that is only reachable via hiking or cycling trails. It is within a protected landscape area, and because getting there requires a little bit of effort, you will likely have the lake to yourself and a handful more people.

Lake Eglesee is a bog lake, so the water is deep brown. However, you can swim in it safely. Some even claim that the boggy brown water is good for the skin and bones.

I only dipped my feet in it because I was wearing a white and yellow swimming costume and it would have turned brown in the dark water. So if you are planning to have a dip, make sure you wear something dark.

Enjoy local food through the Slow Food Villages network

The slow food movement that originated in Italy in the 1980s. This movement inspired the concept of slow travel, which aims to encourage travellers to take a step back from their bucket lists and embrace the local culture and the local communities.

The region of Carinthia has taken this one step further and it has developed a network of Slow Food Villages, which aims to protect and promote villages in rural areas and preserve their gastronomic heritage.

One of the prerequisites to be a Slow Food Village network is that it must have a network of producers and food artisans making good, clean and fair food.

Another requirement is that restaurants and other hospitality businesses must prepare food according to the criteria of the Slow Food Cooks’ Alliance. 

Bad Kleinkirchheim and Millstatt are part of the Slow Food Villages network, and the perfect place to sample traditional Carinthian food.

Carinthian dishes to try are Käsnudeln and Fleischnudeln. They are pasta pockets similar to ravioli stuffed with curd cheese or meat, respectively. 

I tried the Fleischnudeln in Trattlers Einkher, in Bad Kleinkirchheim, and the Käsnudeln in Gasthof Lug ins Land. Both family-run restaurants and, most importantly, both absolutely delicious!

Other Carinthian specialties to try are speck and Jauntaler salami. And if you can try them in the same place where they are produced, even better. A fantastic place to try them is Buschenschake Höfler in Millstatt. 

Visit a Medieval Castle with a dark secret

Sommeregg Castle is a Medieval castle located at the foot of the Nockberge Mountains near Millstatt. It was built in the 12th century and it offers great views of the area.

Every August, Sommeregg Castle turns into a Medieval town. There are medieval games like jousting and a lovely medieval market with trades that have ceased to exist.

But behind the castle façade hides a dark secret. Sommeregg Castle is home to Central Europe’s largest torture museum. This museum is not for the faint-hearted, so I suggest visiting with caution.

One interesting point is that the museum was created in collaboration with Amnesty International, which has a small exhibition within its walls.