Carinthia’s warm lakes: Ossiach and Wörthersee
Swimming lakes, a peninsula church and a castle of fourteen gates, between Villach and Klagenfurt.
- Distance
- 72 km (45 mi)
- Driving
- 0 h 60 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Austria
- Updated
- July 30, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 72 km (45 mi) with 7 stops, from Villach to Hochosterwitz Castle. About 0 h 60 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Austria
Route description
Villach, on the Drau, is a lively town with thermal baths just south. The Landskron ruin stands above Lake Ossiach, a quieter lake for swimming and camping, where the birds-of-prey shows are a favourite with children.
Drive east to the Wörthersee, one of the warmest alpine lakes, with water temperatures often in the mid-20s in summer. Velden is the smart resort at the western end; follow the south shore road to Maria Wörth, where the church on its peninsula is the most photographed view in Carinthia.
Climb the Pyramidenkogel tower for a panorama of the lakes and the Karawanks, then continue to Klagenfurt, the state capital, with its Lindwurm dragon fountain and the Minimundus miniature park. Swimming beaches (called Strandbad) charge entry but have lawns and changing rooms.
Finish north-east of Klagenfurt at Hochosterwitz, a castle on a rock reached through fourteen gates. The lakes are busy in July and August; June and September are warm but calmer, and plenty of campsites line the shores.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Villach
Austria - 25 km
Landskron Castle
HistoryVillach, AustriaA castle ruin above Lake Ossiach with birds-of-prey shows and a monkey park on the same hill. The view takes in Villach and the Julian Alps.
- 315 km
Velden am Wörthersee
Austria - 412 km
Maria Wörth
HistoryMaria Wörth, AustriaTwo churches on a small peninsula in the Wörthersee, one of Carinthia’s most photographed views. Parking is tight in summer, so arrive early.
- 52 km
Pyramidenkogel Tower
ViewsKeutschach am See, AustriaA 100 m timber observation tower above the Wörthersee with views to the Karawanks. Children love the long enclosed slide back down.
- 616 km
Klagenfurt
Austria - 723 km
Hochosterwitz Castle
HistorySankt Georgen am Längsee, AustriaA castle on a limestone crag reached through 14 gates along a winding path. An inclined lift saves the climb.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Villach → Velden am Wörthersee · 20 km · 0 h 16 minOn the way: Landskron Castle.Overnight nearby, for example: APOS Golf Stellplatz für Wohnmobile (1 km); EuroParcs Wörthersee (5 km).
- Day 2: Velden am Wörthersee → Klagenfurt · 30 km · 0 h 25 minOn the way: Maria Wörth, Pyramidenkogel Tower.Overnight nearby, for example: Campingplatz Klagenfurt am Wörthersee (4 km); Camping Reichmann (8 km).
- Day 3: Klagenfurt → Hochosterwitz Castle · 23 km · 0 h 19 minOvernight nearby, for example: Ferienzentrum Süd (20 km); Am Messeparkplatz (19 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Carinthia’s warm lakes: Ossiach and Wörthersee?
3-day road trip of about 72 km (45 mi) with 7 stops, from Villach to Hochosterwitz Castle. About 0 h 60 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Carinthia’s warm lakes: Ossiach and Wörthersee?
We suggest 3 days: about 0 h 60 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Carinthia’s warm lakes: Ossiach and Wörthersee start and end?
It starts in Villach and ends in Hochosterwitz Castle.
Which countries does Carinthia’s warm lakes: Ossiach and Wörthersee pass through?
Austria.
Where can you camp along Carinthia’s warm lakes: Ossiach and Wörthersee?
OpenStreetMap lists 69 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Gerli, campingbeach and Camping Arneitz.
When is the best time for Carinthia’s warm lakes: Ossiach and Wörthersee?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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