Situated high above Villach, the Gerlitzen offers unobstructed views of Lake Ossiach, Lake Faak and Lake Wörthersee, making it one of the most beautiful vantage points in Carinthia. At around 1,500 metres above sea level, you can experience impressive sunrises over the lakes and golden sunsets behind the Karawanken mountains. And best of all: in the border triangle, you can be in Italy or Slovenia in less than an hour, perfect for a spontaneous detour across the border. On the Gerlitzen Alpe, you can hit the slopes directly from the resort in winter and enjoy the proximity to Lake Ossiach in summer. 45 kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes, modern lifts and family-friendly slopes make the ski area ideal for beginners and connoisseurs. When the snow melts, the mountain landscape transforms into a paradise for hikers, bikers and swimming enthusiasts. Clear lakes, scenic paths and excursion destinations such as the Dobratsch Nature Park, Landskron Castle and the Carinthian thermal baths provide plenty of variety.
An alpine paradise awaits winter sports enthusiasts in the centre of Carinthia. The Gerlitzen Alpe impresses with 45 kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes, 17 modern lifts and spectacular panoramic views. The clearly laid out ski area impresses with its family atmosphere. Away from the pistes, snowshoe hikes on the Dobratsch and on the Gerlitzen, toboggan runs and ice skating on natural and artificial ice rinks .
The centrepiece of the Gerlitzen Alpe is Schneebärenland, where children and beginners can make their first turns on sunny slopes. Wide pistes, clearly laid out practice areas and highly trained ski instructors make the ski area particularly family-friendly.
Numerous huts and mountain restaurants around the Gerlitzen invite you to take a cosy break. Carinthian specialities such as Kasnudeln, Kaiserschmarrn and apple strudel taste particularly good here. An insider tip is the sunset at the Pacheiner hut with views across the lakes to the Karawanken.
Hardly any other ski area offers such an impressive panorama. From almost every descent, the view opens up over the Carinthian Lake District, the Nockberge mountains and the Julian Alps.
In addition to the groomed pistes, experienced winter sports enthusiasts will find exciting challenges on the Gerlitzen. Marked ski touring routes and around 15 kilometres of freeride areas lead into untouched snowy landscapes.
Seven winter hiking trails lead through the Villach-Ossiacher See region with fantastic views of snow-covered mountains and valleys. When the temperatures are cold enough, Lake Ossiach is transformed into a glistening ice rink for ice skating.
Regardless of the weather, the Villach Alpen Arena offers an artificial ice rink. After a day outdoors, the Kärnten Therme Warmbad-Villach invites you to relax with saunas and soothing warmth.
Lake Ossiach reaches a pleasant 26 degrees in summer and is ideal for swimming, sailing, stand-up paddling or simply relaxing. Families love the circular Kanzel trail, which is suitable for pushchairs, while active holidaymakers discover trails, hikes and bike routes with lake views. Cultural highlights, markets, festivals and short trips to Italy or Slovenia make summer in the border triangle particularly varied.
The Kanzelrundweg trail delights with sweeping views over Lake Ossiach and is even suitable for pushchairs, ideal for leisurely walks at around 1,500 metres above sea level.
A classic for mountain lovers: the ascent from the Bergeralm to the Gerlitzen summit leads through a charming alpine landscape with an impressive variety of plants and viewpoints. If you prefer a more leisurely approach, you can take the summit railway to the top and return to the valley on foot.
The region around Lake Ossiach, Lake Faak and the Gerlitzen Alpe is a real Eldorado for cyclists. The Lake.bike trails offer everything from easy family routes to challenging downhill routes.
The Gerlitzen is one of the most popular flying mountains in Austria. When the thermals are stable, paragliders and hang-gliders glide over Lake Ossiach, an unforgettable sight that the brave can experience for themselves. Local flying schools offer tandem flights and courses.
Lake Ossiach stands for pure summer fun: Swimming, SUP, sailing, boating, fishing or simply enjoying the sun on the shore. Water sports schools around Ossiach, Bodensdorf and Annenheim offer courses and hire options.
Carinthian hospitality is characterised by enjoyment, warmth and genuine down-to-earthness. Whether in a cosy hut on the Gerlitzen or in an inn in the valley, you will encounter regional specialities and the typical southern lightness everywhere. The Carinthian Kasnudel, hand-rolled and with a spicy curd cheese and herb filling, and the sweet Reindling, which is traditionally baked on festive days,are particularly well-known . In summer, alpine huts tempt visitors with homemade cheese and fresh buttermilk, while Villach's gastronomy surprises with its Mediterranean influence.
The largest traditional festival in Carinthia: traditional costumes, music and regional cuisine transform Villach into a colourful celebration at the beginning of August. Dancing, folk music and pure joie de vivre, a must for holidaymakers in Carinthia.
When the fools reign in winter, Villach is upside down. The famous carnival is known far beyond the borders of Carinthia and delights with parades, costumes and a humorous stage programme.
High above Lake Faak, the Burgarena Finkenstein awaits you with its unique ambience. Open-air concerts by international artists and atmospheric summer nights take place here from May to September.
Culinary highlight with Carinthian beef specialities.
large motorbike meeting at the nearby Faaker See, which also attracts visitors from the Villach-Ossiacher See region.
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