Things To Do In Hermagor-Pressegger See
This stunning site will satisfy those seeking nature, winter sports, and culture as well as others. Beautiful surroundings and many of activities for every type of visitor abound at Hermagor-Pressegger See.
Among the most amazing sights in this region is the Nassfeld Ski Resort, which boasts 110km of slopes, 30 lifts, and snow park. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, you can have a blast snowboarding or skiing here. Not far away are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
If you enjoy ice sports, you really cannot miss the Pontebba Ice Skating Rink. At this large indoor complex in the nearby Italian town of Pontebba, skating, ice hockey, and curling are offered. The speed with which one may access by automobile or train will be much appreciated by travellers.
The Weissensee, the highest and biggest natural bathing lake in the Alps, will captivate those who enjoy the outdoors. Perfect for a range of activities, this gorgeous lake—often known as the “Carinthian fjord”—because of its compact form and steep edges is On the lake’s frozen surface in the winter, ice skating, ice sailing, and even ice golf are all feasible alongside swimming, boating, fishing, and summer hiking.
Nearby you will also find the breathtaking gorge known as Garnitzenklamm, created millions of years ago by the Garnitzenbach stream. As you negotiate a maze of narrow passageways, waterfalls, and rock formations on wooden bridges and ladders, amazing beauty appears.
Winter Activities In Hermagor-Pressegger See
Skiing and Snowboarding
Modern ski resort and main attraction for visitors to Austria, Nassfeld Ski Resort is located in Hermagor-Pressegger See. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will find a snow park and more than 110 kilometres of slopes waiting. Apart from that, the resort boasts a ski tunnel connecting two valleys and the longest ski slope in the Alps at 7.6 kilometers. From total newbies to seasoned experts, everyone finds a slope here.
Other choices for those looking for a more challenging and thrilling experience are backcountry ski touring and freeriding. Nature treks allow you to enjoy amazing views of the highlands. Still, you should constantly monitor the forecast and avalanche alerts and follow all safety procedures.
Ice Skating and Curling
For those who would rather glide on ice than snow, the Pressegger See becomes a huge ice rink during the winter. Renting ice skating, curling, or ice hockey will let you enjoy the rink while surrounded by breathtaking landscape. Numerous celebrations and events take place at the lake as well; one of them is the Ice Music Festival, where artists employ ice instruments.
Still another option is skating on Europe’s biggest natural ice surface, the Weissensee. Around 40 kilometers from Hermagor-Pressegger See, this site offers 25 kilometers of groomed ice pathways, ice sailing, and ice diving. Notable for taking place on the Weissensee is the yearly Alternative Dutch Eleven Cities Tour, a speed skating marathon drawing thousands of competitors and viewers.
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
At Hermagor-Pressegger See, you can embark on a snowshoe walk or winter stroll if you prefer to take it easy and take in the winter scenery. From easy to moderate, there is a wide variety of paths and routes to explore. Breathe in the crisp mountain air while gazing at the villages, meadows, and forests blanketed in snow. Here are a few of Hermagor-Pressegger See’s most picturesque winter hikes:
- Radnig – Lurbitschen Rundweg: The Radnig–Lurbitschen Rundweg is a simple loop that winds its way through woods and snowy fields, offering breathtaking views of the Gailtal Alps.
- Tressdorfer Alm – Sonnenalpe Nassfeld: The moderate Tressdorfer Alm – Sonnenalpe Nassfeld route begins in the welcoming mountain hut of Tressdorfer Alm and continues to the sunny plateau of Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, from where you can take in breathtaking views of the Carnic Alps.
- Jenig-Kreuth-Guggenberg-Möschach-Hermagor: Several small towns and villages along the modest Jenig-Kreuth-Guggenberg-Möschach-Hermagor route offer glimpses of the region’s historic architecture and culture.
Other Activities
Hermagor-Pressegger offers a lot of winter sports. See past the ones already mentioned. As a matter of fact, one can:
- Discover the farming, crafts, customs, and folklore that have molded the Gailtal valley over the years by stopping by the Gailtaler Heimatmuseum.
- Thermal spa Aquarena Kötschach-Mauthen offers indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, health treatments, massages, and more.
- Riding the Alpine Coaster, a Toboggan track that throws you off in the valley at speeds of up to 40km/h, from the mountain station in Nassfeld
- Savour some of the regional delicacies, including the sweet yeast cake Reindling topped with raisins and cinnamon or the smoked bacon known as Gailtaler Speck.
Summer Activities In Hermagor-Pressegger See
Lake Presseggersee
This is the main attraction of Austria since this lake is among the cleanest and hottest ones there is. There are lots of spots on the grass or along the rocky shore to soak up some sun; the water is ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, or paddling. Families can find sailing lessons, beach volleyball, mini golf, and several playgrounds among other things. Many different species of flora and animals call the tall belt of reeds encircling the lake home home. Discovering the natural beauty of the lake, the 4.5-kilometer-long circular stroll The Slow Trail goes around and offers great views and explanatory boards.
Hiking and cycling
The area boasts more than 900 kilometers of designated mountain biking and hiking paths as well as more than 1,000 kilometers of paths suitable for hikers of all ability. Discover the various topography of the Julian, Carnic, and Gailtal Alps or cross the border into Italy to vary the pace. Among the several themed trails accessible are the Wulfenia trail, which features an ice-age flower now only present in two sites on Earth, and the stars of the Carnic Milky Way trail and the BergWasser trail. One more choice is to register for guided tours or locate nearby companies using bikes and other equipment.
Adventure and fun
Great choices for anybody looking for thrills and excitement are Adventure Park Nassfeld, the Pendolino, and the longest mountain coaster in Carinthia. The Nassfeld ski resort offers both as well as summertime activities including tobogganing, climbing, and rock maze exploration. Additionally worth trying out is the kilometer-long zip line known as the Flying Fox Mile in Nassfeld Outdoor Park. Among the adventure playgrounds providing fun for the entire family and with local themes are the Fix & Foxi playground, the Seehexe (Lake Witch) playground, and the climbing rocks.
Culture and history
Discover the rich cultural and historical legacy of the area at many monuments, churches, and museums. The Gailtaler Heimatmuseum displays the local history and customs; alternatively, the Museum of the Alpine Dairy Farming shows the cheese-making technique and provides samples. Additionally of appreciation are the Romanesque frescoes of the St. Daniel church and the Gothic architecture of the St. Hermagor parish church. If you enjoy learning about World War I, you might hike the Path of Peace, a trail that winds from Austria to Italy along the former front line.
