Lakes in Villach Area
Lake Ossiach, the largest lake in the Villach region, is located north of the city center and offers stunning views of Gerlitzen Mountain and the Ossiach Tauern mountain range. It is popular for water sports, cycling, hiking, and fishing. The lake also hosts cultural events and festivals, such as the Carinthian Summer Music Festival at the abbey of Stift Ossiach. The Landskron Castle, a medieval fortress, is also located on Lake Ossiach.
Lake Faak, the southernmost lake in Austria, is known for its turquoise color and clear water, making it ideal for swimming, boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. The lake is also famous for hosting the European Bike Week, the largest motorcycle rally in Europe. The lake has a scenic cycle path that connects to other routes in the region.
Afritzer See, a natural lake in the Gegend Valley in the Nock Mountains, is known for its tranquility, beauty, and rich biodiversity. It is home to many species of fish, birds, butterflies, and plants, and is a great spot for hiking, biking, and skiing. The lake has a lido, camping site, and restaurant facilities for visitors.
Aichwaldsee, a small lake with a clear blue color and sandy beach, is only a kilometer away from Lake Faak. It has a playground, volleyball court, and barbecue area for recreation. St. Leonharder See, a recreational lake near Villach, is a favorite destination for families and children due to its shallow depth and pleasant temperature. The lake has a large lawn, diving platform, slide, raft, and pedal boat rental for fun and adventure.
Silbersee, a convenient lake next to the Drau cycle path, is suitable for beach volleyball, swimming, fishing, and boating, and has a beautiful view of Dobratsch mountain. Magdalenen See, a quiet lake located three kilometers from Villach city center, offers a peaceful atmosphere and is perfect for swimming, fishing, and rowing.
Vassacher See, a serene lake surrounded by forest and natural beauty, is a protected area for wildlife and plants. It is a great place for swimming, fishing, and walking, and has a lido, kiosk, and parking lot. The lake is also a historical site, having been the location of a Roman settlement and a medieval castle.
Wernberger Badesee, a fun lake near Föderlach, is perfect for families with a children’s play area, volleyball court, and 65-meter-long water slide. It also features a sandy beach, sun terrace, and restaurant for comfort and convenience.
These nine lakes in the Villach region offer a variety of activities and attractions for visitors, providing a relaxing, adventurous, or cultural experience.
Lake Faak
Lake Faak, also known as Faaker See, is situated just seven kilometers southeast of Villach. It boasts dimensions of 2.6 kilometers in length and 1.7 kilometers in width, with its clear turquoise waters flowing into the River Gail. The lake is nestled at the base of the 2,143-meter-tall Mittagskogel and enjoys a typical summer temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, making it a favored spot for sunbathers.
Renowned for its stunning turquoise color and exceptional clarity, Lake Faak is popular among swimmers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Fishing opportunities abound, with various species such as Whitefish, Carp, Pike, Wels, and Zander available for anglers.
The annual European Bike Week adds to the lake’s allure, attracting visitors with its exciting events and activities. Lake Faak offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, horseback riding, climbing, walking, and cycling. Its charming surroundings feature numerous resorts, motels, restaurants, camping areas, and picnicking spots, catering to the diverse interests of visitors seeking relaxation and outdoor adventures amidst the serene beauty of Lake Faak.
Lake Ossiach
Lake Ossiach, also known as Ossiacher See, is a captivating body of water situated just 10 kilometers northeast of Villach. Spanning 11 kilometers in length and one kilometer in width, with depths reaching up to 47 meters, it ranks as Carinthia’s third-largest lake, following the Wörther See and the Millstätter See.
The lake’s natural beauty is accentuated by its peaceful shorelines, set against a backdrop of majestic alpine mountains. It offers a blend of Mediterranean and alpine climates, creating an inviting environment for visitors.
As a prominent tourist destination in the region, Lake Ossiach boasts a plethora of amenities, including cafes, hotels, and establishments spread across the five main towns surrounding its waters. Its warm waters and scenic surroundings have made it a popular holiday spot, attracting visitors to its charming lakeside communities.
The lake provides ample opportunities for water activities such as rowing, waterskiing, sailing, and windsurfing, complemented by forested slopes and rocky peaks, notably the Ossiacher Tauern in the south. Moreover, Lake Ossiach offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities, with well-marked paths for exploration.
Overall, Lake Ossiach stands as a picturesque destination offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and amenities, making it a sought-after destination for tourists seeking relaxation and adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of Carinthia.
Lake Aichwaldsee
Lake Aichwaldsee is a natural lake covering approximately 7.7 hectares with a maximum depth of 6.5 meters. Fed by underground springs and connected to Lake Faak, it offers excellent water quality suitable for swimming, fishing, boating, and relaxation. Surrounded by lush forests and meadows, the lake provides a tranquil and picturesque environment.
Abundant wildlife, including ducks, swans, frogs, and various fish species such as carp, pike, perch, and tench, inhabits the lake. Fishing is permitted with the proper license, obtainable from the local fishing club or Gasthof Aichwaldsee, an inn offering accommodation and traditional cuisine.
Accessible by car, bike, or foot from Finkenstein am Faaker See, approximately 4 kilometers away, the lake features amenities such as parking, a public beach with facilities like changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a playground. Open from May to September, the beach charges a small entrance fee. Additionally, private beaches and jetties owned by holiday home and apartment owners line the shore.
Popular among locals and tourists, especially during summer when temperatures can reach 25°C, Lake Aichwaldsee hosts events like the annual Lake Aichwaldsee Festival, featuring live music, food, and fireworks. It also serves as a starting point for hiking and biking trails leading to nearby attractions like Dobratsch Nature Park and Gerlitzen Alpe.
Lake Silbersee
Lake Silbersee, also known as Lake Silber, is a natural lake located approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Villach, nestled at the foot of the Dobratsch mountain. Covering an area of about 6 hectares with a maximum depth of 12 meters, it is fed by underground springs and feeds into the Gail river.
Named for its silvery appearance caused by sunlight reflecting off its clear water, Lake Silbersee is surrounded by lush forests and meadows, offering a serene setting for visitors. It hosts various fish species such as carp, pike, perch, and trout.
A popular destination year-round, especially in summer, Lake Silbersee provides numerous activities including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and camping. Amenities include a public beach with a wooden pier and playground, along with a restaurant and snack bar. Additionally, private cottages and guesthouses around the lake offer accommodation and boat rentals.
A key attraction of Lake Silbersee is its panoramic view of the Dobratsch mountain, the highest peak in the Villach Alps at 2,166 meters. Dobratsch Nature Park, accessible by car, bus, or cable car, offers diverse flora, fauna, and geological features, along with hiking trails and viewpoints.
Lake Silbersee represents one of Villach’s hidden gems, inviting visitors to enjoy nature’s beauty and tranquility while partaking in various activities. It encapsulates the town’s charm, offering relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences to all who visit, shining with its silvery light and beckoning guests to explore its wonders.
Other Lakes in Villach Area
Afritzer See
Afritzer See is a natural lake that is located in the Gegend Valley in the Nock Mountains. The lake is known for its tranquility and beauty, as well as its rich biodiversity. The lake is home to many species of fish, birds, butterflies, and plants. The lake is also a great spot for hiking, biking, and skiing, as there are many trails and slopes nearby. The lake has a lido, a camping site, and a restaurant that offer facilities and services for visitors.
St. Leonharder See
St. Leonharder See is a recreational lake that is located just northeast of Villach. The lake has a shallow depth and a pleasant temperature, making it a favorite destination for families and children. The lake has a large lawn that is ideal for picnicking and playing. The lake also has a diving platform, a slide, a raft, and a pedal boat rental for fun and adventure. The lake is surrounded by meadows and forests that invite visitors to explore and enjoy nature.
Magdalenen See
Magdalenen See is a quiet lake that is located only three kilometers from the Villach city center. The lake is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, and rowing, and has a pier, a jetty, and a boat rental. The lake is also close to the Hauser’s Mostschenke, which is a traditional Austrian restaurant that serves delicious food and drinks.
Vassacher See
Vassacher See is a serene lake that is located by Kumitzberg and Oswaldiberg. The lake is surrounded by forest and natural beauty, and is a protected area for wildlife and plants. The lake is a great place for swimming, fishing, and walking, and has a lido, a kiosk, and a parking lot. The lake is also a historical site, as it was the location of a Roman settlement and a medieval castle.
Wernberger Badesee
Wernberger Badesee is a fun lake that is located near Föderlach. The lake is perfect for families, as it has a children’s play area, a volleyball court, and a 65-meter-long water slide. The lake also has a sandy beach, a sun terrace, and a restaurant that provide comfort and convenience. The lake is suitable for swimming, fishing, and surfing, and has a lifeguard service for safety.
