Swimming
Public lidos can be found in St. Andrä, Bodensdorf, Steindorf and Annenheim among others – some with lawns, diving boards and a kiosk. Swimming is usually pleasant from June to September.
Dogs are allowed at designated dog beaches but generally not in the public lidos. Ask us where the nearest one is.
The cycle path
The circular route around the lake runs almost entirely level along the shore, linking Annenheim, Sattendorf, Bodensdorf, Steindorf and Ossiach. With children it is the most dependable day plan there is here: flat, shaded, and ice cream every few kilometres.
Water without swimming
Sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, pedalos and electric boats – hire stations are spread around the lake.
Days out that work with children
Landskron Castle: the ruin stands on a rocky cone roughly 135 metres above the lake. In the eagle arena, eagles, falcons, vultures and owls take to the air.
Monkey mountain: Japanese macaques live in a large stretch of forest which visitors walk through with a guide.
Finsterbach waterfalls: above the northern shore the stream drops over several steps – a shaded walk for hot days.
Bleistätt moor: a restored wetland with boardwalks and viewing points. Birds, beavers, bats. Flat and pushchair-friendly.
For adults
Ossiach Abbey on the southern shore, a former Benedictine monastery with a baroque church, is the main venue of the Carinthischer Sommer festival.
In Steindorf stands Günther Domenig's Steinhaus, the best-known work of contemporary Carinthian architecture, listed since 2012 and open to visitors between May and October.
If it rains
The Warmbad thermal spa in Villach, the Terra Mystica and Terra Montana show mines at Bad Bleiberg, Villach's old town and weekly market. Or head up: take the Kanzelbahn from Annenheim to the Gerlitzen – above the cloud there is sometimes sun.
Where you stay
Our Ossiachersee apartment is around 62 square metres for two people, with a 1.80 metre double bed, a bathtub, a separate WC and a balcony with mountain and lake views. On the upper floor of the same house is the Gerlitze apartment with 66 m² for up to three people.
Bed linen and towels are included.
Feeling inspired?
Book your holiday apartment directly with the host – dates and prices appear instantly in the booking calendar. Questions about the article or your trip? We answer personally by email or phone.
