Autumn Excursion Destinations in Carinthia
Mountains, Lakes, and Good Food
Cycling through the autumnal colors, paddling across a lake, or riding the summer lifts above a sea of mist: Carinthia enchants in autumn with destinations perfect for relaxation, enjoyment, and outdoor activities.
Swimming Lakes in Autumn
In summer, Carinthia’s popular lakes, including Wörthersee, Ossiacher See, and Pressegger See, warm up to a pleasant 26-27°C. In autumn and winter, the temperatures drop. For the brave-hearted, cold-water swimming spots, like those on Millstätter See, actually offer workshops on how to approach swimming in chilly waters correctly. Not for the faint-of-heart by any means, but most definitely healthy and a boost for the immune system. Plus, due to the endorphins that are released, cold bathing also boosts your happiness levels.
That said, you don't necessarily have to jump straight into the water: you can also enjoy the soothing calm of Carinthia's lakes from on top of the water, too – be that on a stand-up paddleboard or in a rowboat. Alternatively, take in the beauty of the lakes during a peaceful autumn stroll. Rest assured, Carinthia’s lakes are rewarding destinations all year round!
Slow Trails in Kärnten
„Achtsames, langsames Wandern“ ist auf den 20 Slow Trails in Kärnten angesagt. Die Natur mit allen Sinnen erleben, die Ruhe spüren und beim Gehen entspannen. Eintauchen in die großartigen Landschaften rund um die Gewässer Kärntens und Flora und Fauna kennenlernen.
Bei den Slow Trails handelt es sich um kurze, leichte Wanderwege – maximal 10 km lang und mit weniger als 300 Höhenmeter leicht zu bewältigen. Wer auf der Suche nach entschleunigenden Ausflugszielen im Herbst ist, findet sie auf den Kärntner Slow Trails rund um den Pressegger See, am Millstätter See, am Ossiacher See …
Cycling in Autumn
Autumn in Carinthia is also perfect for exploring on two wheels. If you want an extra boost, hop on an e-bike and ride the Carinthian Lakes Loop: a remarkable cycling route that extends for over 400 km, passing by 20 lakes along the way. The route is divided into 8 different stages and traverses 6 Carinthian holiday regions. Always before your eyes: the glorious landscapes of water and mountains.
The Gailtal Cycle Path is especially popular with families. It spans roughly 90 km on its way from Kötschach-Mauthen through Hermagor to Villach, following the river downstream with no steep climbs to contend with and mostly on car-free, paved roads. Along the way, interesting destinations like Garnitzen Gorge, Pressegger See, and Möderndorf Castle with its local history museum are all worth making a stop. And definitely don’t miss out on the delicious cakes and pralines sold at Konditorei Semmelrock in the center of Hermagor!
Summer Lifts in Carinthia
Good planning is essential when it comes to hiking in autumn! Be sure to check the operating hours of the cable lifts and mountain huts along your planned route. Autumn is off-season in the mountains of Carinthia, so not all destinations and restaurants are open on a daily basis.
These summer cableways close to our Carinthian ALPS RESORTS will help you ascend the first vertical meters effortlessly until the end of October:
- Gerlitzen Alpe on Ossiacher See: open daily until 5.10. and from 25.10. until 2.11.2025
- Nassfeld: open whenever the Madritschen chairlift, Gartnerkofel chairlift and Millenium Express are running.
- Turracher Höhe: Panoramabahn and Nocky Flitzer until 2.11.2025
Burg Landskron with Monkey Mountain and Eagle Arena
Burg Landskron on Ossiacher See is an exciting destination for the whole family until well into the autumn months:
- Eagle Arena: A birds of prey station with some 20 different species and flight demonstrations, teaching audiences about the animals' habits and behaviors. Open until the end of October.
- Monkey Mountain: On 4 hectares of grounds, around 170 Japanese macaques live just like in the wild and can be visited during guided tours. Open until early November.
- Lord of the Castle Loop: This 1.5-hour hike provides fascinating insights into the castle’s history, passes the so-called Maiden’s Leap, and treats you to views of the Ossiacher See and Gerlitzen.
- Good Food: Looking for hearty local fare or fine dining? You'll find both at Burg Landskron. Please check restaurant opening hours on the castle's website.
Country Fairs and Farmers’ Markets
Of course, local culture and cuisine aren’t overlooked in Carinthia either! A visit to one of the many traditional folk festivals and farmers' markets should definitely be on the to-do list for your autumn visit to Carinthia. At the various regional festivities, you will be able to enjoy popular specialties such as Reindling, Carinthian Kasnudeln, or Kirchtagskrapfen. The farmers' markets offer homemade delicacies to take home with you or as a Carinthian-style snack to be enjoyed back at your holiday apartment.
One highlight and truly delectable autumn destination is the Cheese Festival in Kötschach-Mauthen, taking place at the end of September (27./28.9.2025). The undisputed star of the show is the award-winning Gailtal Almkäse cheese, with Austrian and international cheese producers all presenting their specialties. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional parade, a colorful array of children's activities, and live musical entertainment.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Destinations in Carinthia
Autumn weather in Carinthia can be quite mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C. Evenings and nights are often cool, and there might be rain. However, the colorful leaves and crisp air make this season especially appealing.
Some cableways in Carinthia do indeed remain open during the autumn months, particularly on weekends and holidays. Please check operating times posted on the various lift websites in advance. Also remember to doublecheck the opening hours of mountain huts and other restaurants at your proposed destination.
In autumn, mountains such as the Dobratsch, which is the local peak just outside Villach, and the Katschberg are especially beautiful. Lakes Wörthersee and Weissensee also treat you to stunning autumn landscapes. Visits to cities like Klagenfurt and Villach are also very worthwhile.
Popular family-friendly autumn destinations include Rosegg Zoo, the castle ruins of Burg Landskron including a bird-of-prey show, as well as Monkey Mountain and Minimundus in Klagenfurt.
Copyright© Kärntner Kasnudel: Region Villach Tourismus GmbH / Mirek Feszanicz; E-Bike Ossiacher See Radweg: Region Villach Tourismus / Martin Hofmann; Wandern über dem Ossiacher See: Region Villach Tourismus / Gert Perauer; Taborhöhe: Region Villach Tourismus / Adrian Hipp; Burg Landskron: Region Villach Tourismus / Martin Hofmann; Pendolino am Nassfeld: NLW / Peter Maier
Verena Junger
Content Manager at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
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