A Weekend in Carinthia – Hiking, Swimming and More
Von KlimaTicket Ö Redaktion*
Escape the daily grind and embrace that summer feeling: We follow the shaded paths of the Römerschlucht, take a break at the idyllic Forstsee, and are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Lake Wörthersee at the Hohe Kreuz. Between refreshing dips in the cool waters of Lake Ossiach and a relaxing evening in Klagenfurt’s old town, that light, carefree summer feeling takes hold—one that lingers long after the weekend is over.
By train from Vienna to Carinthia
It’s Saturday morning, the sun is shining over Vienna Central Station, and our excitement grows with every glance at the departure board. We’re heading south to Carinthia on the KlimaTicket Ö, where relaxation, nature, and little adventures await us.
Since the Koralm Railway began operating late last year, Carinthia has become even more accessible. Faster and more direct connections provided by ÖBB and Westbahn make the journey from Vienna to Klagenfurt and Villach more convenient and flexible than ever before. But Carinthia isn’t just appealing because of its easy access; it also boasts crystal-clear lakes, impressive mountain scenery, and numerous hiking trails.
With breakfast from Anker—consisting of a to-go cappuccino and an apricot-lime Schifferl—we settle into our reserved seats. The long weekend means the train is packed—which makes it all the more enjoyable to simply hop on with our KlimaTicket Ö and start the day relaxed.
During the ride, I read Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” Despite the exciting chapters, I keep glancing out the window and letting the passing landscape wash over me. The breathtaking view of Lake Wörthersee, in particular, makes me pause and set the book aside for a moment. It takes us about three hours to reach Klagenfurt Central Station from Vienna Central Station.
The weekend had some special moments in store for us: a refreshing hike through the Römerschlucht gorge, relaxing hours at the beach on Lake Ossiach, and an atmospheric evening in Klagenfurt.
Unwind on the Slow Trail Römerschlucht in Velden am Wörthersee
Our hike begins just about twelve minutes from the “Velden am Wörthersee” train station. After just a few steps, it feels as though we’ve left the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind us. The gentle babbling of the stream, birdsong, and the soft rustling of leaves beneath our hiking boots accompany us along the idyllic Slow Trail through the Römerschlucht.
Although it’s 28 degrees, it remains pleasantly shady beneath the dense canopy of leaves. Sunbeams repeatedly break through the treetops, bathing the path in a shifting interplay of light and shadow. As we continue on, the water and the meditative soundscape remain our constant companions. The Römerschlucht is perfect for hot hiking days and is the ideal destination for anyone looking to unwind and take a deep breath.
In the middle of the trail, we have some animal encounters: A cat with a collar walks curiously a few meters ahead of us through the forest. Shortly after, we spot its owners, along with a second, white cat, who is cautiously padding toward the stream.
An Idyllic Hike Around Forstsee
Our next destination is the Forstsee Loop Trail. The sun is high in the sky, and people everywhere are enjoying the summer weather. Some are swimming laps in the water, others are relaxing on beach towels along the shore, while stand-up paddlers glide across the water’s surface and rowboats make their rounds.
After about two hours of hiking, including plenty of breaks, we find a spot on the shore and take a rest. In the shade of the trees, we unpack our snacks and watch the lively activity: cheerful laughter echoes from the water again and again, a dog stares intently at a fish swimming by, while a stand-up paddler drifts calmly past.
Refreshed, we continue on our way. The hiking trail leads us through the forest and repeatedly offers beautiful views of the Forstsee. Along the way, we strike up a conversation with a couple who enthusiastically tell us about a mother duck with 14 ducklings. We look around curiously and finally spot the sleepy duck family resting in a shady spot right on the lakeshore. A sight that will stay with us for a long time to come.
Hohes Kreuz Viewpoint: The Perfect Finale
Just before the end of our hike, we spot a sign at a fork in the trail: “Hohes Kreuz Viewpoint – 100 meters.” We all agree to take this little detour. After just a few steps, the forest thins out, revealing an impressive panorama: Lake Wörthersee glistens far below us in the afternoon sun, with the Karawanken mountains rising on the horizon behind it. All at an elevation of about 710 meters—the perfect ending to our successful day of hiking.
Relax at Lake Ossiach
The location couldn’t be better: less than an hour from Villach and just a short walk from the Sattendorf train station, the Sattendorf Beach is situated right on the shore of Lake Ossiach. Nestled between the Gerlitzen Alpe and the Ossiacher Tauern, the lake is one of Carinthia’s most popular swimming spots.
We’re greeted warmly by a staff member right at the entrance. As soon as we arrive, a sweeping view opens up before us: deep blue water, an impressive mountain backdrop, and a seemingly endless blue sky. Perfect swimming weather invites us to jump into the water, relax in the sun, and simply unwind.
Train Ticket = Beach Admission Ticket
From June 1st to June 30th, 2026, the “Train Ticket = Beach Admission Ticket” promotion will be in effect in Southern Carinthia, offering ÖBB and Westbahn rail passengers free admission to 14 selected beaches. These include swimming areas at some of the region’s most popular lakes, such as Lake Klopein, Lake Turner, Lake Gösselsdorf, and Lake Pirkdorf.
Holders of the KlimaTicket Ö also benefit from the promotion: a valid seat reservation with ÖBB or Westbahn is required. Although the Sattendorf Beach is not part of the promotion, it still stands out thanks to its immediate proximity to the train station and its stunning location right on Lake Ossiach.
An Evening in Klagenfurt
From Klagenfurt Central Station, we take a 15-minute walk toward the Old Town, passing quiet streets, small cafés, and little shops. If you prefer, you can also take the bus. However, we deliberately choose to walk so we can experience the city firsthand.
Soon we reach Neuer Platz and with it what is arguably Klagenfurt’s most famous landmark: the Lindwurm Fountain. In the center of the square, the Lindwurm has lent the cityscape its unmistakable character for centuries. Especially in the evening, when the light softens, a very special atmosphere emerges here. Around Neuer Platz, people linger on the benches, groups of friends meet for a drink, and the outdoor dining areas are bustling.
We round out the evening at one of the many restaurants in the city center. We decide to have pizza in the courtyard of Più Piano Klagenfurt Pizza & Pasta Bar. Amid the string lights, the lively buzz of conversation from the guests, and the aroma of fresh pizza, we raise a toast to a wonderful weekend.
