The four seasons in Carinthia on Lake Ossiach.
A holiday that is always worthwhile.
The holiday home is surrounded by a variety of excursions and activities to enjoy in every season. The gallery provides impressions of spring, summer, autumn and winter, showcasing suitable activities and highlights of the local area...
Spring
Spring awakening in the sun-drenched land
As the first rays of sunshine warm the valleys and nature awakens in lush green, Carinthia unfolds its gentle side. Blooming alpine meadows, clear mountain streams, and mild temperatures invite you to hike, cycle, and relax. It's a time of new beginnings – ideal for recharging your batteries and experiencing nature's awakening up close. The last snowfields melt, the clear air, the gentle awakening of nature, and the first rays of sunshine invite you to explore.
Summer
A Midsummer Night's Dream by the Lake
Summer in Carinthia is a feast for the senses. Over 200 bathing lakes with drinking water quality, ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green, offer perfect conditions for water sports, swimming fun, or simply for unwinding on the shore. The mountains beckon with scenic summit tours, while rustic huts invite you for a snack of regional specialities. And the best part: the sun shines here more often than anywhere else in Austria.
The Ossiacher See is just a few minutes' walk from our country houses, warms up to 28 degrees Celsius in summer, has drinking water quality and gently sloping pebble beaches. Stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating with breathtaking Alpine panoramas are available, and for the adventurous, there's ringo rides, paragliding, or water skiing. Hiking trails start right outside your door, warm evenings on the terrace are a must, and numerous other excursion destinations await you. At the end of July, Villach has celebrated the Villacher Kirchtag in the old town annually since 1936 – Austria's largest and most famous traditional festival with Oktoberfest vibes. Festively decorated, the Drau-Stadt invites young and old!
Autumn
Autumn – Golden times between mountain and lake
As the forests turn a brilliant red and gold, Carinthia reveals its most romantic side. The crisp air, the soft light, and the tranquil atmosphere make autumn the ideal time for connoisseurs and those seeking relaxation. Whether hiking through the golden forests, visiting the numerous wine festivals, or sampling Carinthian delicacies – autumn is a true time of indulgence, the mountainsides transform into paintings. The clear mountain air, the pleasant stillness, and the interplay of colours make every moment special. An autumn in Carinthia is more than just a season – it is a sensory firework of colours for the heart and soul.
The Ossiach Lake is still good for swimming until the end of September, and most mountain railways carry their passengers until the beginning of November. Ever since we've lived in Carinthia, the quiet autumn has become our favourite season!
Winter
A Winter's Tale on the Gerlitzen
A Winter's Tale on the Gerlitzen
When the mountains are cloaked in their white attire, Carinthia transforms into a winter wonderland. Whether it's skiing, cross-country skiing through snowy valleys, or winter hiking in tranquil nature – everyone will find something to enjoy here. Families, in particular, appreciate the manageable, sunny ski resorts and the warm hospitality. And for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, they can enjoy the quieter side of winter in our country houses, thermal spas, or by regional delicacies by the fireplace. Both country houses are, of course, equipped with a tiled stove.
Over Lake Ossiach, the sun is working overtime while we indulge in winter. The surroundings transform into a little paradise of silence, snow, and clarity. The Gerlitzen Alpe: 14 cable cars and lifts, 60 kilometres of pistes – family-friendly and always perfectly prepared, wide – simply beautiful. After a wonderful winter walk, the numerous, rustic huts invite you to enjoy food and drink. The valley station of the cable car (Kanzelbahn), which takes us to the skiing area on the Gerlitzen Alpe, is only 5 km away from our country houses.
In the valley you'll find the Ossiacher See Halle (ice rink), the cross-country ski trails at Bleistätter Moor, cleared walking paths, and plenty of culinary and cultural delights. In the surrounding villages and towns, beautiful Christmas markets, traditional festivals, and culinary events are held – mulled wine, tea or cocoa, twinkling lights, and genuine Carinthian craftsmanship ensure unforgettable winter moments.
In some years, you can also go ice skating or play ice stock sport on the frozen lake. Lake Weissensee (very nearby) freezes over every year. Those who have never experienced a Krampus run should definitely look out for the dates at the beginning of December for Villach, Feldkirchen and Klagenfurt. Living traditions with an experiential value!