Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See region: an active place of longing between water, forest and far-reaching views

Here, where Carinthia shows its Mediterranean face and the rhythm of nature sets the pace for body and soul, one of Austria's most diverse regions begins: the Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See region. A triad of crystal-clear lakes, sun-kissed peaks and an attitude to life that can be felt in every movement. Those who come here are not just looking for a break - but an experience for all the senses.

Lake Ossiach is more than just a beautiful postcard motif. It is a natural training area, a haven of peace and a source of new energy. Situated at just under 500 metres above sea level and with pure drinking water quality, it invites you to enjoy a daily morning ritual in the water in summer with water temperatures of up to 26 °C. Early risers swim through the mist that lies like a veil over the smooth surface, while the sky slowly turns from pastel to gold.

During the day, the tranquil lake becomes an active spot: SUP fans glide across the water, rowers do their laps, while sporty endurance fans explore the 27-kilometre circular trail by bike or running shoe - a gently undulating route that repeatedly opens up views of the glistening surface of the water. And if you're looking for an intense body sensation, it's best to jump into the cool water straight after your workout to regenerate.

Villach is the urban centre of the region - young, creative, historic and incredibly lively. Between medieval alleyways, street food markets, river cycle paths along the Drau and cosy cafés, you can experience culture, culinary delights and southern flair at eye level.

Once a year, the town is transformed into a stage for joie de vivre: Villach Kirchtag, Austria's largest traditional festival, brings traditional costumes, dance, music and genuine emotion to the town's alleyways. And while people dance on the main square, the mountains and lakes all around shine in the summer light - as if they want to join in the celebrations.

The Gerlitzen Alpe towers high above the lake - an ideal terrain for the sporty and ambitious. The offer ranges from wide hiking paths and challenging trails to picturesque high-altitude paths. The panoramic platform at the summit (1,911 m) rewards early risers with a sunrise that burns itself in: the light rises above the Karawanken mountains, bathing the surrounding lakes - Lake Ossiach, Lake Wörthersee and Lake Faak - in copper and gold. The perfect backdrop for trail running, mountain yoga or ambitious mountain tours with a high pulse rate.

On days with thermally active air, paragliders dance at altitude - the Gerlitzen is a hotspot for aviation sports, but also for quiet sports such as Qi Gong and mindful walking on the alpine meadows.

What makes this region even more special is its climate. Here, the Alpine freshness of the mountains meets the mild, almost Mediterranean weather of the southern side of the Alps. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year and warm summers until well into September, the region is a hotspot for outdoor activities and active relaxation - almost all year round. The evenings are mild, the light is golden and the air is clear - perfect conditions for sport, relaxation and enjoyment.

If you live a sporty life, you can also enjoy it - and there is hardly any other region in Carinthia where culinary delights blend so skilfully with quality and regionality as here. The cuisine around Lake Ossiach is a reflection of the landscape: fresh, grounded and varied.

The Kasnudel, filled with mint, curd cheese and potatoes, hand-rolled and served with brown butter, is more than just a dish - it is a culinary commitment to the region. The taverns along the south shore road serve hand-picked wines, bacon from the farm and bread that is still baked in a wood-fired oven.

Reinanke, zander and char come straight from the lake - freshly prepared, often grilled on an open fire, sometimes baked in a herb crust. And if you fancy a sweet treat, treat yourself to a Carinthian cherry slice or a "Reindling" with cinnamon and sultanas - preferably in one of the traditional cafés in Ossiach or Villach.

A highlight of the Carinthian summer is the Villacher Kirchtag - Austria's largest traditional festival, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year at the beginning of August. Here, people celebrate, dance and make music - for seven days, right in the centre of Villach's old town. And if you let yourself drift between the delicacies and traditional dancers, live music and parades, you will understand what the region is all about: joie de vivre, warmth and a deep sense of home.