Wörthersee mit Blick auf das Schamandra

PLACE TO BE. WÖRTHERSEE.

It is a magnet for visitors from all over the world: Lake Wörthersee. It offers culinary delights, joie de vivre, and culture, especially in the summer. A mere 900 steps from the University of Klagenfurt, the largest lake in Carinthia covers an area of 19.39 square kilometres and is 16.5 kilometres long, with numerous highlights and excellent bathing water quality. Temperatures of up to 28 degrees celsius in midsummer invite you to swim, while 21 different species of fish also enjoy the water. Klagenfurt’s drinking water, which is extracted from protected groundwater sources, ranks among the best in Europe. 

Excellent water quality
With a surface area of 19.39 square kilometres and a length of 16.5 kilometres, Lake Wörthersee is the largest lake in Carinthia. With its excellent bathing water quality and temperatures of up to 28 degrees at the height of summer, it is ideal for swimming with confidence. The lake has a number of smaller streams supplying it with fresh water, the largest of which is the Reifnitzbach. It
drains into the Sattnitz, which exits the lake in the east. The lake is home to some 21 known fish species. Speaking of water: Klagenfurt’s drinking water is among the best in Europe. It originates from groundwater sources and is extracted in four large extraction plants and then distributed to the city from the so-called elevated tanks. The outstanding quality is guaranteed, among other things, by Klagenfurt’s water protection zones, which cover an area of 761 hectares.

Loretto lido
Klagenfurt has three public lidos. The largest lido is Strandbad Klagenfurt, where up to 10,000 visitors come to cool off on hot summer days. But for many, the Loretto lido is a welcome, more tranquil alternative. Incidentally, the Business Beach in the Loretto lido features workstations with Wi-Fi and power points where you can work on your seminar papers. Then it’s time to relax:
Especially on the westernmost jetty, students (and faculty members) love to enjoy the sunset after an intensive day at the university.

Winter swimming
More and more swimmers are taking the plunge into the icy waters of Lake Wörthersee, even in the depths of winter. The gates of the lido are open during the winter; you can always access the southernmost jetty. This is where the ice swimmers meet on sunny winter days when the lake cools down to around six degrees.

Free access to the lake
You don’t necessarily have to go to a lido to cool off with a quick dip in the lake. There are several places around Lake Wörthersee that are freely accessible. For instance, between Klagenfurt and Krumpendorf, next to Schamandra’s boat rental, you can unwind on a small sunbathing lawn complete with jetty. Similar idyllic spots are also found in Pritschitz and Sallach in Pörtschach. The freely accessible Sallach lido has a small jetty, toilet facilities, and a relaxed bar, perfect for a sundowner after a swim.

Tramway
At the mouth of the Lendkanal, a small piece of Klagenfurt’s tram history has been preserved in the shape of a converted old tram that is now a fixture in Klagenfurt. For years, it has provided holidaymakers and aficionados of uncomplicated cuisine with wonderful snacks, tempting them to linger and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Car(e)-free day at the lake
One of the best ways to explore Lake Wörthersee is by bike. You can, of course, do this every day, but there is one day every year when all the roads around the lake are closed to motorists. This gives you free rein to go around the lake, be it on an e-bike, roller skates or even an ancient folding bike.

Strolling around Velden
Velden am Wörthersee is a tourist hotspot that has recently enjoyed a splendid revival. In the summer, you can watch the gathering of the rich (and those who like to pretend) on the forecourt of the Schlosshotel. Take a seat on one of the park benches, treat yourself to an ice cream and enjoy the flashy, elegant, sometimes quirky hustle and bustle on the lakeside promenade.