Camping and hiking are a perfect combination. The independence of a camping holiday, paired with wonderful explorations through nature, guarantees excellent relaxation and recreation—especially when you choose a region with a lot to offer in terms of scenery. Southern Carinthia is one such region.
Here, not only do modern and well-equipped campsites invite you to relax and enjoy, but the hiking opportunities are also exceptionally diverse and varied. From short, leisurely walks to challenging mountain tours, there is something for every hiking enthusiast. Families with children will find just as much to enjoy as more ambitious, sporty campers.
Of course, which tour is the most beautiful is a matter of personal taste. Nevertheless, we would like to inspire you with the following ideas and spark your appetite for camping and hiking in Southern Carinthia.
Lake Pressegger See is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Carinthia. A wonderful circular trail runs around it, offering a remarkable variety of scenery. At times it passes a beautiful beach area, at others a quiet reed belt. And in between, you’re constantly rewarded with fantastic views! From the southern shore, for example, you can look directly at the impressive Reißkofel.
A truly dreamlike tour that takes between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on your pace.
A bit more challenging is the circular route from Hermagor over the ridge and down to the Gail Valley. The trail is especially worthwhile in summer, when the meadows are in full bloom and filled with delightful scents. Along the way, you’ll repeatedly pass small, picturesque chapels.
Those looking for a true mountain hike can set off from the idyllic Egger Alm and climb up to the Poludnig. The trail can be quite steep at times, but the view from the summit over the Gail Valley is definitely worth the effort!
If you’re in the mood for adventurous hikes while camping in Southern Carinthia, you should definitely include the Lesachtal in your plans. An impressive 300 kilometers of hiking trails await you here! The routes through this magnificent natural and cultural landscape offer plenty of variety. Whether it’s gentle, densely forested valleys, idyllic alpine pastures, or striking rock formations and peaks—the Lesachtal constantly provides exciting changes in perspective.
An absolute highlight is the GeoPark Carnic Alps. Here, you quite literally hike in the footsteps of the past. Many other themed trails promise endless enjoyment for both young and old.
If you simply can’t get enough of the landscape, you can easily connect to the legendary Carnic High Trail. In addition, certified hiking and mountain guides regularly offer guided tours. Not only will you discover especially beautiful spots, but you’ll also learn a great deal about the flora and fauna of the Lesachtal.
In the Gitschtal, the 2,300-meter-high Reißkofel is ever-present. It towers above everything, almost as if looking down on us. The unique location between Lake Weissensee and Lake Pressegger See makes the Gitschtal particularly attractive for hikers, especially in summer. However, there are also plenty of beautiful tour options in spring and autumn.
A perfect example is a hike up to the Kohlröslhütte. It is located at 1,540 meters above sea level and is open from May to October. Anyone who takes a seat on its cozy sun terrace is rewarded with a spectacular view over the Gitschtal.
Also highly recommended: the Gösseringgraben nature trail. It introduces even the youngest visitors to the topics of nature and environmental protection and, as a circular route, features five fascinating stations. If you like, you can refresh your feet along the way with a Kneipp water-treading experience.
Lake Weissensee is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Set against the impressive backdrop of the Gailtal Alps, every tour becomes an unforgettable experience. For families, a half-day hike along the lakeshore is a great option. Along the way, numerous benches invite you to take a break, while you can enjoy watching the many fish swimming in the crystal-clear water. You can conveniently return by boat.
Experienced hikers can almost completely circle the lake. The approximately 23-kilometer route is not particularly demanding, but it can take up to nine hours to complete. However, it is well worth it, as you get to experience the unique Alpine fjord of Lake Weissensee in all its facets.
There are only a few regions in Europe that offer such wild and romantic landscapes as Southern Carinthia. It seems as if Mother Nature has truly poured out her entire abundance here. When camping in Southern Carinthia, you get up close to all these great and small wonders—you just need to pack your backpack and start hiking!