Summer vacation in Carinthia by the lake.
Immerse yourself in enjoyable vacation relaxation - and Lake Faak.
The region is known for its magnificent mountain landscapes and idyllic waters such as Lake Faak, which is right next to the Karnerhof, nearby Lake Wörthersee, Lake Ossiach, Lake Weissensee and Lake Klopeiner See. Everything that makes an active vacation unique can be found here, as well as the space and tranquillity to leave everything behind for a while and immerse yourself in enjoyable vacation relaxation. Then there are Klagenfurt and Villach with their trendy urban flair and extensive shopping and cultural opportunities, as well as the delicious Carinthian cuisine in the border triangle with famous delicacies such as Kasnudeln or Reindling.
So if you are looking for a relaxing time, a real summer retreat, in the middle of beautiful nature, right by the lake, with plenty of enjoyment, comfort and a wide range of leisure, cultural and relaxation options, the Karnerhof is the right place for you.
Mediterranean climate and southern feeling.
Austria's southernmost province - home to great writers such as Robert Musil, Ingeborg Bachmann and Peter Handke as well as numerous visual artists - boasts lively cities such as Klagenfurt and Villach as well as sophisticated towns such as Velden am Wörther See.
Countless sights, living traditions, over 200 museums and numerous cultural events make Carinthia a hotspot for vacationers. Thanks to the central location of the Karnerhof, all excursion destinations are easy and uncomplicated to reach.
As the most important river, the Drau meanders leisurely through the province, then on to Slovenia and Croatia. Carinthia covers an area of just over 9500 square kilometers, making it the fifth largest federal state in Austria. Around 558,000 inhabitants enjoy the more than 200 lakes and the magnificent mountain scenery day in and day out.
Summer vacation in Carinthia.
The region around Lake Wörthersee and Lake Faaker See delights with its numerous water sports facilities and invites you to enjoy a wonderful beach vacation with southern flair and a warm climate. In between, for those who like to be active, a detour to the surrounding mountains for a hiking tour or a peak conquest. A combination made for successful summer days in Austria's southernmost province.
Those who prefer a more imposing and pristine setting are best off exploring the Karawanken during their vacation. Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the ancient mountains in the heart of Europe at the rhythm of your own steps. In Carinthia, dream trails await you in a unique mountain and hilly landscape at all altitudes. It is not uncommon to find warm bathing lakes in the immediate vicinity. Carinthia's number one hiking destination is the Alpe-Adria-Trail, which leads in 43 stages and over 750 kilometers from the Grossglockner in Carinthia to the sea. There are also low mountain pasture landscapes and gentle plains that are waiting to be explored.
Caribbean feeling at the Karnerhof.
When we say Karnerhof, we always mean the lake.
Source of energy, source of strength, aesthetic highlight, nature reservoir, water sports destination and bathing refuge: Lake Faak is both a fountain of youth and elixir of life. In summer, the lake offers a wide range of water-based activities: swimming, of course, but also sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking, canoeing, rowing and much more. Thanks to its motorboat ban, the lake is calm and safe, but you can set off in our elegant electric boat Seerose and spend a relaxing afternoon picnicking by the water.
Events in summer.
Carinthian Summer
The Carinthian Summer, which takes place in July and August, is one of the most important cultural events in Carinthia. Founded in 1969, it is now one of the most renowned music festivals in Austria. The first venue was the beautiful Ossiach Abbey, built in the Baroque period, and there are many other seasons in the Villach region and beyond. Whether festive Sunday masses and Handel's arias in Ossiach Abbey Church, jazz concerts in Villach's Bambergsaal or the sounds of the organ in Klagenfurt's Johanneskirche: the Carinthian Summer appeals to many tastes. Most of the venues can be easily reached from the Hotel Karnerhof in less than 30 minutes.
Finkenstein Castle Arena
The Burgarena Finkenstein, situated high above Lake Faak at 840 meters, offers a unique view over the whole of Carinthia. The historic castle was built in the 12th century, fell into disrepair from the 18th century and was only revived as an event venue in the 20th century. The preserved ruins now house an arena for around 1000 people, where exciting cultural events take place, surrounded by the special atmosphere of the old walls.
Villach church festival
Austria's largest traditional festival takes place in the first week of August. During the Kirchtag period, Villach presents itself from its most cheerful, loudest side and shows a special flair with its diverse range of festivities, combined with a cosmopolitanism that can hardly be experienced elsewhere in this convivial atmosphere. Visitors to the Kirchtag can expect not only an exuberant atmosphere, but also customs, folk culture and regional cuisine.
The entire city center, especially the main square, is transformed into a huge garden during this time. The large amusement park with autodrome, Ferris wheel, ghost train, etc. is just as much a part of Villach's Kirchtag as gingerbread hearts and the traditional Carinthian costumes, songs and dances. Kirchtag soup, also known as "sour soup", is one of Carinthia's most famous culinary specialties and is of course also served at the Karnerhof on this occasion.
