Hiking holiday at the Hotel Karnerhof on Lake Faaker See in Carinthia

The king of the Karawank mountain range. With its striking summit, the border mountain between Carinthia and Slovenia rises to 2,145 metres above sea level. The demanding ascent through partially difficult terrain is rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view - over Lake Faaker See, into the Rosental, to Lake Wörthersee, to the Hohe Tauern and to the Julian Alps with Mount Triglav.

At 1,742 metres, the Ferlacher Spitze is an easier alternative to the Mittagskogel. The ascent is no less rewarding: the magnificent view of turquoise-blue Lake Faaker See and the impressive sight of the Mittagskogel at close range will stay with you for a long time.

The intersection of the countries of Austria, Italy and Slovenia at 1,511 metres can be reached in a very family-friendly way by chairlift. Even the panorama from the summit station is overwhelming: in front of you lies the Carinthian Lake Valley and to the south the Slovenian and Italian mountain ranges of Jalovec, Moistrocca, Mangart and Ponze impress. You can actually hike these three countries in a single day on a tour lasting about three hours.

Well-marked hiking trails lead to the 2,167-metre-high Dobratsch, also known as the Villacher Alp. If you don't want to go all the way to the top, you can visit the Alpine Garden, which can be reached on foot from the car park in just a few minutes. This botanical gem displays more than 800 native plants on 10,000 square metres and covers the beauties of the southern Alpine floral world. Another highlight: Fantastic views await you on a drive along the 16-kilometre Villach Alpine Road, which is subject to a toll.

A particularly beautiful place to hike with children in Carinthia: at 1,909 metres, the sunny Gerlitzen Alpe provides a view of Carinthia's impressive lake world. The ascent is possible from the valley. If you want to take it easy, choose the panoramic ascent with the Kanzelbahn. Well-marked hiking, cycling and Nordic walking trails as well as numerous places exuding strength and multiple lookout points are waiting to be explored. Perfect thermal currents also make the Gerlitzen a hotspot for paragliders.

A fitness parcourse conveniently accessible by bike or on foot, the NaturAktivPark is spread along the eastern shore of Lake Faaker See. At 20 different stations you can test your strength, endurance and dexterity on equipment set up in the middle of the forest. And to relax, simply enjoy the quiet, idyllic nature.

Enjoyable hiking in the Alpe-Adria region: the approximately 750 kilometre long Alpe-Adria Trail takes you on a journey of discovery through three countries and three cultures. This long-distance trail leads from the foot of Austria's highest mountain, the Großglockner, through the most beautiful Carinthian mountain and lake areas, without any major detours to the border triangle where Austria, Italy and Slovenia meet. From there, the route continues via the wonderfully unspoilt Soča Valley in Slovenia to the Adriatic Sea in Trieste.

You don't have to cover the whole route at once. From Hotel Karnerhof, you can explore several beautiful stages. For example, from the fashionable Wörthersee town of Velden along the Drau and past Lake Faaker See to the Finkenstein castle arena. Or from the Slovenian adventure sports stronghold of Kranjska Gora over the Karawank range and the Jepzasattel further into Carinthia to Baumgartnerhöhe above Lake Faaker See.

A few minutes' drive from the Karnerhof, near the village of Finkenstein, you will find the Kanzianiberg, one of Austria's oldest and best climbing parks. Gently wooded in the east, rugged rock faces in the west: almost 400 routes in difficulty levels 3 to 10 as well as numerous practice courses make the Kanzianiberg climbing garden an adventure for beginners and professionals alike. Climbing schools offer introductory climbing as well as climbing courses for beginners, advanced climbers and children.

On Mount Tabor, directly on Lake Faaker See, in a natural mixed forest, is the Waldseilpark Hochhinauf. Steel ropes, wobbly bridges and nets are stretched between the trees at heights between two to 20 metres. Six courses with 60 different balance exercises are waiting to be discovered by children, teens and adults. The necessary safety equipment is provided as well as instruction by trainers on site. Other highlights: Night climbing and archery.

In the south lies the emerald green Lake Ossiach and on its eastern shore the Bleistätter Moor. Taking your first step through the archway at the beginning of the Slow Trail, you'll brush off whatever ballast your head doesn't want to carry on this wonderful, easy hike. Strolling and enjoying a natural jewel - what more could you want? And the experience can begin even earlier. Depending on your desire for discovery, the starting point for this Slow Trail can be varied. In the warmer months (mid-May to mid-October), the direct boat connection between Ossiach and the Domenig Steinhaus in Steindorf makes it possible to experience this Slow Trail in all its diversity.

This 5-km tour starts at the historically important Wernberg Monastery and leads across the monastery ponds to the cool woods behind, then on to the Drau River loop and the Drau River itself. The slow trail leads through one of the most important birdwatching areas in Carinthia, currently home to more than 127 bird species. From migrants such as red-crested pochard, wood sandpiper, little sandpiper or great egret to breeding birds such as water rail, kingfisher or marsh warbler, you can discover it all in this resting and breeding area. The route back follows the same route and after a good hour and a half you'll reach the monastery in Wernberg again.

Departing directly from the Hotel Karnerhof, this idyllic slow trail leads through the unique nature and landscape conservation area on the shores of the turquoise-blue Lake Faaker See. Always with the Mittagskogel in view, which with its strikingly flattened peak is the most impressive elevation of the already magnificent Karawank mountains, you descend to the peninsula, following a short climb along well-maintained paths through the natural forests, on a route is part of the annual 10-Church Pilgrimage Trail of St. Stefan and Latschach parishes. From the peninsula you can enjoy a magnificent view over the lake. From here, the trail can be continued in the direction of Drobollach, where you reach the Drobollach Chapel of Peace, whose façade was designed by Carinthian artist Giselbert Hocke and symbolises the solidarity of the peoples in the three-country region. The route then returns to the hotel along the same route.