Between mountains and lakes on a mountain biking holiday in Carinthia
Set amongst warm swimming lakes, the rolling Nockberge Mountains and alpine peaks, Carinthia reveals its most delightful side. Austria’s southernmost federal state combines over 3,000 kilometres of mountain bike trails with a unique Alpine-Mediterranean lifestyle and Carinthian hospitality: hit the trails in the morning, then take a dip in the turquoise waters in the afternoon. From the Weissensee to Bad Kleinkirchheim, from the Petzen to the Gail Valley, you can look forward to varied tours, scenic trails and an extra-long cycling season.
Flow trails, mountain lakes & that Alpine-Adriatic vibe on two wheels
In recent years, Carinthia has developed into one of the most exciting cycling destinations in the Alps. Over 85 trails, several bike parks and a dense network of tours ensure a mix of leisurely rides, flow and sporting challenges. A particularly distinctive feature is the unique combination of mountains and lakes: whilst elsewhere a ride might end at a car park, here you can often take a dip in the water straight after your ride.
One of the best-known mountain biking hotspots in Carinthia is the NOCKBIKE region around Bad Kleinkirchheim. Here, scenic rides through the rolling Nockberge mountains meet Europe’s longest Flow Country Trail. The Weissensee offers a completely different, yet equally spectacular experience with its unspoilt trails, which lead through dense forests right down to the shores of the crystal-clear lake. Here, alpine cycling pleasure meets Caribbean-style swimming fun.
Between the Flow Country Trail, Lake Weissensee and the Nockberge Mountains
When you explore Carinthia by mountain bike, you’ll discover a region full of contrasts on the sunny southern side of the Alps. Families enjoy leisurely rides along the lakes and rivers, whilst ambitious cyclists tackle long flow trails, alpine climbs and technically challenging natural routes. It is particularly the combination of perfect infrastructure and unspoilt countryside that makes it so appealing: modern trail centres meet rustic alpine huts, and scenic mountain roads meet hidden forest paths.
Water almost always plays a central role. Whether at Lake Weissensee, Lake Faaker See, Lake Millstätter See or Lake Ossiacher See – the crystal-clear Carinthian lakes are among the most beautiful in the Alps and accompany you on many rides. They offer one of the finest rewards after an eventful day in the saddle. The experience is rounded off by authentic Carinthian cuisine and the region’s typical warm hospitality. Thanks to the mild Alpine-Adriatic climate, the cycling season here begins earlier – and ends later – than in many other Alpine regions. A cycling experience that combines sporting adventure with southern ease.
Highlights for your MTB holiday in Carinthia
- Flow Country Trail Bad Kleinkirchheim – Europe’s longest Flow Country Trail with endless bends, undulations and riding fun for almost every skill level
- Nature trails at Lake Weissensee – Unspoilt singletrack trails, crystal-clear water and spectacular views
- Carinthia’s mountain-lake combination – First along flow trails and past alpine pastures, then into the turquoise-blue waters of the numerous lakes
Bike regions in Carinthia
Experience top bike regions, the most impressive trails & tours and hand-picked hotels with heart, helmet & home advantage. Get in the saddle and off you go!
Hotels for your mountain bike holiday
After a day out on the trails or exploring the region by bike, having the right home base makes all the difference. Mountain Bike Holidays hotels specialise in mountain bikers and combine bike-friendly services with local expertise. You’ll get useful tips on MTB tours, trails and biking experiences nearby and can plan your next days on the bike directly from your hotel.
Flow, panorama & relaxation: bike time-out at the GUT Trattlerhof in…
Bike & Bath at Lake Weissensee – pack your bike gear & swimwear!
Beach – City – Bike. Your MTB base at Lake Millstätter See
Right by the Brennsee – in the middle of the Nockbike region
The boutique bike hotel for gourmets & pleasure bikers
Hotelier Hannes is a passionate bike guide - and a bike expert from MTB to Vintagerad. No question, when it comes to biking, there is hardly a trail too steep for him. He provides you with a personalised full service almost around the clock. He is on tour with his guests almost every week and takes them to the huts with the most "dashing" snacks. In cooperation with the bike centre, there are special single trail technique tours, riding technique workshops, full-day tours including shuttles and e-mountain bike tours.
First-class expertise: With his Simplon Fully, Paul - hotel manager & bike guide by name - takes you through the Nockberge mountains every week. He is also available at reception or at the regular bikers' table as an individual tour explorer and for insider know-how.
Wolfgang and Manuela Krainer from the neighbouring Krainer bike school are not only the bike pros in the region, but also partners of the hotel and will look after you in all matters relating to biking. Together with their professional guides, they offer tour guiding, technique training and a bike shop.
The Regitnig junior managers Michael and Jasmin are enthusiastic and certified mountain bike guides and always find a tour highlight for their guests. Michael's absolute speciality is technique training and scenic tours, while Jasmin makes the ladies and family tours an experience. Riders with eBikes are also welcome to join the guided tours.
Tours & Trails in Carinthia
Alpine-Mediterranean biking awaits in Carinthia. Here you will be rewarded with impressive views, cool trails, top cuisine & a dip in the lake!
The Nockbike introductory tour is for ambitious and advanced bikers.
This MTB round tour takes you to the idyllic Feldpannalm with a dairy worth…
Scenic cycle tour from the church square via the Brennsee lake to the…
Mountain bike tour along a stream and small waterfalls to the Feldpannalm…
MTB tour to Gasthof Bergfried with the Sternenbalkon viewing platform.
The "Around the Priedröf" tour is a highlight of the Nockbike tour offer.
Nockbike MTB tour for ambitious and advanced bikers with a technically…
The tour to the old mill is particularly recommended on hot days.
The bike tour to the Naggler Alm offers a beautiful view of the mountains…
A highlight of the Great Weissensee Tour is the crossing of the…
The Weissensee Trail inspires with root passages and hairpin bends -…
Mountain bike tour to the Weisse Wand with wonderful views of Lake…
From the Lindenhof, head via Obertweng to Bad Kleinkirchheim, take the…
Unique trailer experiences, culinary delights and history are skilfully…
Rooty, rocky and technical with demanding S2 sections
Long flow with gentle gradients across four sections
Playful flow with berms, rollers and easy-going turns
Natural lines with lake views and technical sections
More to discover in the bike region
Want to get to know the region in more detail? In our articles, you’ll find additional information, practical tips and background insights on mountain bike tours, trails, biking experiences and special highlights in the region. This helps you plan your mountain biking holiday more effectively and discover even more of what the bike region has to offer.
Mountain bike events in and around the region
From mountain bike races and bike challenges to festivals and community events, many bike regions add an extra buzz to the season with a varied event programme. Discover upcoming MTB events and dates and find out what’s happening during your stay.
Good to know about Carinthia
Why is a mountain bike holiday in Carinthia worth it?
What mountain biking experiences does Carinthia offer?
Is Carinthia also suitable for an e-MTB holiday?
Where are the most beautiful trails in Carinthia?
When is the best time to go on a mountain biking holiday in Carinthia?
Carinthia
