The Carinthian region of Nassfeld/Pressegger See/Weissensee in the direct neighbourhood of Italy covers a broad spectrum for cyclists. Lake Pressegger See is located in the beautiful Gailtal valley and is surrounded by wide natural reed beds to the west and east. The lake is relatively shallow, warms up early due to its sunny location and is very popular with swimmers. The well-known, well-developed Gailtal cycle path runs through the valley. This makes the touring area ideal for families with children.
At 930 metres above sea level, Lake Weissensee is the highest bathing lake in the Alps. It is nestled in the Gailtal mountains and, with a length of almost twelve kilometres, is partly reminiscent of a fjord. 76 square kilometres around the lake have been declared a nature park. Lake Weissensee owes its name to the light-coloured shoreline covered in fine limestone sand. Only the western part of the lake can be travelled by touring bike. However, there are many attractive mountain bike routes.
Cycle-friendly accommodation
The Alpen Adria Hotel & Spa is located directly on Lake Presseggersee. After a tour, you can relax perfectly in the large wellness area (www.alpenadriahotel.at). The Hotel Arlbergerhof Vital in Gatschach am Weissensee is one of the first bike hotels in Austria. Tip: good e-mountain bikes for hire and guided tours, www.arlbergerhof.at
Bike service
The "Bikeparadies" in Hermagor offers a professional repair service and has a wide range of bikes and e-bikes for hire, www.bikeparadies.at
General information
Info & Service Centre Nassfeld/Pressegger See Wulfeniaplatz 1, A-9620 Hermagor Phone 0043/(0)4285/8241 www.nassfeld.at
Weissensee Information, Techendorf 78, A-9762 Weissensee, phone 0043/(0)4713/2220, www.weissensee.com
Tour 3: Small Weissensee circuit
Lake Weissensee is an Eldorado for mountain bikers. Touring cyclists also get their money's worth on the western side - with a delightful crossing by boat.
GPS data
You can find the GPX track for this tour in the MYBIKE Collection on komoot
The route starts on the south side of the bridge in Techendorf heading east. On a narrow tarmac road, the route initially runs directly along the lake - and then climbs a few metres up to the village of Naggl. A forest path takes you to the Naggl boat landing stage, from where you can take a boat to the north side of the lake. In the high season, the boats depart approximately every hour (timetable at www.weissenseeschifffahrt.at). The crossing to the Ronacherfels landing stage costs four euros with a bike.
From here, you roll comfortably back westwards. Picturesque bays with pretty resting places offer dream views. You pass through the villages of Neusach, Weissensee and Techendorf before reaching the turning point at the Müller campsite. The last few kilometres meander through colourful flower meadows.
Worth seeing
The Caribbean flair of colour and the imposing mountain panorama. It is no coincidence that Lake Weissensee was awarded the "Nature Park of the Year" award in 2014.
Refreshment tips
The Ronacherfels lake café at the ferry landing stage of the same name. From the lakeside terrace you have a fantastic view of the Lienz Dolomites. Excellent fish, fresh from Lake Weissensee, is available at the Regitnig restaurant in Techendorf (www.regitnig.com).
Tour 4: Tour around Lake Presseggersee
The leisurely cycle tour starts at the lake and leads in a wide arc along the well-known Gailtal cycle path through the Carnic and Gailtal mountains.
GPS data
You can find the GPX track for this tour in the MYBIKE Collection on komoot
From the lido on Lake Pressegger See, the route follows a perfect cycle path along the reeds towards the district town of Hermagor. After a turn to the south, the route crosses the Gail bridge and then passes Möderndorf, always travelling downstream along the idyllic shore. Here you cycle with a view of the impressive Dobratsch mountain with its striking transmission tower on the summit, almost directly on the border with Italy. At the Gail bridge in Görtschach, you change sides and follow the cycle route along the railway tracks back to Lake Pressegger See. After the tour, take a dip in the lake, which is up to 28 degrees centigrade.
Worth seeing
The Gailtal Valley Museum of Local History at Möderndorf Castle with its large folklore and cultural history collection is located south of Hermagor, just a few metres from the cycle path. An interesting highlight near Möderndorf is a detour to the Garnitzenklamm gorge. Hiking trails and paths take you through a narrow gorge around four kilometres long with waterfalls and impressive rock formations. Children can enjoy action and fun in Carinthia's first adventure park directly on Lake Pressegger See.
Refreshment tips
The castle café at the local history museum in Möderndorf is a great place for a first break with its historic ambience. After the tour, a visit to the Kärntnerhof restaurant is well worthwhile. Here you can savour local and international cuisine. Vegetables, herbs and salads come from our own garden (www.kaerntnerhof-hermagor.at).
MYBIKE video: Cycling tours at Lake Weissensee and Lake Pressegger See
You can find even more pleasure tours in Carinthia in the Travel Special "The most beautiful cycle routes in Carinthia"
