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Active and relaxed

Hiking & Wellness on Lake Faak

From the lake trail to the top of the Mittagskogel - and then warmth in the thermal spa.

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Morning on Lake Faak with reeds and a view of the Mittagskogel© Region Villach Tourismus GmbH / Gerhild Anderwald

Right outside the door

The Lake Faak circular trail

The nicest start is right at the hotel: the lake trail runs around 11 km around Lake Faak - along forest paths, field tracks and lakeside promenades. A detour up to the Taborhöhe rewards you with a wide view over the lake, and you can stop for a snack at the Jausenstation Taborhöhe. Other lovely spots along the way are the Egger Marterl with its view and the Egg lakeside promenade.

  • Around 11.4 km, about 3 hours 45 minutes
  • 127 metres of ascent, moderate difficulty
  • Detour to the Taborhöhe with lake views
  • Start right at the hotel
Two hikers at sunrise on the Mittagskogel above a sea of fog© Region Villach Tourismus GmbH / Martin Hofmann

For experienced hikers

Up the Mittagskogel (2,145 m)

The local mountain above Lake Faak is the big hike of the region. From the hiking car park the path leads via the Alpine Club's Bertahütte to the summit - around 4 hours 45 minutes there and back and a good 1,000 metres of ascent. The west flank is steep and covered in scree: you need to be sure-footed and free from vertigo. At the top, the view stretches far across the lake and the countryside.

If you prefer a gentler day, stay by the lake and on the Taborhöhe - or join a guided hike.

© Panoramaweg Südalpen / Stefan Filzmoser

Hiking & Wellness

"Up to the summit by day, into warm water in the evening."
Strandhotel Faak · Lake Faak
Couple in the thermal pool at the KärntenTherme in Warmbad-Villach© KärntenTherme Warmbad-Villach / Daniel Waschnig

Wellness starts by the water

Relaxing by the lake - with the thermal spa close by

Strandhotel Faak has no spa of its own - instead, relaxation starts right outside the door: on the sunbathing lawn, on your reserved sun lounger on the private beach and with a dip in Lake Faak.

For warmth, saunas and massages, the KärntenTherme in Warmbad-Villach is around 10 km away, about 15 minutes by car: a modern thermal and wellness world covering 11,000 m² with bathing and thermal areas, saunas as well as beauty and massage treatments.

  • KärntenTherme: around 10 km, about 15 minutes
  • Thermal water, saunas, massages
  • Private beach with reserved loungers
  • Swimming in the lake at drinking-water quality

With the Erlebnis CARD

Thermal spa, thermal spring and yoga inside the mountain

As our guest you receive the Erlebnis CARD of the Villach - Lake Faak - Lake Ossiach region. Depending on the season, it also includes feel-good experiences.

KärntenTherme Warmbad-Villach from outside: outdoor pool, sunbathing lawn and slides© KärntenTherme Warmbad-Villach / Helmuth Rier
Relaxing in the sauna area of the KärntenTherme© Region Villach Tourismus GmbH / Stefan Leitner
KärntenTherme

Two hours at the spa

Once per stay, two hours at the KärntenTherme from 4 pm - in the early and late season. When it is very busy, entry may only be possible later.

Warmbad

Thermal-Urquellbecken

Once per stay, two hours in the Thermal-Urquellbecken, from spring to autumn: you float right above Austria's largest thermal spring, then warm up in the tepidarium. Admission from age 6.

Bad Bleiberg

Yoga inside the mountain

Yoga deep inside the mountain: in the healing-climate tunnel of Bad Bleiberg, at a constant 8 °C. Part of the Erlebnis CARD programme, depending on the season and with registration.

You will find the current periods and conditions in the programme at visitvillach.at. Everything about the card: Erlebnis CARD on Lake Faak.

Read on

More tips for active days

Hiker on an alpine meadow looking out over the mountain range
Erlebnis CARD

Guided hikes

With the Erlebnis CARD you can join guided hikes and the region's weekly programme, depending on the season - much of it free of charge.

Autumn larches in the Carinthian mountains
Autumn

Hiking in autumn

Clear air, mild days, fewer crowds: our tips for an autumn hiking break on Lake Faak.

Cairn with a rucksack in front of the mountain panorama
Off-season

Active in spring & autumn

May, June and September are the quieter weeks for hiking and cycling at the lake.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions about hiking & wellness on Lake Faak

Does Strandhotel Faak have its own spa?

No, the hotel has no spa of its own. You can relax on the private beach and by the lake - and the KärntenTherme in Warmbad-Villach is about 15 minutes away by car.

Is the thermal spa included with the Erlebnis CARD?

Depending on the season, yes: once per stay, two hours at the KärntenTherme (from 4 pm, in the early and late season) and two hours in the Thermal-Urquellbecken are included. You will find the current periods in the programme at visitvillach.at.

Which hike can I start right from the hotel?

The Lake Faak circular trail: around 11.4 km, about 3 hours 45 minutes and 127 metres of ascent, with a detour to the Taborhöhe. You can start right outside the door.

Is the Mittagskogel suitable for everyone?

No, the Mittagskogel (2,145 m) is a demanding mountain hike: you need to be sure-footed and free from vertigo. From the hiking car park via the Bertahütte it takes around 4 hours 45 minutes there and back.