Cycling holiday at Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia
The bike hotel at Lake Wörthersee for road cyclists, gravel riders, leisure cyclists and e-bikers
Anyone who has cycled around Lake Wörthersee even once understands why this region has become one of Austria’s most popular cycling destinations.
A cycling holiday at Lake Wörthersee means turquoise-blue water, views of the Karawanks, and plenty of reasons to stop along the way.
Whether it’s a relaxed lap of the lake, a sporty road-bike tour or a gravel adventure on forest and gravel roads. Lake Wörthersee offers the right route for every riding style.
Contents
1. Why a cycling holiday at Lake Wörthersee?
2. Bike Hotel Giulia
3. Highlights for cyclists at the bike hotel on Lake Wörthersee
4. The most beautiful cycling routes at Lake Wörthersee
5. Getting here by car, train & boat
6. Gravel biking at Lake Wörthersee
7. Leisure cycling with an e-bike
8. Long-distance cycle routes from Carinthia
9. Cycling events at Lake Wörthersee
What makes Lake Wörthersee the perfect cycling holiday destination?
Flat to gently rolling terrain around the lake
Well-developed cycle path
on the north shore
The perfect basecamp
for cycling tours to
Italy and Slovenia
Carinthia’s popular gravel bike region with gravel and forest roads – plus a UCI-certified race in the area
Swimming breaks along the way
possible at any time, lido
300 m from the hotel
E-bike friendly
thanks to the moderate
topography
Combine cycling and boat trips; bikes can be taken on Lake Wörthersee boat services
Train and bike: many places
around the lake can be reached
by train
The bike hotel at Lake Wörthersee for your cycling holiday in Carinthia
You can recognise a good cycling hotel by the details cyclists really need.
At Giulia Slow Residence, Slow Travelling founder Sascha Marx, a passionate road cyclist himself, decided what it takes…
What cyclists will find at Giulia
From a road cyclist, for cyclists
Sascha Marx did not plan Giulia Slow Residence as a hotel manager, but as a cyclist.
The former Ironman course right outside the door, the bike storage, Rad Café Bergfloh as the first and last stop of the day.
Anyone who rides themselves knows what matters after a long tour.
“Look pro, ride slow!”
The most beautiful cycling routes from Lake Wörthersee
The Lake Wörthersee cycle path R4
Probably the most popular cycling tour at Lake Wörthersee. The R4 is around 39 kilometres long and goes all the way around the lake. Cycling around Lake Wörthersee means choosing your own start and finish, stopping for refreshments along the way, and pausing again and again.
Highlights along the way:
Velden with its promenade and castle hotel, the pilgrimage church of Maria Wörth on its rocky peninsula, views of the Karawanks
South shore or north shore
Both shores have their own character.
The north shore between Klagenfurt and Velden is separated from car traffic, well developed, and offers lively dining options.
The south shore runs along the road in places, but is quieter and passes Maria Wörth and Reifnitz. Anyone who cycles the full loop around Lake Wörthersee experiences both sides.
Lake Wörthersee cycling tour via the Keutschach Lake Valley
If you would like more than the classic lap of the lake, choose the variant via the Keutschach Lake Valley, with quiet paths and beautiful views.
The route is around 48 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty, and leads through the picturesque region south of Lake Wörthersee.
Ironman road cycling course
Around 180 kilometres and several climbs make the Ironman Austria cycling course a challenging loop through Carinthia.
The route connects Lake Wörthersee with the hilly surrounding area and is ridden by international athletes every year.
Perfect to use as a training route, even outside the race.
Slow Travelling tip for leisure cyclists in Carinthia:
If you do not want to ride the full loop, you can switch to the Lake Wörthersee boat service or the train along the way.
Both are possible from several points along the route.
Getting here and practical connections for cycling in Carinthia
Travel by car
If you arrive by car, you will find free parking spaces directly in front of Giulia Slow Residence.
Your bike can be stored safely in the lockable bike storage.
Arriving by train and bike
Many places around Lake Wörthersee are accessible by train.
With the new Koralmbahn, Lake Wörthersee can now be reached from Graz in under an hour. The stations are connected to the cycle route network, making it possible to plan longer tours without a car.
Taking your bike on the boat
At Lake Wörthersee, cycling can be wonderfully combined with boat trips.
Bikes can be taken along on many connections with ease. This allows you to shorten sections or deliberately take things at a more relaxed pace.
Gravel bike at Lake Wörthersee
Gravel boom in Carinthia
In recent years, Lake Wörthersee has developed into an up-and-coming gravel bike destination in the Alpine region and is now the venue for a UCI qualifying race.
The region offers a mix of paved roads, gravel tracks and forest roads.
Technically, the tours are easy to intermediate, but varied and scenically impressive.
A special approach:
Gravel bike tours combined with so-called Lost Places (abandoned places and forgotten buildings), such as the Schrottenturm in Gurlitsch, which you can find on two wheels away from the main routes.
Wörthersee Gravel Race (April)
The Wörthersee Gravel Race is part of the UCI Gravel World Series 2026 – an international qualifying race for the UCI Gravel World Championships. Ambitious riders compete over 84 to 136 km, while leisure riders take part on the 68 km course.
A weekend that brings the entire gravel community to Lake Wörthersee.
E-bike holiday at Lake Wörthersee
Simply set off, enjoy the scenery, and never feel as though you have ridden too far.
The paths around the lake are flat to gently rolling, and even the long-distance cycle routes towards Italy or along the Drau are easy to manage at your own pace with electric assistance.
After your ride, take a dip in the lake, soak up the sun by the hotel’s pool, or relax in one of Giulia’s saunas.
Long-distance cycle routes from Lake Wörthersee
Once you are on your bike, you do not have to stay in Schiefling. From here, several well-known long-distance cycle routes continue on.
Ciclovia Alpe-Adria
The Ciclovia Alpe-Adria runs from Salzburg through Carinthia to Grado on the Adriatic.
The best-known section follows an old railway line from Tarvis through the Canal Valley to Venzone in Italy.
If you would like to ride only this section as a one-way route, take the train from Villach to Tarvis and cycle back to Lake Wörthersee from there.
Gravel adventures into the Alps
The region around Lake Wörthersee offers gravel routes that extend far beyond the lake.
From here, routes lead over the Karawanks to Slovenia and on to Italy’s Carnic Alps – on gravel and forest roads away from asphalt traffic.
Distances range from enjoyable day tours starting at 43 km to epic multi-day adventures of over 300 km.
Carinthia Lakes Loop
Around 400 kilometres through Carinthia, past several lakes such as Lake Ossiach, Lake Millstatt, Lake Faak and Lake Wörthersee. The route connects different regions and is ideal for multi-day tours.
If you take a break at Lake Wörthersee, you will find Giulia Slow Residence a wonderful place to catch your breath, with wellness and spa right at the resort.
Drau Cycle Path
The Drau Cycle Path follows the River Drau through Carinthia and has been awarded 5 stars by the ADFC.
Mostly flat, quiet and well signposted, it is considered one of Austria’s most beautiful leisure cycle routes.
Cycling events at Lake Wörthersee 2026
Lake Wörthersee is not only a swimming lake, but also one of Austria’s liveliest event regions. From spring to autumn, one event follows the next.
Car-free Lake Wörthersee
(26 April 2026)Once a year, the federal road around the lake belongs to cyclists, skaters and walkers. The roads are closed to motorised traffic for 44 kilometres. Thousands take the opportunity to experience the lake loop without cars. Along the route, you will find outdoor dining and a supporting programme.
Velovista
(25 April to 3 May 2026)Velovista is a guided cycling and culinary event along the Carinthian Lakes Loop. The route passes several lakes, including Lake Wörthersee. Closed roads, a support team and organised stages make Velovista a special cycling experience.
Ironman Austria
(14 June 2026)At Ironman Austria, around 2,000 athletes cycle a route of approximately 180 kilometres through Carinthia. The cycling course runs through the central area around Lake Wörthersee and combines flat sections with longer climbs. If you would like to watch, you can experience the atmosphere up close along the route.
Frequently asked questions about a cycling holiday at Lake Wörthersee