BOOK NOW:
Velovista April 25th – May 03rd, 2026
The big cycling + enjoyment event at the Carinthian lakes
The Carinthian lake region invites you to a cycling holiday unlike any other in Austria: for eight days, you'll cycle at the grand Carinthian cycling opening "Velovista 2026" with guided tours in the Wörthersee/Rosental, Klagenfurt, and Villach/Faaker See/Ossiacher See regions. Each day is a feast for the senses, with culinary, cultural, musical, and regional highlights that offer participants an unforgettable cycling experience. Trained guides and a dedicated bike service team accompany the tour on roads and cycle paths closed to traffic.
The Velovista highlights
The tour begins spectacularly from the popular resort town of Pörtschach with a car-free day at the renowned Lake Wörthersee, where Carinthia's largest lake belongs entirely to cyclists. The following day, the route follows the shores of Lake Wörthersee and the Drau Cycle Path into the Drau Valley to Spittal an der Drau. The third stage leads through the Carinthian Lake District to Klagenfurt, where accommodation will be provided for three days. Here, beautiful circular tours await, including visits to the Völkermarkt Reservoir and St. Veit an der Glan. The next stage takes you to the turquoise-green Lake Faak, reached via the idyllic Rosental Valley. A major highlight follows with the subsequent section, which leads along the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path in the border region of three countries, to the Italian town of Tarvisio and the well-known Slovenian winter sports resort of Planica. The tour concludes on May 3rd with a car-free day at Lake Ossiach, which will be circumnavigated.
For your participation you can choose between 3 Velovista packages Choose between a 4- or 8-night tour. These include accommodation with breakfast in comfortable cycling hotels in Pörtschach am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt, and Faaker See, luggage transfer, bus shuttles, guided cycling, an attractive program of activities, and much more. Available in two categories. In case of bad weather, bus shuttles to the day's destination are included.
Furthermore, you can choose between 2 groups, the sportier bicycles and the more comfortable vistas.
Attractive supporting program
After cycling, numerous social, culinary and cultural highlights await, such as (consumption payable on site):
- 26.04 .: Velovista welcome evening with live music in Pörtschach am Wörthersee
- 27.04 .: Bus shuttle to Spittal/Drau, lunch at the Brauhof in Villach
- 28.04 .: Lunch break at the Keutschacher See lido, guided city tour of Klagenfurt bookable as an add-on.
- 29.04 .: Grilled specialties at the Gasthof Plasch in Ferlach, Velovista-Radlercity at Neuer Platz in Klagenfurt, Slow Food Heuriger
- 30.04 .: Rest stop at the Brunnerhof wine tavern near Hochosterwitz Castle
- 01.05 .: Free entry to the KärntenTherme in Warmbad Villach
- 02.05 .: Visit to the world's largest ski jumping hills in Planica, Slovenia, return bus shuttle
- 03.05 .: Lunch break at the Ossiach lido, Velovista closing event in Egg am Faaker See
Further information on the individual stages can also be found in our online information folder: click here
THE VELOVISTA PROGRAM 2026
Cycling tour through Velden am Wörthersee (c) Kärnten Werbung, Gert Perauer
Lake Wörthersee, ©VeldenTourismus_Maria-Worth
Leisure bike tour on the Wörthersee cycle path © Kärnten Werbung, Gert Perauer
26.04., Stage 1: Wörthersee car-free – The big Velovista – Kick-off, approx. 40 km
The start of Velovista 2026 is also one of the event's major highlights and coincides with the car-free day at Lake Wörthersee. All roads around the famous turquoise-green bathing lake are closed to car traffic; the lake belongs to cyclists and skaters on this day. Starting in Pörtschach, participants will cycle together around Carinthia's largest lake. Numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants along both the north and south shores invite cyclists to take short or longer breaks.
Overnight stay in Pörtschach.
Porcia Castle in Spittal an der Drau (c) Auer
Drau Cycle Path Bridge (c) Austria Tourist Board
Drau Cycle Path in Villach, ©Region Villach
Main square in Villach (c) Marta Gillner
Pörtschach am Wörthersee (c) Gert Perauer
April 27.04th, Stage 2: Spittal/Drau - Villach - Pörtschach, 68 km
The second stage begins with a private bus shuttle to Spittal an der Drau. From there, you'll cycle along the idyllic Drau Cycle Path, mostly right next to the river, until you reach Villach, where a culinary stop is planned. Refreshed, you'll continue to Velden am Wörthersee and then return to Pörtschach via the Wörthersee Cycle Path.
Overnight stay in Pörtschach.
Klagenfurt Lindwurm Fountain (c) Franz Gerdl
Velden am Wörthersee (c) Gerd Perauer
Keutschacher See (c) Carinthia Advertising
Meridiem Trail Klagenfurt (c) Martin Hofmann
April 28.04, Stage 3: Pörtschach – Seental – Klagenfurt, approx. 50 km
The next section of the route follows the northern shore of Lake Wörthersee, passing through Velden and into the picturesque Carinthian lake district. Within a short distance, four idyllic bathing lakes line this cycle path: Hafnersee, Keutschacher See, Baßgeigensee, and Rauschelesee. The day's destination is Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia, where accommodation will be provided.
Overnight stay in Klagenfurt
Drauradweg©Kärnten Werbung
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, beach (c) Michael Stabentheiner
Meridiem Trail Klagenfurt (c) Martin Hofmann
Carinthian cheese noodle ©FranzGerdl
Drau Cycle Path in Southern Carinthia © Carinthia Tourism, Gert Perauer
April 29.04th, Stage 4: Klagenfurt Basin – Ferlach – Klagenfurt, approx. 65km
This varied bike tour starts right by the famous Lindwurm (dragon) in Klagenfurt's old town and initially leads along the Glan River to southern Carinthia. From there, it continues along the beautiful Drau Cycle Path to the traditional gunsmithing town of Ferlach, where a relaxing break is planned. After a short climb, you'll reach the center of Klagenfurt again via Maria Rain.
Overnight stay in Klagenfurt.
Hochosterwitz Castle, St. Georgen am Längsee MK (c)Gert Steinthaler, Summer 2021
Hochosterwitz Castle (c) Stabentheiner
Klagenfurt's landmark Lindwurm (c) Tourismus Klagenfurt, Pixelpoint 1
Brettljause (c) Carinthia Advertising, Michael Sleyer
April 30.04th, stage 5: Klagenfurt – St. Veit/Glan – Klagenfurt, approx. 67 km
Today, participants can expect a varied circular tour through the historically rich heart of Carinthia. Following the Friesach cycle path, you'll head north, where impressive views await: the historic Maria Saal Cathedral, Taggenbrunn Castle, and Tanzenberg Palace. Near Hochosterwitz Castle, you'll enjoy refreshments of regional delicacies at a typical Carinthian wine tavern. The route then leads via St. Veit/Glan towards Moosburg and back to Klagenfurt.
Overnight stay in Klagenfurt.
Jetty at Lake Faak (c) Gert Perauer
Klagenfurt Lendhafen, harbor chirping (c) Der Schindler 1
Faaker See lake loop © Region Villach, Gert Perauer
KaerntenTherme outdoor pool ©Region Villach Tourismus GmbH Stefan Leitner
May 01.05st, Stage 6: Klagenfurt – Faaker See, approx. 62 km
A change of scenery awaits: the destination is the Faaker See, shimmering in vibrant turquoise. You'll cycle along the Klagenfurt Lend Canal to the eastern bay of the Wörthersee. The route then leads south before reaching the Drau Cycle Path near Maria Rain with its impressive pilgrimage church. Following the Drau River, you'll continue via Rosegg to your destination for the day at the Faaker See. In the evening, you can relax at the spacious Kärnten Therme spa in Warmbad Villach (entrance included).
Overnight stay at Lake Faak/Villach.
Alpe Adria cycle path near Tarvisio (c) Kärnten Radreisen
Ciclovia Alpe Adria, Tarvisio (c) Nicola Brollo
Gailtal Cycle Path ©Franz Gerdl
Save cycle path on former railway lines (c) Austria cycle tours
02.05., Stage 7: Faaker See – Tarvisio – Planica, approx. 46 km
A unique highlight awaits today: exploring the tri-border region. From the eastern shore of Lake Faak, the route follows the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path across the border into Italy. Just before the winter sports resort of Tarvisio, the route continues towards Slovenia, into the picturesque Triglav National Park. The day's destination is Planica, right next to one of the world's largest and most impressive ski jumps. Cyclist buses will then take you comfortably back to Lake Faak.
Overnight stays at Lake Faak/Villach.
Ossiacher See Cycle Path (c) Region Villach, Gert Perauer
Panorama of Villach city centre (c) Region Villach Tourism, Michael Stabentheiner
Ossiacher See (c) Gert Perauer
03.05., Stage 8: Ossiacher See car-free, round trip, approx. 56 km
The Velovista culminates in a car-free day at Lake Ossiach. From Lake Faak, participants cycle along the Drau Cycle Path to Villach and then continue on the R2 to Lake Ossiach. On this day, the lake belongs exclusively to cyclists. The lakeside roads are closed to general traffic. The route circles the lake clockwise before returning to Lake Faak, where the Velovista 2026 will conclude with a festive finish.
Individual departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
For whom is Velovista particularly suitable?
Velovista is perfect for all leisure cyclists who enjoy cycling but also appreciate relaxed stops and socializing. Solo travelers can also participate in Velovista; the group experience makes it easy to make new friends.
Is Velovista also suitable for participants aged 60+?
Yes, Velovista is aimed at recreational cyclists of all ages. There are also two speed groups: the sporty bikes and the leisurely Vistas. Velovista is less suitable for racing cyclists and children under 12.
Are all participants traveling together?
Yes, all participants will ride together – accompanied by experienced cycling guides and, of course, maintaining a safe distance. There will be two groups: the faster "Velo" group and the more leisurely "Vista" group.
What pace will we be riding at? What should I do if I'm too slow for the group?
The faster "Velos" cycle at an average speed of approximately 15-18 km/h. The more leisurely "Vistas" ride a bit slower and also make short photo stops. You can decide which group you want to join at the start of each ride.
What happens in rainy weather?
In case of very bad weather and heavy rain, a free bad weather shuttle service will be organized, and you will be taken to the day's destination by bus (including your bicycle). We strongly recommend bringing rain gear.
Where can I park my bike?
All Velovista hotels offer secure covered bicycle storage and charging facilities for e-bikes. However, we still recommend always locking your bike with a professional lock.
Where can I charge my e-bike?
E-bike charging is available at all Velovista accommodations. Permanently installed batteries can be charged in the hotel's bike room/garage, while removable batteries can be charged in the room. Additionally, some charging options will be available at the culinary stops for emergencies.
Is food included?
Breakfast is included in all Velovista packages. A light lunch can be enjoyed at the specially organized culinary stops along the cycling route. Dinner is either offered at the Velovista evening events (on April 26.04, 29.04, May 01.05, and 02.05) or you can dine independently at your hotel or nearby restaurants. Food and drinks at lunch and dinner are not included and must be paid for on-site.
Will my luggage be transported from one accommodation to the next?
Yes, luggage transport (one piece per person) is organized for each hotel change. It is important to leave your clearly labeled suitcase at the hotel reception by 9:00 AM.
How do I get to Velovista?
Arrival at Velovista is on your own. Both Pörtschach am Wörthersee and the state capital Klagenfurt are easily accessible by car (A2 motorway) or train (ÖBB and now also Westbahn). With the opening of the new Koralm Tunnel, there are many new, convenient train connections, especially from Vienna and Graz. Bicycles can be brought along with advance reservation, but renting a bike is certainly more convenient. Further information: www.oebb.at, www.westbahn.at
Where can I park my car?
Of course, you can park your car in Pörtschach or Klagenfurt for the duration of your trip. Parking is available for a fee, either directly at the hotel or in public parking areas. You will receive the latest information upon check-in at your hotel. Parking costs are not included in the price and must be paid on site. Unfortunately, advance reservations for parking spaces are not possible.
How do I get back to my car at the end of the journey?
Carinthia Cycling Tours organizes a convenient return transfer by bus, transporting all luggage and bicycles. Participants are picked up directly from their hotel and taken to their arrival hotel in Pörtschach or Klagenfurt. Simply select your desired date on the inquiry form and book.
Which rental bikes can I book and how?
You can choose between trekking bikes (with 21 gears) or e-bikes. The rental bikes will be delivered to your arrival hotel, and you can conveniently leave them there on your last day of cycling. Simply provide your height in the Velovista inquiry form or when booking, and the appropriate rental bike will be arranged for you.
What does the Velovista bike service include?
Participants will be accompanied by a bicycle service bus that will perform simple tasks such as inflating tires, adjusting brakes, etc., free of charge. For minor repairs, participants will be responsible for the cost of any necessary replacement parts.
What does a typical Velovista day look like?
After a hearty breakfast, the Velovista ride starts at 10:00 AM. A longer break is planned around 12:00 PM, during which you can rest and have lunch. Arrival at the stage finish is scheduled between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Here, you will also have the opportunity to refresh yourself with drinks and snacks. Afterwards, you will cycle leisurely back to your hotels.
Can I book individual stages only?
Velovista was designed as a cycling tour. Therefore, it is not possible to book individual day stages. For those who do not have enough time to participate in the entire Velovista tour, there is the option to book shorter weekend packages (April 25-29.04 or April 29.04-May 03.05).
What equipment should I definitely bring?
Of course, functional sportswear is essential, and very importantly, cycling helmets and rain gear. Rental bikes can be reserved in advance (please mention this when booking). All participants will receive detailed information and a packing list approximately one month before arrival. P.S. Don't forget your swimwear for visiting the KärntenTherme spa in Villach…
Is participation recommended even without an e-bike?
Certainly, if you're in good shape. Apart from a few short climbs, the approximately 60-kilometer Velovista daily stages are mostly flat. For cyclists without a motor, there's also the more leisurely "Vista group," which travels at a slower pace.
Impressions from Velovista 2025
