VELOVISTA 2027

April 25 – May 02, 2027

SAVE THE DATE

Velovista April 25th – May 02rd, 2027

The big cycling and culinary event at the Carinthian lakes

Kick off the 2027 cycling season with the Velovista event and discover Carinthia's most beautiful cycling routes on guided tours with trained guides. Starting from Pörtschach on the stunning Wörthersee, enjoy daily cycling excursions in small groups, tailored to your preferences. A diverse program of activities will make your cycling holiday a truly unique experience.

4 or 8 nights in just one cycling destination: Pörtschach
Daily guided bike tours in small groups with different performance levels.
Expert, trained guides
Cyclist city directly on Lake Wörthersee with Alpine-Adriatic cuisine
Bike service and driver safety training
Experience car-free days at Lake Wörthersee and Lake Ossiacher See in your own way
Supporting program including evening event, music, yoga, SUP, mobility & stretching, lectures and much more.

Three bookable packages will be available:

8 nights: 24.04.-02.05.2027
4 nights: 24.04.-28.04.2027
4 nights: 28.04.-02.05.2027

More information to follow.

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THAT WAS VELOVISTA 2026:

Leisure bike tour on the Wörthersee cycle path © Kärnten Werbung, Gert Perauer

4 LR kw seenschleife wörthersee by gert perauer

Maria Wörth (c) Wörthersee Tourism, Petra Nestelbacher

Seespitz Veldan (c) WRTG Wörrthersee Tourismus, Patra Nestelbacher

Jilly Beach in Pörtschach (c) WRTG Wörthersee Tourismus, Martin Steinthaler

April 26.04th, Stage 1: Car-free Velovista kick-off at Lake Wörthersee, approx. 40 km

Velovista 2026 kicks off spectacularly with a major highlight – a car-free day at Lake Wörthersee. The roads around the turquoise lake are closed to cars and belong exclusively to cyclists and skaters. Starting in Pörtschach, participants will cycle together around Carinthia's largest lake, with numerous cafes and restaurants along the route inviting them to stop for refreshments. Stage information
Overnight stay in Pörtschach.

Highlight: Live music at Monte Carlo Square in Pörtschach am Wörthersee, Velovista regulars' table at the fish restaurant “Marktamt” in the lake hotel “Das JO”

Drau Cycle Path Bridge (c) Austria Tourist Board

Cyclists on the 5-star Drauradweg in Villach

Main square in Villach (c) Marta Gillner

Carinthian cheese noodles (c) Carinthia advertising, Franz Gerdl

Pörtschach am Wörthersee (c) Gert Perauer

Carinthian folk music by (c) Poppe + Friend

April 27.04th, Stage 2: On the Drau Cycle Path from Spittal to Villach, 68 km

The second stage begins with a bus shuttle to Spittal an der Drau. From there, you cycle along the idyllic Drau Cycle Path to Villach, where a culinary break awaits. Refreshed, the route continues via Velden along Lake Wörthersee back to Pörtschach. Stage information
Overnight stay in Pörtschach.

Highlights: Bus shuttle to Spittal/Drau, lunch at the Brauhof in Villach with musical accompaniment and Villach beer, Velovista regulars' tables in the restaurants “Zocklwirt” & “Sissi”

Klagenfurt Lindwurm Fountain (c) Franz Gerdl

Cycling tour through Velden am Wörthersee (c) Kärnten Werbung, Gert Perauer

Meridiem Trail Klagenfurt (c) Martin Hofmann

Keutschacher See (c) WRTG, Wörthersee Tourismus, Gert Steinthaler

Rauschelesee (c) WRTG Woerthersee Tourism, Gert Steinthaler

Keutschacher See lido (c) WRTG Wörthersee Tourism

Wiener Schnitzel (c) Sem Kegley & Claus Comelli Struckenfeld

April 28.04th, Stage 3: Through the lake valley to Klagenfurt, approx. 50 km

The next leg of the journey follows the northern shore of Lake Wörthersee, passing through Velden and into the picturesque Seental valley. Here, four idyllic bathing lakes follow one another in quick succession: Hafnersee, Keutschacher See, Baßgeigensee, and Rauschelesee. Your destination for the day is the state capital, Klagenfurt, where you will spend your next night. Stage information
Overnight stay in Klagenfurt

Highlights: Lunch break at the Keutschacher See lido, guided city tour of Klagenfurt (can be booked as an add-on).

Velovista on the Drau cycle path (c) PSB MEDIA 245

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, beach (c) Michael Stabentheiner

Drau Cycle Path in Southern Carinthia © Carinthia Tourism, Gert Perauer

Drau Cycle Path (c) Carinthia Advertisement

April 29.04th, Stage 4: Round trip to southern Carinthia, 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. The route continues along the Drau Cycle Path to the traditional gunsmithing town of Ferlach, where a relaxing break awaits. After a short climb, you'll reach the center of Klagenfurt again via Maria Rain. Stage information
Overnight stay in Klagenfurt.

Highlights: Grilled specialties at the Gasthof Plasch in Ferlach, Velovista cyclist city at Neuer Platz in Klagenfurt

Hochosterwitz Castle, St. Georgen am Längsee MK (c)Gert Steinthaler, Summer 2021

Brunnerhof wine tavern (c) Elias Jerusalem

Klagenfurt's landmark Lindwurm (c) Tourismus Klagenfurt, Pixelpoint 1

Slow Food Travel, Christina Wildhaber (c) Elias Jerusalem

April 30.04th, Stage 5: Into the historical heart towards St. Veit/Glan, approx. 67 km

Today's varied circular tour leads into the historically rich heart of Carinthia. You'll cycle north along the Friesach cycle path, passing Maria Saal Cathedral with views of Taggenbrunn Castle and Tanzenberg Palace. A lunch break is planned near the imposing Hochosterwitz Castle. The route then continues via St. Veit an der Glan towards Moosburg and back to Klagenfurt. Stage information
Overnight stay in Klagenfurt.

Highlight: Rest stop at the Brunnerhof wine tavern near Hochosterwitz Castle, a Slow Food wine tavern in the cycling city

KärntenTherme Warmbad Villach (c) Daniel Waschnig

Klagenfurt Lendhafen, harbor chirping (c) Der Schindler 1

Faaker See lake loop © Region Villach, Gert Perauer

Culinary delights in the Rosental valley (c) WRTG Wörthersee Tourism, Franz Gerdl

Holiday Village Rosental (c) Christian Gössler

May 01.05st, Stage 6: Through the Rosental valley to Lake Faak, approx. 62 km

A change of location is imminent: the destination is the vibrant turquoise Faaker See. You'll cycle along the Klagenfurt Lend Canal to the Wörthersee and continue south until you reach the Drau Cycle Path at the Maria Rain pilgrimage church. Following the Drau River, you'll pass through the Rosental valley and Rosegg to reach your destination for the day at Faaker See. Stage information
Overnight stay at Lake Faak/Villach.

Highlights: Lunch break at the Rosental holiday village, free entry to the Kärnten Therme spa in Warmbad Villach

Planica ski jumping hills (c) Kranjska Gora

Alpe Adria cycle path near Tarvisio (c) Kärnten Radreisen

Ciclovia Alpe Adria, Tarvisio (c) Nicola Brollo

Creating experiences on the Gail cycle path (c) Franz Gerdl

Save cycle path on former railway lines (c) Austria cycle tours

Planica in the Slovenian Alps (c) Kranjska Gora

May 02.05nd, Stage 7: Bike tour to the tripoint near Planica, approx. 46 km

Today's ride takes an international turn as we explore the border region of three countries. The Alpe-Adria Cycle Path leads us across the border into Italy. Shortly before Tarvisio, the idyllic route continues towards Slovenia and into the picturesque Triglav National Park. Our destination for the day is Planica, right next to the world's largest ski jumping hills. Cycle buses will then take you comfortably back to Lake Faak. Stage information
Overnight stays at Lake Faak/Villach.

Highlights: Visit to the world's largest ski jumping hills in Planica, Slovenia, return bus shuttle

Ossiacher See Cycle Path (c) Region Villach, Gert Perauer

Drau cycle path in Villach (c) Carinthia Advertising, Uwe Geissler

Stone house in Steindorf am Ossiacher See (c)Region Villach Tourismus GmbH, Adrian Hipp

Ossiach Abbey © Region Villach Tourism GmbH, Michael Stabentheiner

May 03.05rd, Stage 8: Car-free final day at Lake Ossiach, approx. 56 km

The grand finale of Velovista is the car-free day at Lake Ossiach. From Lake Faak, you'll cycle along the Drau Cycle Path via Villach to Lake Ossiach, which today belongs exclusively to cyclists. You'll then circumnavigate the lake clockwise on the traffic-free lakeside roads before returning to Lake Faak, bringing Velovista 2026 to a festive close. Stage information
Individual departure.

Highlights: Lunch break at the Ossiach lido, Velovista closing event in Egg am Faaker See

FAQs – 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.