Best lakes around Paternion are found in the lower Drau Valley, a market municipality in Carinthia, Austria. While Paternion itself does not feature large lakes, several significant lakes are easily accessible nearby. This region offers diverse activities and natural landscapes, making it a central point for exploring Carinthia's lake district. The area is characterized by its clear waters, surrounding mountains, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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The lakeside path along the south shore is simply beautiful.
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The place is called Döbriach, right?
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Beautiful, easy to walk around
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The bays and shores of Lake Millstatt are very different. The western bay, with its rather built-up shoreline, contrasts with the mystical southern bay. To soak up these differences, a leisurely bike ride around the lake is recommended. I now prefer a clockwise cycle, as it brings you closer to the shore.
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The north and south shores of the lake are ideal for cycling. On the north side, the route is almost entirely paved along the main road. On the south side, it follows forest paths through the shady forest. Good rest areas are available everywhere.
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Here you can cycle in a relaxed manner
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Great lake but very busy in high season
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While Paternion itself doesn't have large lakes, it's ideally located for accessing several magnificent lakes in Carinthia. These include Lake Faak, Lake Ossiach, Lake Millstatt, and Lake Klopein, all offering diverse activities and stunning scenery.
Lake Faak is perfect for water sports enthusiasts seeking tranquility. You can enjoy swimming, stand-up paddling (SUP), kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and rowing in its striking turquoise-blue water. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and climbing with panoramic views.
Yes, several lakes cater well to families. Lake Klopein is particularly popular due to its warm, calm waters and numerous public beaches. Lake Ossiach also offers the Familywald Ossiacher See, a nature park with treetop paths and a forest rollercoaster, alongside various water sports. For a scenic cycle, consider the Forest cycle path on the southern shore of Lake Millstatt, which is noted as family-friendly.
Lake Ossiach features a 27-kilometer cycle path encircling the lake, ideal for family excursions. Lake Millstatt also has a 28-kilometer cycle path around its shores, offering scenic routes. The Forest cycle path on the southern shore of Lake Millstatt is a highly recommended scenic route through the forest, offering great views.
The region offers extensive hiking opportunities. Around Lake Ossiach, you can explore the Lake Ossiach trail, which includes highlights like the Steindorfer waterfall and Landskron castle ruins. Lake Millstatt offers the 'Millstätter See Höhensteig' with breathtaking views. For more general hiking options around Paternion, you can explore easy hikes or more challenging mountain hikes.
Lake Millstatt is the deepest lake in Carinthia and the second largest by surface area. It's known for its crystal-clear water and warm summer temperatures (up to 27°C), making it pleasant for swimming. The lake is surrounded by the gentle Nockberge mountains, and culturally, it features Millstatt Abbey with its Romanesque architecture.
Absolutely. Lake Faak is excellent for stand-up paddling, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and rowing. Lake Ossiach is popular for wakeboarding, water skiing, stand-up paddling, and sailing due to favorable wind conditions. Lake Millstatt also offers stand-up paddling, sailing, and diving. Lake Klopein is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Visitors frequently praise the clear, warm waters and the stunning natural scenery. The View of Lake Millstätter See is a popular viewpoint for clear lake views on sunny days. Many cyclists also enjoy taking a swim break at the Döbriach lidos on Lake Millstatt, which offers various attractions.
Lake Klopein is renowned as one of the warmest lakes in the Alpine region, with water temperatures that can reach up to 29 degrees Celsius in summer, making it exceptionally pleasant for swimming.
Yes, Lake Ossiach is home to the historic Ossiach Abbey, which now serves as a cultural center and hosts the 'Carinthian Summer' international music festival. Around Lake Millstatt, you can visit Millstatt Abbey, known for its Romanesque architecture, and explore historic villas along the shore.
The region offers a variety of mountain biking trails. You can find challenging routes like the 'West Shore of Millstätter Lake' loop or the 'Dolomitenblick Pier – Farchtensee' loop. For a comprehensive overview of trails, refer to the MTB Trails around Paternion guide.
The lakes are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. Lake Faak is known for its striking turquoise water and untouched western shore with reed beds. Lake Ossiach is nestled between the Gerlitzen Alps and the Ossiacher Tauern. Lake Millstatt is surrounded by rolling hills and the imposing Nockberge mountains. The region also features viewpoints like the View of Lake Millstätter See, offering expansive vistas.


Still not found your perfect lake around Paternion? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.