A Journey to Carinthia

Carinthia, with its mix of breathtaking natural landscapes, authentic traditions and top-notch facilities, continues to surprise me with each visit. This time, I had the opportunity to discover new attractions and rediscover places that already had me head over heels in the past. Here is the tale of my trip, with a few tips to make your experience just as special.

Day One: Millstatt, between history and light

Millstatt is a place I carry in my heart and have talked about in previous articles, which you can find on my blog. This town overlooks the lake that gave it the same name and is known for its thousand-year-old abbey and relaxing atmosphere. This year, however, I discovered something new: the Path of Light.

This 2.4-kilometer-long trail, in its second year, runs through the village where it stops at several interactive stations. Thanks to an app that can be downloaded via a QR code, you’ll be able to listen to stories in Italian that will keep you company on the walk, making the experience evocative and immersive.

In Millstatt, I stayed at the Villa Postillion am See Hotel, a property directly overlooking the lake, with spectacular views and a spa that offers direct access to the waters of the lake. Dinner at the hotel restaurant made the stay even more enjoyable with its quality à-la-carte menu

Just a short walk away from the hotel is the Lake Millstatt Badehaus, a fantastic spa center with saunas, steam baths, relaxation areas, and a wellness center. After a nice sauna, I soaked in the icy waters of the lake at 7°C, surrounded by snow-capped mountains – a poetic and rejuvenating experience.

Day Two: Mallnitz and the magic of Christmas

Mallnitz, an enchanting mountain village in Carinthia, is a place I know quite well and have already told you about in other articles (you can read them on my blog). Here, too, the magic of Christmas has arrived, thanks to the small but authentic Christmas market, held in a fairy-tale setting.

One of the most fun and unusual activities I tried was a walk with a llama on a leash. Through the village and to the edge of the snowy forest, the path was lit with Christmas lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

After I visited the market, I enjoyed an unforgettable mulled wine, enhanced by thin slices of apple, accompanied by a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

I stayed at the Bergkristall Hotel, a family-run establishment that makes one feel at home. Welcoming guests are a well-behaved Australian Shepherd, and inside, a family-like atmosphere with the owners' children intent on doing their homework. The hotel also offers a wellness area with saunas, including a hay biosauna, and high-quality, à-la-carte cuisine.

Day Three: Skiing on the Mölltaler Gletscher Glacier.

Just 20 minutes away from Mallnitz you’ll find the Mölltaler Gletscher, the perfect glacier for skiers. With 17 lifts and more than 53 kilometers of slopes, it is one of the highest ski destinations in Carinthia, reaching 3,122 meters above sea level.

What’s special about this place? A cable car train that, in just seven minutes, traverses the mountain and leads directly to the first ski resort. From there, lifts lead up to the summit, giving breathtaking views and slopes for every level.

Day Four: Villach between tradition and modern times

Villach is a town I love and about which I have written several articles. I suggest you read them once again to discover more tips and details. This time, I stayed at Palais 26, a hotel that has undergone a complete renovation in the last five years. In the past it was called “Romantic” and had an old-world charm, but today its historic facade has been matched with a modern, eye-catching design.

Dinners here are sophisticated and delicious, with original offerings that I recommend booking. Breakfast, on the other hand, is hearty and international, a perfect way to start the day.

During my stay, I explored the Christmas markets, which have grown bigger since the past, and now occupy not only the main street but also the narrow ones around the church. New features include a large ice-skating rink and the craft market in St. Nicholas Square, a little gem that enhances this historic part of town.

Relaxation and skiing at the Gerlitzen Alp

Just 13 minutes away from Villach is the Gerlitzen Alp ski area, overlooking Lake Ossiacher. It’s the perfect place for a day in the snow and it is also easy to reach from Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto, especially on midweek days.

Although the weather wasn’t always the best, with some fog and wind, I was lucky enough to ski solo on Monday morning, after an overnight snowfall that made the landscape look even more magical.

For those seeking relaxation, I recommend the Warmbad Spa, an impressive complex with pools, saunas and beauty treatments. Perfect for families, couples or friend groups, they offer options for every need, from pools with water slides for children to VIP areas for those seeking an exclusive experience.

A dinner at Cotidiano Lastly, if you’re looking for a young and casual place, I recommend Cotidiano, which opened last March. Here, you’ll find traditional Austrian dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, and tasty burgers

I hope this tale of my experience in Carinthia has inspired you. As I always say, now all you have to do is try it yourselves!