“What are we doing today?”
Out of the bathrobe and into adventure! Around the Karawankenhof and the KärntenTherme, countless experiences await little explorers and great adventurers. Whether it’s nature experiences, animal encounters, outdoor activities, or exciting attractions in any weather – families will find a wide variety of opportunities for unforgettable holiday moments together.
Thanks to the ideal location in Warmbad-Villach, many attractions can be reached easily by car or even by train. Here are our best tips for your family excursion:
Head outdoors!
Carinthia is made for an active family holiday in nature. Just a few minutes from the Karawankenhof, the Dobratsch Nature Park awaits with child-friendly hiking trails, breathtaking views, and plenty of space to explore. The Villacher Alpenstraße already turns the journey into a panoramic experience – short walks along the route are perfect for families with children. Numerous family-friendly hiking trails, alpine meadows, and rest areas around Villach combine exercise, nature experiences, and relaxation. Every excursion becomes a little adventure for young and old alike.
Winter tip: During the colder months, a skiing trip or an ice-skating outing is a wonderful option. Cross-country ski trails and winter hiking paths around Villach also offer stunning panoramas and idyllic winter landscapes.
Head into the cool water!
In addition to the KärntenTherme, Carinthia’s lakes provide the perfect way to cool off on warm summer days. Lake Faak (approx. 15 minutes from Villach) delights visitors with its turquoise waters and shallow shores – ideal for children. Lake Ossiach (around 20 minutes away) offers spacious beach areas, sunbathing lawns, and opportunities for stand-up paddling. Lake Wörthersee (approx. 25–30 minutes from Villach) combines swimming fun with a magnificent mountain panorama and well-equipped lidos. Whether it’s a relaxing beach day, pedal boating, or building sandcastles – every family will find its own summer highlight just a short drive from the Karawankenhof.
Sightseeing highlights
Numerous family-friendly attractions await around Villach. At Affenberg Landskron, you can experience macaques up close, while the Eagle Arena at Landskron Castle impresses with spectacular bird of prey flight shows. Rosegg Animal Park combines animal encounters with spacious playground areas in a natural setting. A special highlight is Minimundus in Klagenfurt, where families can discover famous landmarks in miniature form. Nearby, the Happ Reptile Zoo offers an exciting experience with snakes, lizards, and exotic animals – especially fascinating for curious children.
Weather-independent adventures await at the Terra Mystica & Terra Montana show mines in Bad Bleiberg. Families can dive deep into the fascinating world of mining – including a mine train, underground adventure worlds, and multimedia presentations. The Pyramidenkogel observation tower at Lake Wörthersee offers spectacular panoramic views – including a slide for extra fun for older children.
Sustainable travel: Excursion tips by train
Those wishing to make their holiday in Carinthia more sustainable can benefit from the excellent rail connections from Warmbad-Villach. The train station is just 150 metres from the Karawankenhof and offers direct connections to Villach city centre as well as to Klagenfurt and Velden at Lake Wörthersee.
Within a short travel time, families can reach Villach’s main square with its cafés, ice cream parlours, and playgrounds. A day trip to Klagenfurt with Europapark, the beach lido, or Minimundus is also easy and stress-free. Even Velden at Lake Wörthersee can be conveniently explored by train – ideal for a beach day or a relaxing stroll along the lakeside promenade.
This makes even the journey itself part of the experience – relaxed, environmentally friendly, and without the hassle of parking. Sustainable mobility makes your stay at the Karawankenhof even more comfortable and family-friendly.
With the Erlebnis CARD of the Villach region, guests can use the S-Bahn trains throughout Carinthia free of charge!