Wörthersee Circular Trail
Wörthersee Circular Trail: A Carinthian Lake Loop
The Wörthersee Circular Trail is a 58.8 km waymarked loop around Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia, southern Austria. Usually walked in 3–4 days, it is a moderate, town-based trail with about 1,500 m of ascent and a highest point around 850 m. It suits hikers who want forest paths, lake views, swimming stops and easy logistics rather than remote mountain terrain. Accommodation is in lakeside resorts such as Velden, Pörtschach, Klagenfurt, Reifnitz and Maria Wörth.
Route Overview
The official Wörthersee Rundwanderweg is a circular trail with no fixed start, though Velden am Wörthersee is the usual start and finish. The signed stage sequence runs broadly anticlockwise: Velden to Reifnitz along the south shore, Reifnitz to Klagenfurt at the eastern end, Klagenfurt to Pörtschach on the north shore, then Pörtschach back to Velden. Because trains run on the north shore, buses serve the south shore and Wörthersee boats link stage towns from late April to October, single-stage walks are easy. For a longer Austrian crossing compare the Alpe-Adria Trail; for a tougher Carinthian ridge route see the Carnic High Trail, or try another lake loop on the Attersee Circular Trail.
Wörthersee history and the lakeside resort era
Lake Wörthersee was recorded as “Werdse” in a 1143 deed, with its name linked to the islands and peninsula around Maria Wörth. Christian settlement on the Maria Wörth peninsula dates back to roughly the 9th century. The lake became a fashionable summer retreat after the Südbahn reached Klagenfurt in 1863 and later extended along the north shore towards Villach, drawing Vienna’s nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie. Today’s Rundwanderweg links older paths, forest tracks and lakeside promenades into one signed circuit.
Notable highlights
- Pyramidenkogel observation tower: On the 851 m Pyramidenkogel south of the lake, this timber-and-steel observation tower gives 360-degree views over Wörthersee and the Karawanken. It is reached by a short climb or detour from the south-shore route.
- Maria Wörth church peninsula: A narrow wooded peninsula topped by two medieval churches, where the first St Mary's church dates to around 875 AD. The Romanesque collegiate church and the smaller winter church below it make this the most recognisable cultural stop on the loop.
- Velden am Wörthersee: The west-end resort is known for Schloss Velden, now a luxury hotel, and its casino. It is the most common place to start and finish the circular walk.
- Klagenfurt am Wörthersee: Carinthia’s capital sits at the eastern end of the lake, with the Lindwurm fountain on Neuer Platz and the Lend Canal linking the old town to the lake. It is also a major transport hub on the route.
- Beech and conifer forest sections: Much of the trail runs through shaded woodland on slopes above the shore. These sections provide relief from summer heat and repeated framed views down to the water.
- Turquoise lake and shore towns: The route threads bathing resorts including Pörtschach, Krumpendorf and Reifnitz, with promenades, lidos and reed-fringed bays. In summer, Wörthersee is warm enough for swimming stops.
Challenges to expect
This is not a high-alpine trek, but the 58.8 km distance and 1,500 m total ascent still add up over 3–4 days. Expect steady climbs and descents through forest, mixed surfaces, and some paved promenade or minor-road sections near the lake. Summer shore sections can be hot, while woodland can be muddy after rain. Navigation is helped by waymarking and frequent towns, with trains, buses and boats providing bailout options.
Austria - Lakeland
- Hilly
- Forest
- Forest Tracks
- Dirt Paths
- Gravel
- Paved
- Hotels
- Guesthouses
- Lodges
- Campsites
- Hostels
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Restrooms
- Water Sources
- Campsites
- Picnic Areas
The first official stage follows the south-shore side of the loop from Velden am Wörthersee to Reifnitz. It is rated medium and takes about 300 minutes of walking, with forested slopes above the lake and access to Maria Wörth and the Pyramidenkogel area.
This shorter official stage continues to Klagenfurt am Wörthersee at the eastern end of the lake. It is rated medium and takes about 210 minutes, making it a manageable half-day with easy onward transport in Carinthia’s capital.
The third official stage crosses the north-shore side from Klagenfurt to Pörtschach am Wörthersee. It is rated medium and takes about 382 minutes, combining lakeside towns, forest tracks and views back across the water.
The final official stage returns from Pörtschach to Velden am Wörthersee. It is rated medium and takes about 270 minutes, closing the loop through the north-western lake landscape and resort villages.