Summer holiday in Bad Kleinkirchheim
Mountains, lakes & nature in Carinthia
Summer in the Nock Mountains: when the mountains smell of resin & wild herbs!
Carinthia is Austria’s sunniest state. In summer, the thermometer climbs to a pleasant 25 degrees in the mountains, while at 1,400 m above sea level there’s always a light breeze drifting through the Swiss stone pine forests.
And it’s right here, in St. Oswald near Bad Kleinkirchheim, that your summer holiday in the mountains begins.
In the morning, birdsong wakes you instead of an alarm clock. You open the balcony door & your gaze sweeps across the Nock Mountains. The coffee steams, the air is crisp. And the day is entirely yours.
What makes a summer holiday in Bad Kleinkirchheim different from other mountain regions?
The sunny side of the Alps
Bad Kleinkirchheim lies sheltered in a high valley & enjoys an above-average number of sunshine hours.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Protected nature, rare plants, marmots, ibexes & a stillness you’ll search for elsewhere. The hiking trails start right at the holiday village.
Pleasant temperatures
When the heat is oppressive in the cities, it’s a comfortable 22 to 25 degrees at 1,400 m. Shady forests, fresh mountain air & restful nights when you can actually sleep.
Mountains & lakes
Three swimming lakes with drinking-water quality, 15 to 20 minutes away by car. Up to 26 degrees warm in summer. Pack a towel, head out, jump in.
Hiking trails & bike routes
Over 1,000 km of hiking trails & 700 km of bike trails start in the region. From gentle alpine paths to the 15.9 km Flow Country Trail, there’s something for every pace.
Two thermal spas in town
St. Kathrein Thermal Spa & Thermal Römerbad, 10 minutes away by car. 13 saunas, indoor & outdoor pools, thermal water.
This is what a summer day in Bad Kleinkirchheim feels like
Morning in the mountains: out into nature
The Nock Mountains offer over 1,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails.
From easy alpine loops to challenging summit tours, it’s all here. The Biosphere Reserve starts right outside the holiday village. No drive, no traffic. Just lace up your shoes & go.
The Brunnachbahn is a five-minute walk from the holiday village and takes you comfortably to the best viewpoints & hiking routes in summer. At the Kaiserburgbahn, mountain bikers start the Flow Country Trail: 15.9 km with 970 metres of elevation from the top station at 2,100 m down into the valley.
This is what a summer day in Bad Kleinkirchheim feels like
Morning in the mountains: out into nature
The Nock Mountains offer over 1,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails.
From easy alpine loops to challenging summit tours, it’s all here. The Biosphere Reserve starts right outside the holiday village. No drive, no traffic. Just lace up your shoes & go.
The Brunnachbahn is a five-minute walk from the holiday village and takes you comfortably to the best viewpoints & hiking routes in summer. At the Kaiserburgbahn, mountain bikers start the Flow Country Trail: 15.9 km with 970 metres of elevation from the top station at 2,100 m down into the valley.
Midday: head to the lake
Even while hiking through the Nock Mountains, you’ll come across crystal-clear mountain streams, quiet mountain lakes and raised bogs.
If you really want to cool off after a morning in the mountains, head down to one of the swimming lakes. All with drinking-water quality:
Lake Millstätter See (20 min):
Carinthia’s second-largest lake. Swimming, stand-up paddling, boating. Up to 26 degrees water temperature in summer.
Lake Brennsee (20 min):
Smaller, quieter, popular with locals. Perfect for a half day with a picnic by the shore.
Lake Afritzer See (20 min):
Surrounded by forest, the quietest of the three. If you really want peace and quiet, this is the place.
A wet towel, a snack & a view across the water. That’s all a summer day needs.
Midday: head to the lake
Even while hiking through the Nock Mountains, you’ll come across crystal-clear mountain streams, quiet mountain lakes and raised bogs.
If you really want to cool off after a morning in the mountains, head down to one of the swimming lakes. All with drinking-water quality:
Lake Millstätter See (20 min):
Carinthia’s second-largest lake. Swimming, stand-up paddling, boating. Up to 26 degrees water temperature in summer.
Lake Brennsee (20 min):
Smaller, quieter, popular with locals. Perfect for a half day with a picnic by the shore.
Lake Afritzer See (20 min):
Surrounded by forest, the quietest of the three. If you really want peace and quiet, this is the place.
A wet towel, a snack & a view across the water. That’s all a summer day needs.
A place to cool off – for my dog in the mountains of Carinthia
On hot summer days, I like to sit with my dog in the shade—right where the mountain stream babbles past. He stretches his paws into the cold water, takes a few sips and splashes around in the stream. I lean back, listen to the rush of water and think: This is exactly why I love this place.
– Oswald
Afternoon in Carinthia: discover & be amazed
The region around Bad Kleinkirchheim is full of experiences. A few ideas for summer afternoons you’ll remember:
Nockalm Road:
35 km panoramic drive through the Biosphere Reserve. Alpine huts along the way, marmots by the roadside, views you won’t forget.
Kaiserburg Bob:
Carinthia’s first alpine coaster. A fast 1.4 km descent at the valley station of the Kaiserburgbahn. Open year-round.
Granatium Radenthein (20 min):
Mine garnets yourself in the garnet show mine & take them home as a souvenir.
Alpine wildlife park Feld am See (15 min):
30 species of wild & domestic animals across 11 hectares. Petting zoo included.
“A place to cool off – for my dog in the mountains of Carinthia.
On hot summer days, I like to sit with my dog in the shade—right where the mountain stream babbles past. He stretches his paws into the cold water, takes a few sips and splashes around in the stream. I lean back, listen to the rush of water and think: This is exactly why I love this place.”
– Oswald
Afternoon in Carinthia: discover & be amazed
The region around Bad Kleinkirchheim is full of experiences.
A few ideas for summer afternoons you’ll remember:
Nockalm Road:
35 km panoramic drive through the Biosphere Reserve. Alpine huts along the way, marmots by the roadside, views you won’t forget.
Kaiserburg Bob:
Carinthia’s first alpine coaster. A fast 1.4 km descent at the valley station of the Kaiserburgbahn. Open year-round.
Granatium Radenthein (20 min):
Mine garnets yourself in the garnet show mine & take them home as a souvenir.
Alpine wildlife park Feld am See (15 min):
30 species of wild & domestic animals across 11 hectares. Petting zoo included.
Evening: arrive & enjoy
Summer in the mountains comes with long evenings.
The sun sets late, the light turns warm & golden. Sit on the balcony of your holiday apartment, cook with fresh ingredients from the farm, and enjoy a glass of wine. Or stretch out your legs after a long day in the on-site sauna.
If you’re in the mood for regional cuisine: the alpine huts around Bad Kleinkirchheim serve Carinthian cheese noodles (Kasnudeln), fresh alpine cheese, Kaiserschmarrn with lingonberries & a view across the peaks in the summer months. Oswald will be happy to share his favourite huts with you.
Evening: arrive & enjoy
Summer in the mountains comes with long evenings.
The sun sets late, the light turns warm & golden. Sit on the balcony of your holiday apartment, cook with fresh ingredients from the farm, and enjoy a glass of wine. Or stretch out your legs after a long day in the on-site sauna.
If you’re in the mood for regional cuisine: the alpine huts around Bad Kleinkirchheim serve Carinthian cheese noodles (Kasnudeln), fresh alpine cheese, Kaiserschmarrn with lingonberries & a view across the peaks in the summer months. Oswald will be happy to share his favourite huts with you.
Dip in. Breathe out. Enjoy.
Who is a summer holiday in Bad Kleinkirchheim made for?
For couples, who sit on the balcony in the evening & share the sunset. For Solo travellers, who walk alone through the forest in the morning & clear their head. For Groups of friends, who sit together at the table after a mountain tour. And for dog owners who want to wade through cool streams with their four-legged friend.
Your summer in Bad Kleinkirchheim
Dip in. Breathe out. Enjoy.
Who is a summer holiday in Bad Kleinkirchheim made for?
For couples, who sit on the balcony in the evening & share the sunset. For Solo travellers, who walk alone through the forest in the morning & clear their head. For Groups of friends, who sit together at the table after a mountain tour. And for dog owners who want to wade through cool streams with their four-legged friend.
Your summer in Bad Kleinkirchheim
Questions & answers about summer in Bad Kleinkirchheim
What can I do on a summer holiday in Bad Kleinkirchheim?
Hiking on over 1,000 km of trails in the Biosphere Reserve, mountain biking on the Flow Country Trail (15.9 km), cycling through the Nock Mountains, golfing at Carinthia’s highest golf course, trips along the Nockalm Road, or relaxing at the St. Kathrein & Römerbad thermal spas or at Carinthia’s swimming lakes.
When is the best time to travel for a summer holiday in the mountains in Carinthia?
The summer season runs from May to October. June to September offer the warmest temperatures & the longest days. The mountain lifts are open in summer. If you prefer peace and quiet, come in June or September.
How warm does it get in summer in Bad Kleinkirchheim?
In the valley, temperatures in July & August reach up to 28 degrees. At 1,400 m above sea level in the holiday village, it’s pleasantly cooler, usually around 22 to 25 degrees. Muggy nights are rare up here.
Which lakes can I reach from the holiday village?
Lake Millstätter See (20 minutes by car), Lake Brennsee (20 minutes by car) & Lake Afritzer See (20 minutes by car). All three lakes have drinking-water quality.
Where are dogs welcome on a summer holiday?
At the car-free holiday village Beim Oswald in Bad Kleinkirchheim, dogs are very welcome. The car-free grounds, shady forest paths & cool mountain streams make summer especially pleasant for four-legged guests. More about holidays with dogs
Why is a summer holiday in the mountains more relaxing than at the beach?
In the mountains at 1,400 m, you sleep at night in pleasant temperatures, breathe fresh air & move naturally. You go out when you want & come back when it feels right. After a few days in the Nock Mountains, your body feels different. Lighter, calmer, more awake.
Do you have an insider tip for summer in the mountains?
Set off early in the morning, when there’s still dew on the meadows. Reach the Brunnachhöhe before the first other hikers arrive. Stand up there, enjoy the silence & watch the sun slowly climb over the Nock Mountains. Afterwards, pick up alpine cheese and eggs at Oswald’s shop & have breakfast in your apartment.
