Carinthia's thermal spas are soothing oases on such days, with not just one but two in Bad Kleinkirchheim alone. While the Thermal Römerbad delights guests with its stylish tranquillity, elegant architecture and extensive sauna area, the Family & Health Spa St. Kathrein scores with the largest water area of all Carinthian thermal spas and an 86 m long slide to keep the kids happy.

There are special places to relax at the lakes too, regardless of the weather and with views of the water. The Millstätter See bathhouse combines modern architecture, direct lake access and relaxation areas with a spectacular backdrop.

Modern wellness oasis has been created with the bathhouse at Lake Klopeiner See, which boasts six saunas, an infinity pool and a panorama of Southern Carinthia.

The spa culture of bygone times is stylishly reinterpreted at the Werzer bathhouse by Lake Wörthersee.

Those looking for something a bit more dynamic will love the Kärnten Therme in Villach: modern, sporty and family-friendly with its FUN, FIT & SPA facilities extending across a total of 11,000 m².

Indoor pools such as the Drautalperle in Spittal, the Tauernbad in Mallnitz and those in Heiligenblut, St. Veit and Kötschach-Mauthen are all ideal places to swim, burn off some energy or simply unwind.

The Obir stalactite caves in Bad Eisenkappel are among the most impressive in Austria, with bizarre formations, light displays and geological insights conveying what has been created over millions of years.

The stalactite cave in Griffen is smaller, but no less fascinating. An easily manageable tour leads through grottos, chambers and impressive stalactite formations.

In Bad Bleiberg you can go even deeper into the Carinthian mountains. Terra Mystica takes visitors to underground grottos by mine train, where light and sound installations tell the story of mining, while Terra Montana brings the world of miners to life.

The show mine in Knappenberg also makes history come alive, with ancient tunnels, exciting exhibitions and expert guided tours that revolve around mining heritage.

A particularly precious place is the Granatium in Radenthein. In addition to the Garnet Exhibition, the Garnet Tunnel leads into the underground home of the gemstone, where red garnet breaks directly from the rock. Equipped with a helmet and rock pick, embark on a sparkling treasure hunt in the heart of the Nockberge Mountains.

The Ibex House in Heiligenblut takes you into the habitat of the Alpine ibex. "The King and His Throne" exhibition conveys knowledge about the flora and fauna of the high mountains and illustrates how animals and plants adapt to extreme living conditions.

An experience of a completely different kind awaits visitors at the Pankratium "House of Amazement" in Gmünd. More than 60 interactive stations challenge the senses and combine art, sound, light and perception in surprising ways.

Technology fans are in for a treat at the Historama in Ferlach, with vintage cars, locomotives and historical vehicles. At the TAF-Timer Museum in Villach, everything revolves around the love of automobiles: from rare one-off vehicles to legendary sports cars. And at the Porsche Museum in Gmünd, the birthplace of the brand, the history of the automobile is told in an impressive way.

Happ Reptile Zoo in Klagenfurt is home to about 1,000 "exotics" – including crocodiles, turtles, lizards and more than 60 different species of snakes.

Reptile Zoo Nockalm in Patergassen is smaller, but no less exciting, also featuring a special selection of reptiles.

And in Oberdrauburg, Vanni's Bird World houses an impressive collection of over 2,500 carefully mounted native and exotic birds. The exhibits are so detailed and lifelike that they almost seem alive.