In recent years, dozens of new mountain bike trails have been created around Villach, Lake Faak and Lake Ossiach. Supplemented by several pump tracks, there is a wide range of flowy trails and the famous PROlitzen Trail, an offer for professionals only! The international mountain bike scene meets here regularly for a mountainbike holidy in Carinthia and to enjoy the unique combination of mountains and lakes.
The Samonigg Trail – with indescribable views!
At present, Region Villach – Faaker See – Ossiacher See offers a very good selection of trails and further growth is anticipated in the near future. Currently there are arround 10 trails, a Mountain Bike Skill Center and numerous tours which cycling enthusiasts can choose from. Lake Faak area is well provided for by way of trails. Here the lake.bike community celebrates mountain biking– you will find excellent biking infrastructure as well as a welcoming mountain biking atmosphere. In addition, there are nine signposted tours in the region of varying levels of difficulty. There is something for everyone, from a short steep stage to long flat terrains, even tours explicitly for e-bikes.
lake.bike Ossiacher Tauern
Cyclists and mountain bikers will also be able to find information online on all routes and the enjoyment of cycling in Villach: www.lake.bike . In addition to the Drau Cycle Route and the Alpe Adria Cycle Route, the tourist hotspots of the South, Region Villach is developing top quality provision of designated first class mountain bike trails and tours. The language of mountain bikers is English. ‘lake.bike‘ is the new brand developed specially for mountain bikers by mountain bikers.
Trails in der Region Villach
Seven trails in the area around Lake Faak have been legally designated for mountain biking and are ready for use. Further infrastructure work for mountain bike trails is underway. Since 2018, in addition to the Kopein Trail at 1800 metres, there are the Samonigg Trail (1,900 m), the Shorty Trail (600 m), the Ischnig Trail (2,000 m) and the Latschacher Trail (two sections of 1,000 m and 1,500 m). In May 2019, the two Flowtrails - Flowgartner and Lowgartner - were launched. Both are family friendly as well as a lot of fun and provide spectacular views.
Flowgartner Trail
Not for beginners, and not for advanced! Probably the steepest trail in the region - and by steep we mean really steep! Please believe us: this trail should only be ridden by absolute experts. Once on the trail you are at the mercy of the mostly very difficult route! Find out more
This mountain bike trail runs along a forestry road from Ossiach through the Ossiacher Tauern mountain range and offers panoramic views across Lake Ossiach. The 13 km long tour starts in Ossiach and goes to Heiligen Gestade via the Ossiacher Tauern range and then back again to Ossiach, covering around 450 altitude metres. The return journey is via the cycle path R2A.
You are never far from a lake, here Lake Ossiach.
This sporty e-bike and trekking-grade tour takes in two of the most beautiful lakes in Carinthia. Starting in Ossiach you follow the well sign-posted cycle path to Velden crossing the Ossiacher Tauern at around 1,000 m above sea level en-route. The Ossiacher Tauern are a wooded mountain range in Carinthia between Lake Ossiach in the north west and Lake Wörthersee in the south east. This range features several peaks, the highest of these, the Taubenbühel, is 1,069 m above sea level.
Ossiacher See
• Length 1.8 km
• Altitude metres 170
• Difficulty medium
• Opened 2017
A varied nature trail with an intermediate difficulty rating. The trail starts with a flow at the lower part of the road leading to the Bertahütte (hut) and then becomes more technical as it nears the end. One visitor commented on this trail: ‘The more you ride it, the more you like it!‘
• Length 1.9 km
• Altitude metres 260
• Difficulty medium – difficult
• Opened 2018
A nature trail with breath-taking views at an intermediate level of difficulty. You can add a level of difficulty with an additional ascent. The intermediate section starts at the Samonigg Hof (farm) and the difficult section is reached via the HillClimber.
• Length 0.6 km
• Altitude metres 80
• Difficulty medium
• Opened 2018
For added fun, you can include the 600 m Shorty Trail in a longer tour. The Shorty Trail leads through a woodland back to Latschach.
• Length 2.3 km
• Altitude metres 160
• Difficulty easy
• Opened 2019
One of two new flow trails in the region impresses with its amazing views over the whole area. The Flowgartner is an easy trail, also suitable for children. However, even experienced mountain bikers enjoy this trail. The 2.3 km long trail has been built on a former ski slope on the Baumgartnerhöhe.
Tip: Enjoy refreshments at the Baumgartnerhof Restaurant!
• Length 1.0 km
• Altitude metres 65
• Difficulty easy
• Opened 2019
The Lowgartner trail starts at the end of the Flowgartner trail. This trail is also suitable for all age groups. It leads through woodland back to the road in the direction of Altfinkenstein. Enjoy this easy flowing trail over and over again – it never gets boring!
• Length 2.0 km
• Altitude metres 160
• Difficulty medium
• Opened 2019
The Ischnig Trail is a further nature trail at an intermediate level of difficulty, which leads across stony terrain with exposed tree roots. It can also be combined with the Kopein Trail and the Samonigg Trail for a great ride. We recommend you visit the Ischnighof and sample the delicacies of the regional cuisine.
• Length 1.0 km
• Altitude metres 90
• Difficulty difficult
• Opened 2019
The Latschacher Trail runs alongside the Rotschitza stream. Visitors love the fact that the trail was built by members of the local mountain bike scene. The upper part (section 1) is ‘difficult‘, the lower part (section 2) is at an intermediate level. A fun challenge for experienced mountain bikers!
• Length 1.5 km
• Altitude metres 100
• Difficulty medium
• Opened 2019
The Latschacher Trail runs alongside the Rotschitza stream. Visitors love the fact that the trail was built by members of the local mountain bike scene. The upper part (section 1) is ‘difficult‘, the lower part (section 2) is at an intermediate level. A fun challenge for experienced mountain bikers!
