Those who enjoy visiting cathedrals won't want to miss the Cathedral of Gurk, which dates back to the 12th century, while vintage car enthusiasts may enjoy a visit to Gmund, birthplace of the Porsche, or to the large Villach Automotive Museum with its collection of cars, motorcycles and more.
The lake is elongated, about 20 km long and 1–2 km wide. It stretches from the Carinthian capital Klagenfurt in the east to Velden in the west. It is flanked to the north and south by steep alpine foothills covered with dense forests, beyond which snow-capped alpine peaks are visible. The lake's water is a distinctive blue-green colour and transparent.
In the early nineteenth century the marshy shores were home only to a handful of poor peasants. The construction of the Austrian Southern Railway (Südbahn), in the middle of the nineteenth century quickly turned the Wörthersee into an exclusive summer retreat for Vienna's nobility.
The northern shore is densely built-up. The motorway and railway mainline occupy the narrow space between the steep hills and the shore. Main towns are Krumpendorf, Pörtschach and Velden.
The southern shore is quieter and less developed.
In winter, the region is often covered by snow and approximately every 10 years the lake freezes over, attracting numerous ice skaters.
Lake Wörth and its basin in the central Carinthian foothills were largely formed by glaciers during the last ice age. It is Carinthia's largest lake. The lake is divided into three basins by islands and peninsulas. The western basin stretches from Velden to Pörtschach, the central basin from Pörtschach to Maria Wörth and the eastern basin from Maria Wörth to Klagenfurt. The lake's distributary is the Glanfurt, eventually flowing into the Drau river via the Glan and Gurk rivers.
Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden
Experience Carinthia's most luxurious side at the elegant palace Schlosshotel Velden. With a rich history and many longstanding traditions, it features princely rooms and suites and outstanding gourmet cuisine. The redesigned 3,600 sq m SPA area has well-trained personnel, there for your wellness, beauty and medical needs. Indulge and relax - pure luxury awaits you right beside Lake Wörthersee.
Golf lovers from all over the world appreciate the many first-class golf courses in Carinthia. The nearby golf resorts of Velden-Köstenberg, Moosburg-Pörtschach, Dellach and Klagenfurt-Seltenheim are especially popular with our guests.
GOLF COURSE VELDEN-KÖSTENBERG - 9KM
The Velden-Köstenberg golf course is located high on the Köstenberger plateau, 700 metres above sea level and 9 km away from the hotel. It offers unforgettable views all the way to the Karawanken mountains and is a Member of Leading Golf Courses.
GOLF COURSE MOOSBURG-PÖRTSCHACH - 12KM
Set amidst unspoiled countryside only 12 minutes away from the hotel, the Moosburg-Pörtschach golf course is considered one of the most beautiful in Carinthia and has received the Premier European Golf Course award.
GOLFCLUB DELLACH - 8KM
On the southern bank of the lake Woerth, the club is situated in one of the most impressive sceneries of the Alps. The highlight is the proximity to the lake and its beaches. The Golf Club is 8 km away from the hotel.
GC KLAGENFURT-SELTENHEIM - 25KM
The 18-hole championship course is a Member of Leading Golf Coursesand is considered to be one of the best in Austria, combining the features of a classical Scottish links course with American-style fairways and greens. The 9-hole romantic course meanders through a beautiful woodland area. The Club is only 26 km from the hotel and offers challenges for all handicaps.