Cycling, mountain biking and road biking on the shores of Lake Faak

The Drauradweg trail (366km), one of 4 European cycling trails with 5 stars
The Drauradweg trail is just 5km away from our campsite. In February 2016, the Drauradweg was awarded the much sought-after 5th star by the German Cyclists' Federation ADFC, an honour it shares with just three other European cycling trails. The ADFC is considered the most important classification body of cycling trails in Europe. The Drauradweg leads from Toblach (Italy) all the way to Marburg (Slovenia). Each leg is suitable for families as well as for more athletic cyclists.  The trail also takes you to the town of Villach (10km away from our campsite), famous for its southern flair, pleasant shops, cafés, and restaurants. A dedicated "bike butler" will take care of your bicycle at the Voco, directly on the shores of the Drau river, while you take a stroll through the centre. On your way back, you can either take the same route or go via Warmbad-Villach, Müllnern and the Finkenstein moor until you reach the lake.

Ride from Lake Faak to Villach (14km) or along the Gailtalradweg trail
Our campsite is approx. 2km away from Faak am See. From there, continue through the Finkensteiner Moor nature reserve (flat path) directly to the Gailtalradweg trail. You now have two options: Either head towards the centre of Villach via Warmbad-Villach, or cycle along the Gail river to Hermagor (55km) and further on to Kötschach-Mauthen (86km). To get back, take either the bus or the train (depending on where you get on). There are plenty of opportunities to stop off for refreshments along the way. 

Round tour from Lake Faak to the Kärnten Therme in Warmbad- Villach (15km)
The round tour from Lake Faak to Warmbad-Villach and back is a highly popular choice. From our campsite, cycle via Drobollach and Mittewald to Maria Gail. The pilgrimage church is well worth a visit. Next, cross the bridge and cycle along the Gail river in an idyllic setting until you get to the point where the Zillerbach creek joins the river. Now turn right towards Warmbad. To go back, take the road to Müllnern and head uphill to the church in St. Stefan via the "Graben". Cycle along the Finkenstein moor to Faak am See and back to our campsite.

World Championship Cycle Tour - Faaker See
Lenght: 11.7 km Elevation gain: 113 m Maximum gradient: 10 % Start/finish at the Maria Gail underpass - up to Mittewald - Lake Faak - continue on a level trail to Drobollach - turn left before Egg and climb the steep hill. The trail travels past "Türkei" (=Turkey, the name derives from the Turkish invasion in the 15th century) and on to St. Niklas. Turn left and climb the mountain to the Grosssattel plateau. The short but steep ascent will be rewarded with marvelous views of Villach and as far as Drautal Valley. We recommend a short break! The tour continues across level terrain, through a forest and then down to Kleinsattel and Prossowitsch, back to the departure point. And now imagine doing this tour twenty times, one loop after the other, just as the cycling elite did back in 1987 in the course of the World Championships. Lake Faak also has countless routes to offer – no wonder, the world cycling championships were held here in 1987. Mountain bikers should head for Afritz where there’s a permanent downhill course. It may be downhill all the way, but the narrow paths and roots make it a test of stamina.

Road biking tour to Italy and Slovenia (87km, moderately difficult, uphill: 1328m, downhill: 1331m)
From Lake Faak, head to Tarvisio (Italy) via Arnoldstein and Thörl Maglern. The cycling path continues to Kranjska Gora (Slovenia). The ascent to the Wurzenpass to cross the border back to Austria is moderately difficult. Watch out for the downhill part – some sections of the route are extremely steep! Return to Finkenstein via Fürnitz. If you still have energy left, cycle around Lake Faak over a distance of 8km. And most importantly – jump in the lake to cool down once you've finished!