Tucked away in Austria’s sunny south, Carinthia is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Castles rise from rocky hills, emerald lakes sparkle under the Alps, and winding roads take you so close to glaciers you can feel the chill in the air.
I had always pictured Carinthia as “just mountains,” but during my four days there, I discovered so much more: a medieval fortress straight out of a storybook, lakes that look like they belong in the Caribbean, a canyon where waterfalls thunder above your head, and even a monkey forest (yes, monkeys in Austria!).
If you’re planning a trip to Carinthia, here are the best things to do—and how you can fit them into an epic 4-day road trip. Don’t miss the interactive Google Map at the end of this post, where I’ve pinned every stop, hike, hotel, and restaurant from the trip.
Best Things to Do in Carinthia
✨ Explore fairytale castles – Hochosterwitz Castle and Taggenbrunn Castle are two unforgettable ones.
✨ Drive the Grossglockner Alpine Road – one of Europe’s most scenic drives.
✨ Hike dramatic gorges – like Raggaschlucht, with wooden walkways clinging to the canyon walls.
✨ Swim or paddle in turquoise lakes – Faaker See and Klopeiner See are the warmest, perfect for summer.
✨ Get close to wildlife – from ibex spotting in Hohe Tauern National Park to macaques roaming free at Landskron.
✨ Chase waterfalls – Jungfernsprung and Wildenstein are the showstoppers.
Now, let’s put all of this into a 4-day road trip.
4-Day Carinthia Itinerary
Day 1 – Castles & Alpine Arrival
The road from Budapest into Carinthia is long but rewarding. My first stop was Hochosterwitz Castle, perched dramatically on a 150-meter rock. Climbing the winding path through 14 fortified gates felt like walking into history. Inside, I explored courtyards, weapons, and sweeping views of Carinthia’s rolling hills.
Just ten minutes away, I swapped medieval armor for fine wine at Taggenbrunn Castle & Winery, where lunch came with local wines and panoramic views. From there, the road led deeper into the mountains, with a quick stop at the Jungfernsprung Waterfall before reaching Heiligenblut. This tiny Alpine village became my base for two nights, with the mighty Grossglockner towering above.
🏨 Stayed at: Hotel Lärchenhof, Heiligenblut
Day 2 – The Grossglockner Adventure
If there’s one thing you do in Carinthia, make it the Grossglockner Hochalpenstraße. This legendary road zigzags past glaciers, mountain pastures, and views that make you want to stop every five minutes.
I joined a National Park ranger tour at Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where we learned about the retreating Pasterze Glacier and the elusive ibex that roam the cliffs. Lunch at the Panorama Restaurant, with the glacier right in front of me, was unforgettable.
On the way back, I panned for gold at Goldgräberdorf Heiligenblut and stopped by the Ibex House, a quirky but fascinating museum about the “king of the Alps.”
Day 3 – Gorges & Lakeside Magic
Leaving Heiligenblut, I drove to Raggaschlucht Gorge—a narrow canyon where wooden bridges lead past roaring waterfalls and mossy cliffs. It felt like walking through nature’s cathedral.
From the gorge, the scenery shifted to lakes. At Faaker See, I met Mona, a local guide who showed us the lake’s hidden “Everglades” by canoe. Paddling through reed beds with the Karawanken mountains in the background was surreal. Later, I hiked up to Taborhöhe viewpoint for sunset over the lake.
🏨 Stayed at: Hotel Theresienhof, near Faaker See
Day 4 – Monkeys & a Last Swim
On my last morning, I headed to Affenberg Landskron—a forested park where 150 Japanese macaques live almost like they would in the wild. Watching them swing, groom, and splash was a fun break from all the hiking.
Before driving home, I couldn’t resist one more lake stop. Klopeiner See is famous for being the warmest bathing lake in Austria, and after lunch at Hotel Sonne, I jumped in for a swim. For a final taste of adventure, I hiked up Kitzelberg for a last panoramic view and made a quick detour to the Wildenstein Waterfall before the long drive back.
Practical Tips for Your Carinthia Trip
- Get the Kärnten Card – it covers most attractions and saves a lot.
- Timing: Late spring to early autumn is best for lakes + mountains.
- Driving: Distances look short, but mountain roads are winding—plan extra time.
- Packing: Bring hiking shoes and layers, even in summer.
Your Carinthia Road Trip Map
Here’s my interactive Google Map with all the places mentioned: castles, lakes, hikes, hotels, and restaurants. Save it for your trip and use it offline while road-tripping through Carinthia!
