Portschach Holidays 2024/2025
Set on the northern shores of Lake Worthersee, the stylish resort of Portschach is the perfect place for a romantic Austrian holiday. Characterised by its stunning emerald lake and warm Mediterranean climate, it’s easy to understand why summer retreats in this idyllic part of Austria are so sought-after.
Portschach Holiday Deals
A luxury lakeside resort with a picture-perfect setting
Historically, Portschach was an exclusive summer resort for Austria’s wealthy. Today, the town remains a popular holiday hotspot for both national and international tourists, thanks to its warm climate and stunning setting. Surrounded by rolling mountains and a striking blue-green lake, it’s easy to understand why the Carinthia coastal region has been labeled ‘Austria’s Monte Carlo’.
Located on a leafy peninsula that juts out into the lake, Portschach is one of the area’s most stylish resorts. With its elegant waterside villas, luxury hotels and flower-lined promenade, it’s ideal for those who like the finer things in life. Most people who choose this resort for a summer holiday to Austria spend their time relaxing by the water or exploring the mountain scenery.
Lake Worthersee
The picturesque Lake Worthersee is undoubtedly the main highlight for those visiting Portschach. Days by the water can be spent meandering around the peaceful promenade and lakeside paths or taking a leisurely boat ride on one of the ferries or traditional steamer boats to visit the neighbouring villages.
For a day of sunbathing and swimming, head to one of the lake’s beaches. Although many of the beaches are privately owned by hotels, there’s a selection of public sunbathing areas too. The family-friendly Strandbad Klagenfurt, for example, offers a spacious lawn, slides and boats for hire. And because of the area’s unique climate, the lake’s water tends to stay warm during the summer months.
Beautiful natural scenery
If you’re keen to explore the surrounding countryside during your holiday to Austria, there are a number of walking trails in and around Portschach where green pastures, quaint hamlets and peaceful forests await. The nearby Karawanken Mountains are home to a variety of well marked trails and high altitude hiking paths with spectacular scenery.
A visit to the Pyramidenkogel Tower – the highest wooden viewing platform in the world – is also worth a trip. Perched on top of the 850-metre high Pyramidenkogel Mountain, the tower offers incredible bird’s eye views of the lake valleys and the wider Carinthia region. Adventure-seekers can even descend the tower via a 120-metre slide.
Cycling is another fun way to see the local sights, with cheap bike rentals available in the centre of Portschach. For a leisurely ride, there are gentle cycling paths around the lake’s shores, as well as more challenging mountain bike tracks in the surrounding foothills.
Day trips and excursions
When you’re not soaking up the sights of Portschach, there are plenty of day trips on offer.
The city of Klagenfurt is a popular excursion and is just a 25-minute bus journey from Portschach. For shopping, there’s everything from weekly farmer’s markets to well-known brands, independent boutiques and designer stores at your feet.
Klagenfurt is also home to the family-friendly Minimundus attraction – a delightful display of 150 miniature models resembling iconic landmarks from around the world.
For something closer, head to the Maria Worth peninsula. Take the ferry from Portschach for a short ride across the water to explore the enchanting church that overlooks the lake – a popular wedding spot thanks to its romantic setting. Round off the day by grabbing a bite to eat at one of the quaint lakeside cafes.
Relaxed evenings
Thanks to the area’s mild climate, summer evenings are usually warm enough for alfresco dining and a stroll along the promenade. Many of the hotels also feature on-site restaurants and bars, perfect for a casual evening meal and drink.
When it comes to eating out, Portschach has plenty of choice, including high-end eateries and rustic Austrian inns serving traditional dishes. The modern Jilly Beach restaurant and bar is a favourite nightspot with great views across the lake and a pleasant atmosphere.
For more choice, you can grab a taxi to neighbouring towns such as Velden, which is just a 10-minute drive away and is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, including a choice of lively bars and a casino.