Lakes & Swimming Areas Near Hotel Garni Zerza

While mountain lakes are naturally formed, there are also lakes created by humans. Both offer excellent conditions for relaxation and unwinding. Colorful flowers bloom on the shore, trout frolic in the water, and cowbells ring in the distance. Enjoy your personal time out at one of the countless Carinthian lakes surrounding the Hotel Garni Zerza in beautiful Nassfeld .

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Beautiful, crystal-clear, and emerald green—that’s Lake Weissensee in Carinthia. Nestled in the heart of the Gailtal Alps and just about 30 minutes from Hotel Garni Zerza, you can’t help but enjoy peace and relaxation at Europe’s highest swimming lake.

The region surrounding Lake Weissensee was awarded the “European Prize for Tourism and the Environment” in 1995 and designated a nature park. The cleanest lake in Carinthia offers water fun and swimming experiences for the whole family. In addition to swimmers, divers, cliff divers, wakeboarders, and sailors are also welcome.

On a boat tour of the lake, you can enjoy the most beautiful spots. In winter, the lake—covering 6.5^km² —becomes Europe’s largest natural ice-skating rink, which is regularly groomed by specialists. Every winter, a few divers also venture into the frozen Weissensee for a very special kind of adventure.

Hotel tip: We highly recommend a two-hour hike along Lake Weissensee to the eastern shore during your stay in Nassfeld. You can take a leisurely boat ride back and enjoy the surroundings.

Take a run-up, jump in, and dive into the Gailtal’s “bathtub.” Lake Pressegger See, located just 15 minutes from the Hotel Garni Zerza, is a paradise for water lovers thanks to its warm water temperature and crystal-clear waters. There’s a wide range of activities to enjoy at Lake Pressegger See. From swimming and surfing to fishing, the possibilities here are endless.

Lake Pressegger See is located right near the Italian border. Thanks to this location, it is one of the warmest swimming lakes in all of Austria. Since the water comes from a spring, the lake is among the cleanest bodies of water in all of Europe. On hot days, you can cool off at several beach resorts.

You can use the Hermagor beach for free with the +CARD holiday, which you receive during your stay at Hotel Garni Zerza.

House tip: A must for our guests is a leisurely hike around the lake. Beautiful viewpoints and children's stations along the approximately 6 km long trail ensure there's no chance of boredom.

The distinctive Wörthersee, located 50 minutes away, lies near the Italian and Slovenian borders. All year round, Carinthia’s largest lake offers fantastic events and first-class sports opportunities in picturesque settings. No other lake in Carinthia has such a dazzling turquoise color as Lake Wörthersee. Depending on the vegetation, water depth, and calcium carbonate content in the water, the color can range from deep blue to light green to brilliant turquoise.

Hotel tip: On your trip to Lake Wörthersee, don't miss the unique panorama from the Pyramidenkogel. From the world's highest wooden observation tower, you can survey the entire length of Lake Wörthersee.

Deep and clear—a warmed glacial lake from the Ice Age: that’s Lake Millstatt. At 141 meters deep, it is the deepest and largest lake in Carinthia. The towns of Seeboden, Millstatt, and Döbriach on the north side of the lake are ideal starting points for wonderful hikes in the Nockberge Mountains.

House tip: You can cycle around Lake Millstatt on a dedicated bike path in about two hours. Discover the hidden places around the lake and enjoy the unique landscapes. 

Lake Ossiach is the third-largest lake in Carinthia. Every year, many anglers and divers visit the lake. But surfers, sailors, and water skiers are also welcome. The many beach resorts offer rest and relaxation as well as action and adventure for all ages. There’s never a dull moment here.

Our Recommendation: The Ossiacherseeradweg bike path circles the lake—a beautiful cycling route that passes through many picturesque towns. How about a bike ride, a dip in Lake Ossiach, and then a cozy barbecue evening at Hotel Garni Zerza?