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© Franz Gerdl_MBN TourismusLake Millstätter See in summer Holidays by a lake with warm waters, lido facilities, stand-up paddleboarding, boat trips and accommodation right on the lakeshore.
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Lake Millstätter See is one of Carinthia’s most special summer destinations: warm water, lido beaches, free access to the lake, promenades, boat trips, stand-up paddleboarding and secluded coves on the unspoilt southern shore. Whether you want to go for a swim, go boating, take the children to the water, are looking for a romantic getaway or are planning a holiday right by the lake, here’s a quick guide to your time by the lake.
Lake and Mountain Experiences at Lake Millstätter See
Lake Millstätter See evokes a longing for the south – and it certainly lives up to its reputation: velvety-soft water that warms up pleasantly in summer, long lakeside paths, airy promenades and tranquil coves along the unspoilt southern shore. Anyone holidaying here by the lake will quickly realise why Lake Millstätter See is one of Carinthia’s most special summer destinations. Swimming, boat trips, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling and hiking are all within easy reach.
The northern shore reveals the lake’s livelier side: historic summer villas, modern architecture, waterside cafés and the towns of Millstatt am See, Seeboden and Döbriach. In between, ferries, rowing boats, sailing boats and stand-up paddleboards criss-cross the waters. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can follow the promenade, stop off at a lido or find a spot where the lake is accessible to take a quick dip in Lake Millstätter See.
The change of perspective from the water is particularly impressive. The liner ‘Kärnten’ glides gently across the mirror-smooth lake, past wooded slopes, bright shores and Lagger Bay. From the deck, the view takes in the largely unspoilt southern shore, cyclists on the Millstätter See cycle path (plan a cycle tour around Millstätter See) and walkers (the most beautiful walks around Millstätter See) following the Slow Trail. Beyond lie the Nockberge mountains, gently rolling and vast, as if they were protecting the lake.
This is precisely where the special charm of this place lies: Lake Millstätter See is not an ‘either/or’ situation. It offers a morning swim, a boat trip in the afternoon and mountain views stretching into the evening.
© Gert Perauer_MBN Tourismus
© Gert Perauer_MBN Tourismus
© Gert Perauer_MBN Tourismus
© Gert Perauer_MBN Tourismus
Swimming at Lake Millstätter See: Lido beaches & public access points to the lake
© Gert Perauer_MBN Tourismus
© Gert Perauer_MBN Tourismus
Swim out onto the mirror-smooth lake early in the morning, build sandcastles with the children, jump into the lake after a bike tour or simply enjoy a relaxing day of swimming in a Millstätter See lido.
There are more than a dozen opportunities to do so on Lake Millstätter See. 11 lidos and five free lake access points invite you to swim in Lake Millstätter See.
© Gert Perauer_MBN Tourismus
Activities on and in the water
© Millstätter See Schifffahrt
©Gert Perauer_MBN Tourismus
© Gert Perauer_MBN Tourismus
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Lake Millstätter See
There are 12 lidos around the lake with jetties, sunbathing areas and infrastructure.
With the Millstätter See Inclusive Card (MIC), admission to the Parkbad Döbriach, Strandbad Dellach, Strandbad Millstatt, Strandbad Pesenthein, Strandbad Seewirt Winkler, Strandbad Seeboden and Strandbad Sittlinger lidos is free of charge.
There are five free lake access points around the lake (1st lake access point in Klauberpark, Seeboden am M. S.; 2nd lake access between Seeboden and Millstatt am See, Tschall car park; 3rd lake access between Pesenthein and Dellach, small car park on the main road; 4th lake access on the south shore 1 – at the bench in the lake, approx. 1.5 km from Charly's Seelounge in Döbriach, accessible by bike or on foot; 5. Lake access on the south shore 2 - directly on the Millstätter See cycle path near Großegg), which invite you to take a dip in the lake. They are ideal for a quick refreshment break.
Seeboden am M. S., Millstatt am See and Döbriach am M. S. are located on the northern shore of the lake. The boundaries of Ferndorf and the district town of Spittal an der Drau extend to the southern shore.
The deepest lake in Carinthia only freezes over in very cold winters. The last time a stable layer of ice formed on Lake Millstatt was in the winter of 2005/2006.
With a water volume of 1,200 million cubic metres, an area of 1,328 hectares and a depth of 141 metres, Lake Millstätter See is the most water-rich lake in Carinthia.
Lake Millstätter See is 12 kilometres long and around 1.8 kilometres wide at its widest point. These dimensions make Lake Millstätter See the second largest lake in Carinthia in terms of surface area. In summer, there is a lot of talk about the temperature of Lake Millstätter See. This usually refers to the Lake Millstätter See water temperature, which climbs above the 20 °C mark as early as May.
The deepest point is in the eastern part of the lake - 141 metres below the surface. The average depth is around 90 metres.
The approximately 28-kilometre-long walking and cycling path runs mostly directly along the shore and is also popular for running. In addition, hiking and long-distance hiking trails such as the Via Paradiso run above the lake. The lakeside towns also have designated running, Nordic walking and trail running routes.
Yes. The Millstätter See boat service connects several towns around the lake and is a relaxing way to experience the lake from the water.
Weather & water temperature at Lake Millstätter See
Whether you’re planning a day at the beach, a boat trip or a cycle ride, it’s worth checking the weather and water temperature beforehand. In summer, Lake Millstätter See warms up quickly and reaches pleasant swimming temperatures in the height of summer → current sea temperature