Millstatt holidays

The lake’s dotted with swim spots, and the beach in the village of Pesenthein is the closest one to Millstatt – just hop on the 5140 bus to get there in around 4 minutes. Spread out your towel in the grassy park, then spend a sunny afternoon drifting between the water and the bar-cum-restaurant.

Strandbad Ertl in Seeboden has lots going on for tots to adults, and everyone in between. The gently sloping beach is just right for little ones, and there’s a host of activities to tempt the older ones, from banana-boat rides to stand-up paddle-boarding. Plus, there’s a café on hand to keep the snacks and drinks topped up too.

Pick up regional specialities, from jams to cheeses, in one of the local farm shops. Then sticking with the foodie theme, check out the weekly farmers' market in Seeboden and spend a morning nibbling your way from stall to stall.

Take a stroll along Marktplatz street and browse shops selling lederhosen and traditional dresses, and pop into a souvenir shop to pick up a keepsake or two – look out for trinkets made from the red garnet stones, which are mined nearby.

Lots of hotels have bars where you can sit, sip and relax at the end of the day. Or check out Marchetti’s Lake Bar and enjoy a nightcap with a view over the water.

There’s a laidback feeling in the evening, but if you’re after a bar with a bit of buzz, try local fave Faber Pub. Just off Mirnock street near the centre, it’s got a down-to-earth vibe, and some nights there’s live music too.

With the lake on the doorstep, it’s no surprise to see plenty of fish dishes sitting alongside classic Austrian fare, like stew and dumplings. And whatever you order, local produce is the star of the show, so you know the ingredients are as fresh as can be.

In the nearby hamlet of Dellach, Fischimbiss hits the spot with its simple, flavour-filled recipes – think seafood soups packed with chunky veg and the catch of the day served hot from the grill. And with tables tucked in a leafy garden overlooking the lake, the setting’s extra-special too.

Metres from the waterfront in Millstatt, the award-winning restaurant at Hotel See Villa does fine dining with surroundings to match. And from the herbs grown in the hotel garden to wild venison caught in the nearby forests, you’re bound to get a true taste of the region too. Plus, with a huge wine cellar, there’s a perfect tipple to go with every dish.

The restaurant at Castle Sommeregg looks oh-so medieval – picture vaulted stone ceilings, and walls hung with swords and axes. Menu-wise, it’s a fill-your-boots affair, from plate-sized schnitzels to platters of roast meat. And to drink, you can’t beat a flagon of frothy Austrian beer.

Local buses link Millstatt and Seeboden, and the number 5140 will take you to all the main spots around the lake in under an hour. For more flexibility, you can use the Nockmobil – a kind of taxi-cum-bus that you can call to pick you up from set stops around the area.

A regular ferry service criss-crosses the lake, or you can also use the Peter Pan boat shuttle to hop between Millstatt and Seeboden. And as an extra perk, most boat trips are included with the Millstätter See Inclusive Card.

Millstatt isn’t a big place, and most things are just a few minutes’ walk away. With its Onion-domed church and brightly painted buildings, the pedestrianised centre is a pleasant place for a potter. And over in Seeboden, you got leafy parks that are perfect for some leisurely strolling.

Walking trails cover the gently sloping mountains that surround the lake, so there’s no shortage of routes if you fancy stretching your legs. The summit paths on the Millsätter Alpe overlooking town have some of the best views around. Or for a leisurely amble, make for the meadows around the nearby village of Döbriach.

This walk follows a wide ridge between two mountain tops, so you’ve got wow-worthy views over the lake every step of the way. It starts near the Alexanderhütte, which is a little out of town, so save your legs for the walk itself and use the local Nockmobil dial-a-ride service to drop you off – and then call it again to collect you from Lammersdorfer Hütte at the end.

Hop on a bus to Döbriach for this gentle 2-hour circuit. The route starts in the main square, and along the way you’ll pass through bloom-filled meadows and leafy woods. There’s a short climb up to the cliff-top hamlet of Glanz – though the lake views are well worth it – then it’s down toward the waterfront for an easy saunter back to the centre.