Nassfeld holidays

©Michael Stabentheiner / Kärnten Werbung

A family fave, holidays to Nassfeld dish up all-you-can-do activities and a foodie scene that’ll leave you wanting seconds.

Villages and towns to explore

Nassfeld is the area’s go-to ski resort and it’s just as popular in the summertime. The village of Tröpolach is home to most of the hotels, not to mention the mountain lifts that’ll take you up to the peaks. But with traditional towns and villages dotted all along the wide Gailtal valley, there’s a whole lot more to explore too. Regular buses make it easy to hop between them, and you can travel for free thanks to the +CARD that’s included with your stay – it’ll even give you discounts on some of the top local attractions.

Alpine neighbours. Local flavours.

You’re in Austria’s most southerly state here, Carinthia. Just over the border from Italy, it’s one of the sunniest spots in the country. And it isn’t just the climate that brings a touch of the Med to the place. Regional dishes like Kärntner Nudeln – think ravioli done Austrian style – add a dash of Italian flavour to the menus. Plus, with vineyards dotting the south-facing hillsides, you’ll be able to pair a glass of local vino to your meal too.

Explore the great outdoors

Nassfeld knocks it out the park when it comes to outdoor activities. From woodland rambles and riverside ambles to summit strolls, there’s a different walk to do every day here. And there are heaps of routes for cyclists too – plus, with e-bikes and cycle-friendly lifts, you won’t need to strain the legs either. On the nearby Gail river, you can swap pedals for paddles with rafting or try river tubing to bump down the rapids on a giant rubber ring. Or if you prefer calmer waters, spread out your picnic blanket on a grassy lido at Lake Pressegg instead.

Family fun from A-Z

Kicking things off for kids is the Kärtner Erlebnispark Presseggersee. Not just you average lakeside spot, this pay-to-use lido levels things up with slides, rides and lots of outdoor games. Away from the water, you’ve got the Nassfeld Outdoor Park at the top of Millennium-Express gondola. Covering activities like archery, climbing, high-ropes courses and zip-lining, it’s just the ticket for older ones and teens. And you can’t miss the Pendolino mountain coaster while you’re up here either – a kind of toboggan ride on rails, the 2km trip from top to bottom is the longest in Carinthia.

Out and about

  • Bike hire
  • Lakeside cycle paths
  • Cycle routes
  • Lake bathing
  • Guided mountain walks
  • Mountain lifts
  • National park
  • Nordic walking
  • Guided walking tours
  • Indoor pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Museum
  • Golf
  • Electric bikes
  • Rafting
  • Zip-lining
  • Alpine coaster
  • High-ropes course
  • Rock climbing
  • Archery

Popular hotels in Nassfeld

Top things to see and do in Nassfeld

Beaches

The local lake

Pack your swimming costume for a dip in nearby Lake Pressegg. Nicknamed the ‘bathtub of the Gailtal Valley’, this alpine lake is dotted with grassy lidos and waterside play parks, so whether you’re after somewhere to relax or a spot with activities for the kids, you’re sorted here. Just hop on the local bus to get there in around 20 minutes.

Lots to do

If you’re after a lido with lots to do, try Strandbad Hermagor. Bouldering, volleyball and minigolf are all on the cards here. Little ones can have fun in the Fix & Foxi play area. And for action out on the water, there are pedalos and stand-up paddleboards for hire.

Lie back and relax

Strandbad Südufer’s sheltered lido is just the spot for a peaceful picnic with a little lake dipping. Grassy lawns stretch down to the water’s edge, where there’s a bathing platform, and nearby is a café serving up drinks and snacks.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Whether you’re after suncream, stamps or some snacks for your walk, the Adeg supermarket has you covered.

Mid-range buys

It’s all about spending time outside here, so shopping isn’t a big focus. If you need some outdoor essentials though, there are a few sports shops on hand – Sölle Sportz and Intersport are two of the best.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Evenings in Nassfeld are all about winding down with drinks at your hotel bar. If you fancy a change of scene, swing by Kapas Café for an Aperol spritz with a view of the peaks.

Lively evenings

Nassfeld’s a quiet place during the summer, so for bars and bustling nightlife, hopping on a train to the town of Villach is your best bet – there’s a regular service from nearby Hermagor that’ll get you there in around an hour.

Food & drink

Eating out

Mealtimes in Nassfeld are all about natural ingredients and traditional recipes. This corner of Carinthia state has even become the world’s first Slow Food region – a movement that heroes homegrown produce and sustainable eating habits – so whatever you tuck into, it’s going to be top-notch. Menu-wise, it’s a case of Austria meets Italy, with rustic alpine fare sitting alongside pizza and pasta.

Modern meets tradition at Bärenwirt

This crowd-pleasing pick in nearby Hermagor puts a modern twist on traditional ingredients, serving dishes like beetroot glazed duck and crispy pancakes served with black tea ice cream. The husband-wife duo that run the place also sell their own range of seasonings and sauces, so pick up a bottle or two after your meal to pep up your own culinary creations.

Filling fare at Zum Alois

If you’re after somewhere handy for lunch, try this pick by the Millennium-Express gondola station. Food-wise, it’s all belt-loosening fare – think chunky steaks, racks of ribs and double-stack burgers. And there’s a big sun terrace too, so you can tuck in with a view of the mountains.

Alpine Vibes at Bärenhütte

With its chunky stone and log-cabin looks, Bärenhütte is all about rustic mountain charm – and it has a menu to match. We’re talking dumpling stews, platters of grilled meat and flaky strudels smothered in vanilla sauce. Head to the bottom of the Millennium-Express gondola to dig in.

Getting about

Buses

Bus travel throughout the Gailtal valley is included with your +CARD, and line 5058 is your regular service from Tröpolach – hop aboard from stops in the centre, by the bridge or the fire station. And for journeys to smaller hamlets and hiking hot spots, you’ve got a dial-a-ride-style bus service called the Alm Shuttle that you can pay to use.

Lifts

Catch the Millennium-Express gondola or the Gartnerkofel and Madritschen chairlifts to head up the mountain without breaking a sweat. Trips are included with your +CARD and you can bring bikes with you as well if you fancy exploring the summit cycle trails.

Trains

The nearest train station is in the village of Hermagor, which you can get to from Tröpolach in 20 minutes by bus. From here, there’s a regular service to the town of Villach that takes around hour.

On foot

The village of Tröpolach is a small place, so everything from cafés and shops to mountain lifts are just a few minutes’ walk away. And if you’re eager to step out on a walking trail, you’re spoiled for choice, with over 1,000km worth to tempt you.

Walking

Walking

Whether you’re after a leisurely 1-hour loop or something a little longer, you’ll find a walking route to suit near Nassfeld. There are 1,000km of trails, ticking off everything from buggy-friendly bimbles to peak-bagging climbs – plus, with over 20 mountain huts, there are plenty of picks for food and drink along the way.

Around Pressegg lake

This 90-minute stroll is just the ticket if you fancy stretching your legs during a day at the lido. The circular trail starts next to the Standbad Hermagor and follows car-free paths around the lake and through wide reed beds, where you can see birds flit among the greenery. It’s fairly flat the whole way and the Zum Alois café makes a good pit stop for a coffee and cake.

Summit views from Gartnerkofel peak

Start the walk with a trip on the Gartnerkofel chairlift to get to the base of the peak. From here, a gravel path twists and turns to summit. Look out for the cross on the top – when you can see it, you’re nearly there. It’s a steep climb, but the 360° scenery of mountains, valleys and lakes make it all worth it. Including lift time, it’ll take you around three hours to get there and back.

Top Hotels in Nassfeld

Facts about Nassfeld

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
German
Time zone
GMT +2
Flight duration
From 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes from Gatwick

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