Carinthia, Austria

Sonnenalpe Nassfeld Beaches

Overview

Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, primarily an alpine haven, beautifully extends its charm to refreshing lakeside experiences. While you won't find coastal sands, the region offers a delightful combination of mountain adventures and crystal-clear Carinthian lakes, perfect for a unique summer getaway. These stunning water bodies are just a short journey away, allowing you to easily pair a morning hike with an afternoon swim.

Among the top choices is Pressegger See, affectionately known as the "bathtub of Gailtal Valley." Its waters can warm up to a balmy 28°C, making it exceptionally inviting for swimmers of all ages and a true family favourite. The main public lido, Strandbad Hermagor, provides excellent access to this lake, which boasts drinking water quality. Many visitors appreciate the convenience of reaching Pressegger See, located about a 30-40 minute drive from Sonnenalpe Nassfeld.

For a different, yet equally captivating experience, Weissensee offers a serene escape into nature. Often dubbed the "Caribbean of the Alps," this fjord-like lake mesmerises with its turquoise, exceptionally pure waters and largely undeveloped shorelines. It's an ideal spot for those seeking tranquillity and pristine natural beauty, with numerous secluded spots for a peaceful dip.

Beyond swimming, these lakes provide a playground for various water activities, from paddleboarding to diving. The unique opportunity to blend alpine exploration with lakeside relaxation is a hallmark of a Sonnenalpe Nassfeld holiday. For a wider selection of lakeside spots and lidos, be sure to explore our full guide to the region's beaches.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Sonnenalpe Nassfeld a beach holiday destination?

While Sonnenalpe Nassfeld is primarily known as an Alpine resort for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, it offers excellent opportunities for a beach-like experience due to its proximity to several Carinthian lakes. The most notable is Pressegger See, often called the "bathtub of Gailtal Valley," which warms up to 28°C in summer. Lake Weissensee, known for its purity, is also nearby. So, while not a coastal beach destination, you can definitely enjoy swimming and lakeside relaxation.

Can you swim in the lakes near Sonnenalpe Nassfeld and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the lakes near Sonnenalpe Nassfeld. Pressegger See is known for its warm water, reaching up to 28°C in summer, and has drinking water quality. It's great for families with shallow areas. Lake Weissensee is one of Carinthia's purest lakes, with water temperatures up to 25°C and excellent visibility, sometimes up to 20 meters, making it popular for diving too. Both offer a refreshing experience in a beautiful mountain setting.

What is the +CARD holiday and does it include beach access?

The +CARD holiday is a guest card you receive for free when staying at partner accommodations in the Nassfeld-Pressegger See region. It offers numerous benefits, including free admission to the swimming beach (lido) at Pressegger See. It also often includes free use of summer cable cars, regional bus transport, and discounts on various leisure activities.

How far is Pressegger See from Sonnenalpe Nassfeld and how do I get there?

Pressegger See is located near Hermagor, approximately 20-26 kilometers from Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, depending on the specific starting point and route. You can typically reach it by car in about 30-40 minutes. Regional bus services are also available, and some routes may be free or discounted with the +CARD holiday.

Can I find accommodation with private beach access near Sonnenalpe Nassfeld?

While Sonnenalpe Nassfeld itself is in the mountains, some hotels in the broader Nassfeld-Pressegger See region, particularly those located closer to Pressegger See or Weissensee, offer their guests private beach access or exclusive use of certain lido areas. For instance, Hotel Gartnerkofel mentions exclusive private access to the Oswaldbad at Lake Pressegger See for its guests. It's best to check directly with accommodations near the lakes.

Are the lakes near Sonnenalpe Nassfeld good for families with children?

Yes, Pressegger See is particularly family-friendly. It has shallow shore areas, playgrounds like the "realm of the lake witch," and the water is warm. Many lidos (public beaches) offer amenities for children. Lake Weissensee also has areas suitable for families, though it's generally a quieter, nature-focused lake. The Aqua Trail on the Madritschen mountain also offers water-based fun for families, though it's not a traditional beach.

Which is better for swimming, Pressegger See or Weissensee?

Both lakes offer excellent swimming, but cater to slightly different preferences. Pressegger See is known as the "bathtub of Gailtal Valley" for its warm waters (up to 28°C) and is very popular for general swimming and family fun with lidos and amenities. Weissensee is renowned for its exceptionally clear, drinking-quality water (up to 25°C) and more natural, tranquil setting, often referred to as the 'Caribbean of the Alps'. It's also great for diving. Your choice depends on whether you prefer warmer, livelier waters or pristine, quieter nature.

Are there any lidos or public beach areas at Pressegger See?

Yes, there are several lidos (Strandbad) and public beach areas around Pressegger See. For example, Strandbad Hermagor is a popular public beach. Many of these offer facilities like changing rooms, toilets, sunbathing lawns, and sometimes playgrounds or cafes. Access to some lidos is free with the +CARD holiday.

What is the water temperature like in Pressegger See during summer?

Pressegger See is known for being one of the warmest bathing lakes in Austria. In summer, the water temperature can reach up to a pleasant 28 degrees Celsius (around 82 degrees Fahrenheit), making it very comfortable for swimming.

Are there other water activities available at the lakes besides swimming?

Yes, besides swimming, you can enjoy various water sports and activities. At Pressegger See, options include stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and visiting the 1st Carinthian Adventure Park. Lake Weissensee is popular for diving, boating (including electric boats and rowing boats), kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing. Some areas also offer rafting and canyoning on nearby rivers like the Gail.

Is it possible to combine a mountain holiday with a beach experience in Sonnenalpe Nassfeld?

Absolutely! Sonnenalpe Nassfeld is ideal for this. You can spend your mornings hiking or biking in the mountains, enjoying the stunning Alpine scenery, and then cool off in the afternoon with a swim in the warm waters of Pressegger See or the pristine Weissensee. Many visitors enjoy this combination of mountain adventure and lakeside relaxation.

Are there any natural swimming spots or just organized lidos?

Both options are available. While there are organized lidos (Strandbäder) with amenities at Pressegger See and parts of Weissensee, Lake Weissensee, in particular, has two-thirds of its shoreline undeveloped, offering many natural and secluded spots for swimming in a pristine environment. Many accommodations around Weissensee also boast their own private access to the lake.

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