Summer vacation is drawing to a close – and it feels like we haven't spent nearly enough time on our mountain bikes. That definitely needs to change! So we spontaneously headed out again: for mountains, trails & a dip in the water at lake.bike .
Because at lake.bike you'll find a superb network of trails around Lake Faak and Lake Ossiach – suitable for sporty families, beginners , everyone in between, but also for ambitious trail heroes .
The idea was as simple as it was brilliant: lake.bike wanted to create one of Austria's most exciting biking hotspots around the two stunning lakes. Trails for all levels, family-friendly, and located right on the lake. Bike in the morning, swim at midday, and enjoy Carinthian cheese noodles in the evening – all without a long drive. We think they've done a fantastic job, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there.
Our lake.bike base camp at Lake Faaker See
The journey was quite relaxed, except for the Tauern Tunnel. We highly recommend using the digital toll system there, as it allows you to bypass the queue and avoid waiting. After just over four hours, we arrived at our base for the next few days: Camping Anderwald .
Here you camp right by the shore forest of Lake Faak, whose emerald-green water is almost hypnotic. We've never officially camped this close to the water before – and the best part: thanks to the "first come, first served" principle, you don't have to reserve your exact spot months in advance.
So we set up camp, go straight to the highly recommended restaurant at the campsite and enjoy the first Carinthian Kasnudeln of our lives.
Our first day on the trails
We started at a leisurely pace (family mode on) at the Faaker See Trail Center , from the parking lot by the Baumgartner mountain inn . You can get there either by car or directly by bike from the campsite. However, the ride from there – 350 meters of elevation gain over 5.8 km – was too long for us with the kids.
Once we reach the top, we unpack the bikes, warm up briefly with our guide Mona , and then pedal the access trail to the Flowgartner Trail . The kids manage the nearly 190 meters of elevation gain and 2.7 kilometers well thanks to the tow rope, but we all work up a sweat.
Upstairs, Mona gives us a quick briefing, then we hit the trail. But wait – let's quickly grab our digital trail tickets – and off we go. Casper needs a little encouragement and a bit of courage, while Leo shouts with joy.
Depending on skill level, you can also start with even easier trails at the bottom and gradually work your way up. Overall, everything was very rideable and the kids had a blast.
Later we venture onto some more technical trails. Roots, woods, a bit steeper – nothing extreme, but just the right amount of challenge. And then those moments: You emerge from the forest, your tires kick up dust, your gaze sweeps – mountains, a turquoise lake, gentle hills.
Family-friendly biking experience
What makes lake.bike so special: Families with children feel just as comfortable here as ambitious bikers.
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Flow trails for beginners : clear, well-maintained & fun
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Pumptracks (some even covered) : playful practice without pressure
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Bike rental & suitable children's bikes
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Guides with family expertise : they know which trails are suitable.
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Bike-friendly accommodations : secure bike storage, shuttle service, breakfast for hungry adventurers
Alternative program for continuous rain
Rain doesn't usually stop us – but on the trails it simply increases the risk of falling. So we opt for the Panorama Beach indoor pumptrack in Drobollach and do some skills training.
After a delicious Kaiserschmarrn at the Seehotel Ressmann, we headed to the climbing and bouldering hall in Villach. Entry was already included with the Erlebnis Card we received from the campsite.
With tired arms, we stroll through the city center, explore the nice Café Röstbar and have a delicious meal at the "Stadtwirt". 
Our second day on the trails
Today we're going to the Ossiacher See Trail Center , where Mona is already waiting for us. As soon as the bikes are off the rack, the kids start pedaling – they're absolutely thrilled.
Together we pedal the few meters of elevation to the starting point of the Cody Trail and blast down it several times until we're all warmed up and in the flow again. The kids are so stoked that they immediately ask about the next trail.
So, on we went towards the access road to the Alban Berg Trail . The few meters of elevation gain were almost effortless. Once at the top, we took a short break with a briefing from Mona. It's amazing what the kids have learned in the last few days – now Casper is tearing down the trails without a second thought.
To finish off, it's back to the Family Playground : small trails, obstacles, jumps – perfect for practicing and doing tricks. The boys zoom up and down, trying to outdo each other with jumps, and time flies by.
Our highlights & aha moments
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The combination of flow and technique – so varied that everyone had fun.
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The lake as a reward after a strenuous workout – a deluxe way to cool off.
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The laughter of children – as they improve curve after curve, jump after jump
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Everything easily accessible - short distances and a relaxed atmosphere
Conclusion
If you're looking for a truly fun bike trip, lake.bike is the perfect place for it. Whether you're a family or a group of friends, a beginner or an experienced cyclist – there's something for everyone here.
Sweating, laughing, discovering trails, and later relaxing by the lake – the perfect day of biking. We'll be back! Maybe next time to Terrassen Camping Ossiach , as the trails are even closer from there.
What we particularly liked: the kids rolling around the pump track, we enjoying the flowing trails – and at the end everyone jumping into the water together.
Practical information for your cycling holiday
| Best time to travel | Spring to autumn – when it's warm enough for biking and swimming |
| region | Villach, Carinthia, Austria |
| Arrival | Of course, by camper, car or train. |
| equipment | Bikes, helmets and protective gear (rental equipment is also available on site), snacks (for the kids) & plenty of water to drink 👉 You can find colorful stainless steel water bottles and lunchboxes here in our shop |
| Accommodation | The region has many lake.bike Basecamp campsites and accommodations, which are specifically tailored to mountain bikers. |
| More information | Visit the lake.bike website for maps, tips & tickets |
