Pischeldorf, Αυστρία

Few regions in Europe match the rugged beauty of Carinthia, and you’ll find that travelling
through it is often a serpentine journey in valleys and natural conduits. Carinthia can also
at times seem larger than life: the high peaks, the gouged valleys and the glistening lakes,
not to forget the flamboyant show of opulence in the capital, Klagenfurt, and the several
popular resorts around the best-known of its 1270 pristine mountain lakes. The most popular
of these lakes, like the large Wörthersee, have waters warmed to a comfortable swimming
temperature by thermal springs.

Carinthia’s deep medieval heritage is celebrated in picturesque walled villages such as Friesach
and Gmund, and impressive castles like the hilltop fortress of Hochosterwitz. Many of the towns
and villages nestled in Carinthia’s rolling hills hold an annual summer festival, with folk-music
groups and bands of roving performers coming from neighbouring Italy and Slovenia to take
part alongside locals. The province’s proximity to Slovenia (the border between Austria and
Slovenia has been redrawn several times over the centuries) means that many of the place
names are of Slavic origin and Slavic surnames are common among the local inhabitants.

Climate
Carinthia gets more sunshine than elsewhere
in Austria – in summer it can be blazingly
hot, with lake water temperatures reaching
25°C to 28°C. The mild climate means winters
are milder than elsewhere, too, leading to a
shorter ski season (late December to March).
Hiking is good all summer, but the more
exposed trails are best done in autumn.

National Parks
Carinthia shares an area of outstanding
natural beauty, the Hohe Tauern National
Park, with neighbouring Salzburg
province and Tyrol.

Source: Loneley Planet (p.288-289)