Lake Aichwaldsee circular route

At Faak am Strand (N 46 5673287/E 13 9300203), you join the Lake Aichwaldsee circular route and follow the Worounitza stream (Slovenian for "Pine Stream") through the floodplain forest heading east. The Worounitza stream originates below the Mittagskogel and carries stone by stone to Lake Faaker See. It is also responsible for the turquoise-blue color of the lake, as the limestone particles from the stones reflect the sunlight in the lake.

The route continues through the forest along a section of the NaturAktivPark Lake Faaker See to a former sawmill (N 46 5599152/E 13 9564133) near Ledenitzen/Unteraichwald. From here, follow the signposted and asphalted village roads heading south and reach the hotel Mittagskogel at the intersection of Lake Aichwaldsee Street and Egger Street.

Cross Aichwaldsee Street and follow the path that leads back into the forest to the right of the hotel. The slightly ascending path leads to a small bridge over the Worounitza stream and then within a few minutes' walk to the natural swimming area of the Aichwaldsee Cultural Garden.

This is a good spot for a short break to take a dip in the cool water and have a drink at the cafe on the lake - Seerose. Afterwards, continue walking along the Lake Aichwald path heading west and turn right into a small ditch on the west shore of Lake Aichwaldsee. After a few minutes, cross Aichwaldsee Street again and hike along Aichweg following the new Fox Trail to Oberaichwald.

At the Naturel Hoteldorf Schönleiten, you can enjoy another culinary stop before descending to Lake Faaker See via the shortest route called the Stairway Path. You reach the entrance to this path by walking west from the holiday village along the village street and turning right into a small inconspicuous path between houses about 70 meters before the intersection of Aussichtsweg and Dorfstraße.

Faak am Strand is reachable by public transport at regular intervals:

Here is the timetable information.

Here is the Carinthia train station shuttle.

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