Lakes of Austria & Slovenia - Walk & Swim
June 12-19th, 2027
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Details & Cost
Dates: June 12-19th, 2027 (7 nights, 8 days)
Location: Lake Weisensee and Lake Worthersee (Austria), Lake Bled (Slovenia)
Cost: $5195.00 pp twin-share
Single supplement $895 (upon availability)Inclusions: 7 nights accommodation 4-star hotels, guided hikes, private bus transfers, 5 x dinners, gourmet buffet breakfast daily, welcome drinks, 4 x Light lunch snack, use of wellness spas, Gorge entry, Ferry tickets, Solo Bike hosts 24/7.
Bookings: Online Booking Form
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Lake Weißensee & Lake Wörthersee
Our first stay is at Neusach, Lake Weißensee in southern Austria, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by forested mountains and peaceful walking trails.
Known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water, the lake offers a wonderfully unspoilt setting for hiking and swimming.
Then we head to Lake Wörthersee, located in Austria’s Carinthia region, which is one of the country’s most picturesque lakes.
Surrounded by rolling hills, charming villages, and vibrant resort towns, it is renowned for its turquoise waters that warm to pleasant swimming temperatures in summer.
Our hikes allow us to explore all the above as we pass through forest paths, panoramic ridges, and charming lakeside towns.
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Vintgar Gorge & Lake Bled, Slovenia
We take a day trip over the border to Slovenia. Just outside Bled, the dramatic Vintgar Gorge winds through the forest along the turquoise Radovna River, with wooden walkways and bridges leading through towering limestone cliffs to the impressive Šum waterfall.
Afterwards, we enjoy the beauty of Lake Bled, surrounded by the Julian Alps and famous for its island church and medieval castle perched high above the water.
Together, the gorge and lake offer a wonderful combination of dramatic scenery, peaceful walking, and classic Slovenian landscapes.
TRIP ITINERARY
The lakes in Austria and Slovenia are simply stunning; the crystal-clear waters along with the mountainous backdrops really do make you wonder if you have found paradise. We explore 3 lakes during our trip with 6 guided walks graded easy to moderate; they really are achievable for most regular walkers. We will also have the opportunity for morning swims in these spectacular lakes. Combined with carefully selected accommodation, stunning scenery and an abundance of fresh mountain air, this is the perfect trip for anyone who loves lakes, forests, walking and the great outdoors.
June 12-15th, 2027
Lake Weißensee, Austria
Highlights:
Crystal-clear turquoise water – Lake Weißensee is renowned for its exceptionally clear, clean water, surrounded by unspoilt Alpine scenery. It’s perfect for swimming and makes a beautiful backdrop for walking.
Spectacular Alpine landscapes – The lake sits among the Gailtal Alps, with forested slopes, mountain peaks and peaceful shoreline trails creating stunning views in every direction.
Peaceful, unspoilt atmosphere – Unlike many of Austria’s better-known lakes, Weißensee has retained a wonderfully natural and relaxed feel. Small villages, quiet walking trails and protected landscapes make it ideal for an active escape immersed in nature.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday June 12th - Arrival & Techendorf walk
Pick up from Greifenburg-Weissensee train station for a short transfer to Neusach. After check-in, we will take a walk to the local town of Techendorf, famous for the architectural bridge that spans the narrowest point of Lake Weissensee, connecting the northern and southern shores.
Distance: 6km (loop); Difficulty: Easy; Duration: approx 2hrs
Meals: Welcome Drinks & Dinner
Day 2 - Sunday June 13th - Weißensee Shore Hike
Opportunity for a pre-breakfast swim in the lake to get the day started. Following breakfast and starting in Neusach, the Weißensee Shore Hike follows one of the most scenic sections of the lake, combining peaceful forest trails with beautiful views across the crystal clear turquoise water. The path winds along the shoreline through woodland and open meadows, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the spectacular Alpine scenery. With the lake on one side and the surrounding mountains rising above it, this is a wonderfully relaxed walk that captures the natural beauty and tranquillity of Weißensee. We enjoy a ferry ride return.
Distance: 7km; Difficulty: Moderate; Duration: approx 2.5-3hrs; Ascent: 72m; Descent: 73m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Monday June 14th - Naggler Alm Hike
Opportunity for a pre-breakfast swim in the lake to get the day started. Following breakfast we depart for Naggler Alm, an alpine pasture and popular mountain destination located above Lake Weissensee. This is a popular walk for hikers and families. Today we have many options available; you can complete the whole hike (approximately 11km total), or there is the option of taking the chairlift up and then the bus or boat back to the hotel.
Distance: 8-11km (option); Difficulty: Moderate; Duration: approx 4hrs; Elevation: 400m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Tuesday June 15th: Depart for Lake Worthersee
Following breakfast we depart for Lake Woerthersee, a 1.5hr trip. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring Pörtschach.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 - Wednesday June 16th: Pörtschach - Velden walk 14km
Opportunity for a pre-breakfast swim in the lake or the 23m pool at our hotel. Following breakfast, we head out for our first walk, the Pörtschach–Velden walk, a scenic lakeside route offering a mix of tranquil nature and charming village views. Stretching about 14 kilometres, the path meanders through shaded forest trails, gentle hills, and open stretches with stunning views across the turquoise lake. Along the way, we enjoy quiet swimming spots and panoramic viewpoints before arriving in the lively town of Velden, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 - Thursday June 17th: The Slow Trail Schaukelweg (St. Margarethen loop)
Opportunity for a pre-breakfast swim in the lake or the 23m pool at our hotel. Following breakfast we take the ferry over the town of Reifnitz where we enjoy a beech forest walk with hammocks and swings that offer a lighthearted way to pause and take in the surrounding nature. The route also passes rich historical sites, including an ancient pagan sacrificial stone (Opferstein), the mountain church of St. Margarethen, the Reifnitz castle ruins, and the charming church of St. Anna.
Distance: 6km; Difficulty: Moderate; Duration: approx 2.5hrs; Ascent: 180m; Descent: 180m
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Friday June 18th: Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bled walks, Slovenia
Opportunity for a pre-breakfast swim at the lake or the 23m pool at our hotel. Following breakfast we take a short 50 min bus transfer across the border into Slovenia. Here we walk the Vintgar Gorge, a stunning 1.6 km-long canyon that is carved from the vertical walls of the Hom and Boršt hills. A series of boardwalks leads visitors through the gorge and past various waterfalls, pools and rapids along the Radovna River.
We then head to Lake Bled, one of those magical destinations that doesn’t seem like it could possibly be real. We explore the lake by foot but bring your bathers, as there may be an opportunity for a sneaky swim! The walk is situated along a broad path that encircles the entire lake. This path provides spectacular views of the lake and mountains from every possible angle. There is no bad view on the entire walk.
Vintgar Gorge Distance: 6km (loop); Difficulty: Easy; Duration: approx 2.hrs
Lake Bled Distance: 6km (loop); Difficulty: Easy; Duration: approx 2.hrs
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Saturday June 19th: Departure
Departure following breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
June 15-19th, 2027
Lake Wörthersee, Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge
Highlights:
Turquoise Alpine waters – Famous for its warm, crystal-clear water, Lake Wörthersee is one of Austria’s most beautiful lakes and a wonderful place for swimming.
Scenic lakeside villages – Explore charming towns such as Pörtschach and Velden, with waterfront promenades, cafés and beautiful views across the lake.
Iconic island and church – The tiny island in the centre of Lake Bled, with its picturesque church, is one of Slovenia’s most recognisable sights.
Julian Alps backdrop – Lake Bled is surrounded by forests and mountains, creating a stunning setting for walking, swimming and sightseeing.
Dramatic limestone Vintgar gorge – The Radovna River winds through towering cliffs, creating a spectacular natural landscape of rock, forest and rushing turquoise water.
Wooden walkways and bridges – The trail follows the river through the gorge, making the walk both scenic and memorable as it crosses bridges and hugs the cliffs.
Šum Waterfall – The walk culminates at Šum, one of Slovenia’s most impressive waterfalls, where the river cascades through the narrow gorge.
Accommodation
Lake Weissensee - 4 Star Hotel Neusacherhof
Located on the shores of Lake Weissensee, Hotel Neusacherhof is a charming alpine retreat blending modern minimalist design with traditional warmth. Featuring only 16 rooms, a private beach, and an exclusive lakeside spa, it offers a peaceful sanctuary and a perfect base for swimming, hiking, and relaxed mountain living.
Lake Wörthersee - 4-star das Balance - Spa & Golf Hotel am Wörthersee
This 4-star-superior spa hotel on Lake Wörthersee enjoys a wonderful location directly in Pörtschach with a panoramic view over the entire lake, and it features a 23-metre long indoor and outdoor swimming pool, 5 types of saunas in the garden and a gym. The Balance's rooms and suites are equipped with balconies with garden or lake view, a large flat-screen TV and a choice of pillows. We will get to enjoy the 4-elements breakfast buffet and the award-winning cuisine in the restaurant. Drinks and small snacks are served on the Balance's beautiful sun terrace with a view of Lake Wörth during the day.
What are Guests’ are Saying
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Absolutely loved our trip with Solobike. Kerri and Darren strike a great balance in organised activites that showcase the different regions with enough personal time to explore. Will be keenly looking out for where the next swim/hike trip is going.
Alison & Mike Rochow 2023
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Thank you so much Kerri and Darren for the fantastic trip of swimming in Sirimone,Lake Garda and hiking in the Dolomites. It was beyond our expectations in fun, friendship and adventure and both challenging and relaxing. What an experience! We would highly recommend your trips to our friends and anyone looking for something different. You looked after everyone so well.
Jan Jeffrey & Gerry Tucker 2023
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We had a fantastic time with Solo Bike in Lake Garda and the Dolomites. Kerri couldn’t have been a better, more attentive host and the group was active, engaged and meshed together magnificently. The town of Sirmione was a revelation and we were able to swim in the crystal clear and warm Lake Garda literally from the Hotel deck every morning. The hiking in the Dolomites was if anything even more stunning. It is hard to imagine a more beautiful place anywhere than Seceda Ridge. We could not recommend Kerri or Solo Bike more highly.
Hon Greg Hunt & Paula Lindsey (First Trip with SB - Lake Garda & Dolomites 2024)
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My family and l absolutely loved our swim & hike trip to Lake Garda and the Dolomites with Kerri & Darren from SoloBike with our bespoke daily activities personally tailored to the small group. Highly recommend this trip!
Suzie & Jason Bratuskins 2023
