Enjoy a rejuvenating getaway to the resort town of Millstatt. Set on the banks of a cobalt-blue lake and framed by forested mountains, the town is filled with handsome historic villas built by well-heeled families. Stroll around the historic centre, sunbathe on the sandy beach and unwind at the wellness centre.
Things to do in Millstatt
Warm water and lashings of sunshine make Lake Millstatt one of the top summer destinations in Austria. The Millstatt waterfront is purpose-built for fun in the sun. Top up your tan on the grassy sunbathing lawn or roll out your towel on the wooden jetty. There’s also a strip of soft sand where you can sunbathe and build sandcastles. Practice your swan dives off the historic diving tower built in the 1930s and make a splash with water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Treat yourself at the Lake Millstatt Bathhouse. Inspired by the grand Carinthian bathhouses of the 19th century, the lakeside wellness complex boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Swim in the sparkling outdoor pool, relax in the sauna and dine on sun-drenched terraces. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views over the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Visit Millstatt Abbey and discover the town’s ancient past. The Benedictine abbey was founded in the 11th century and is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Austria. You’re free to walk around the complex and admire the sunny courtyards and elegant arcades. The abbey moonlights as an atmospheric venue for cultural events like music concerts, fairs and the annual guitar festival.
Scenic hiking and cycling trails take you into the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the meadows or challenge yourself on a summit trail. Work up an appetite and stop for apple strudel at a picturesque alpine hut.
Getting around Millstatt
Millstatt is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The resort is in Carinthia, a three-hour drive from Graz and four hours from Vienna. Ferries connect Millstatt with other towns and villages on the lake. Graz Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.