lake.bike is the go-to hub for everything around cycling in Austria’s Villach – Faaker See – Ossiacher See region. What started back in 2016 as a pure mountain bike project is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026 and has since grown into a multi-discipline bike destination, bringing together mountain biking, road cycling, gravel riding and a wide range of outdoor experiences under one roof. Set between Lake Ossiach and Lake Faak, the region offers an impressive mix of trail networks, scenic road rides and gravel routes – all rideable from spring well into late fall. The 2026 lake.bike event calendar reflects this diversity, packed with races, festivals, camps and community events for kids, families, beginners and ambitious riders alike.
Season kick-off and a diverse offering for mountain bikers
Whether you’re riding an e-MTB, pushing your limits on an enduro bike or heading out with the kids on balance bikes – at lake.bike, it’s not about what you ride, but about riding together. The two trail centers at Lake Faak and Lake Ossiach are meeting points for friends, families and riders who want to experience mountain biking in a playful or performance-driven way. The season officially kicks off on 1 April 2026, with the opening of the Faaker See Trail Center featuring 27 trails. On 1 May, the Ossiacher See Trail Center follows with 17 trails. From there, it’s full speed into a long bike season running through mid-November, filled with events across all disciplines.
Nice to know: At lake.bike, “bike season” also means “swim season.” Until deep into fall, the mild Alpine-Mediterranean climate and nine crystal-clear lakes, including Lake Faak and Lake Ossiach, invite riders to cool off with a refreshing swim after a long day on the bike.
10 years of lake.bike – birthday celebrations on the trails
The main anniversary celebration marking 10 years of lake.bike will take place on 2 July 2026. But as one day isn’t enough to pay tribute to ten years, festivities will continue throughout the entire weekend until 5 July – happening right where it all began: out on the trails.
The extended birthday weekend is all about the MTB community, as well as visitors and partners from the Villach region. The lake.bike crew has a special surprise planned, with details to be revealed at a later date. What’s already confirmed: riding together, exchanging stories, and celebrating with like-minded people.
Bucketride Festival & Camps, youth programs and community events
The first key dates to mark in the 2026 event calendar arrive in mid-May with the Bucketride Camps at Lake Faak. From 14 to 17 May, two camp formats will take place: one classic mountain bike skills camp and one dedicated women’s bike camp. Both formats combine focused technique training with guided rides on lake.bike trails and plenty of fun and socializing – on and off the bike. The base for both camps is Strandcamping Anderwald.
Mid-summer is all about the next generation who can get their first real trail experiences during the lake.bike youth camps. The MTB Boys Bike Camp (5–10 July 2026) and the MTB Girls Bike Camp (16–21 August 2026), both based at Theresienhof near Lake Faak, give young riders the opportunity to enhance their skills and build new friendships.
Youth racing also plays an important role in 2026 when kids and teens will have multiple opportunities to experience racing in a playful and age-appropriate way. Two cross-country competitions on 9 May at Lake Ossiach and on 10 October at Lake Faak will kick off and close the lake.bike race season. Additional highlights include the Kids Pumptrack Race in Drobollach on 13 June and the Gegenthal MTB Race on 20 June.
A strong community highlight is the Bucketride Festival from 24 to 27 September 2026 at Camping Anderwald on Lake Faak. Organized by Claudia and Roman from Bucketride, the festival focuses on community, camping and shared riding experiences. Under the motto “No party, only good times,” riders come together for group rides, campfire evenings, an MTB expo and relaxed vanlife vibes.
Austria’s enduro highlight: National Championships
For ambitious enduro riders, the 2026 season reaches its competitive peak with the Austrian National Enduro Championships at Faaker See Trail Center from 9 to 11 October, where athletes will battle it out on technically demanding trails.
Lakes, views and relaxed rides at VeloVISTA
The VeloVISTA Cycling Festival from 25 April to 3 May 2026 offers a laid-back start to the season. Guided rides through the Villach – Faaker See – Ossiacher See region combine relaxed cycling with impressive lake and mountain scenery.
Road cycling program 2026: ambition meets enjoyment
With the Carinthia 200, a brand-new road cycling highlight will celebrate its premiere on 31 May 2026. Over distances of 125, 155 and 200 kilometers, on closed roads and routes along Carinthia’s lakes, through valleys and over scenic climbs, the event combines athletic ambition with outstanding scenery. With 2,000 starting spots available, the event is already close to selling out.
A more relaxed, but no less impressive experience follows with the ROSA200 from 26 to 27 June 2026. Four different routes, Giro-style flair, Italian vibes and shared pasta moments make this a road cycling event without race pressure, but full of atmosphere.
More information on cycling events is available here.
Good to know
MTB season:
- Faaker See Trail Center: 1 April – 15 November
- Ossiacher See Trail Center: 1 May – 31 October
Trail tickets:
Day, 4-day, 7-day and season passes available. Kids under 6 ride free. Up-to-date trail status and event information are available daily on the website and via Instagram.
About lake.bike
lake.bike stands for mountain biking and versatile cycling for all generations between lakes and sunshine in the Villach – Faaker See – Ossiacher See region in southern Austria. What began as a mountain bike initiative has grown into a go-to destination for trail lovers, families and leisure riders, while also appealing to gravel and road cyclists. With more than 40 natural trails, two trail centers, a Family Playground and a wide range of routes – from playful MTB lines to scenic gravel rides and sporty road climbs – the region is one of the most versatile bike spots in the Alps. The combination of urban flair, southern climate, crystal-clear lakes and a strong local bike community makes lake.bike a truly unique riding destination.