The best area for a holiday trip is one that combines mountains and water. Of course, to be truly happy, you also need great bike trails. The joint project called Lake Bike offers all of those things. Two extensive trail centers, with a total of over 40 diverse trails, complemented by skill parks, pump tracks, and scenic recreational bike tours, all nestled amidst the majestic mountains and picturesque lakes of Carinthia. We invite you to check the article from our visit, on which we werre invited by Lake Bike and the region of Villach.
This content was created as part of a barter collaboration of 43RIDE
with Rasoulution and Lake Bike.
Lake Bike – Where?
Lake Bike is a project that primarily connects two trail centers: Trailcenter Ossiacher See and Trailcenter Faaker See. Both are located in southern Austria, near the city of Villach in Carinthia. This is a region we’ve personally passed through many times before, mostly when traveling to western Slovenia or Italy. The easiest way to get there from North is via the A2 or A10 motorways. The region is very well connected with different parts of Europe, and You can also easily include Lake Bike as a stopover point on tour of other bike parks and bike spots in Austria, Slovenia or Italy.
Lake Bike – what it is exactly?
We can start by revealing that Lake Bike is nothing new. In 2026, the project will celebrate its 10th anniversary and each year it expands with new elements. Till now the Lake Bike has:
- 28 trails at the Faaker See Trailcenter
- 17 trails at the Ossiacher See Trailcenter
- A complete network of designated uphill and transfer trails
- 3 pump tracks, including one indoor
- 11 designated touring loops
- Kids Bike Park Arena and Family Playground Arena
- Numerous partner bike-friendly accommodations
- Complete bike infrastructure – maps, repair stations, shuttles for bikers between locations, and much more
- Dedicated website with all biking possibilities to search at one place: lake.bike
It’s worth to mention that this isn’t a typical bike park. With one exception, there are no lifts, and You must access the downhill trails under Your own power or with assistance of e-bike. This one exception is the most challenging, downhill trail called Prolitzen, which runs alongside the gondola lift. In total, there are 45 trails of very diverse character. There are easy family flow trails, faster and incredibly smooth jumplines, steep technical enduro descents, and the previously mentioned challenging and very steep downhill trail. There are also extensive pump tracks and special skill parks for the youngest bikers. Both trail centers are located near lakes, which add to the idyllic atmosphere and allow for great relaxation during a break from riding. There’s even a designated bike beach.
Lake Bike – Our Visit
My wife and I went here thanks to the invitation of Lake Bike and the Villach region. We had great accomodation at Terrasencamping, which we can fully recomend as a choice to discover the region. This is one of many places that partner with the project and offers fully bike-friendly stay. We had a camping cabin right to the Ossiacher lake, with a pleasant beach couple steps away. And just few meters above the campsite are located the most of the Trailcenter Ossiacher See trails. Since we were supposed to be riding to other bike park after Lake Bike visit, I took both my e-bike and also my “analog” enduro bike with me. Unfortunately, the trip ended a bit earlier than we planned, but we still managed to see and ride a lot. Besides riding the local trails, my wife and I also did some more touristy exploring off the area, which you can read about at our travel blog Balkany rudej (only in Polish). You can also check below video.
Trailcenter Ossiacher See – Trails
We slept by Lake Ossiacher See and we had just by the house most of the trails in this trailcenter. From the perspective of the camping beach, the mountain range on which most of the trails are located isn’t very high. Most of the trails are hidden in the forest. On the other side of the lake is the much higher Gerlitzen peak, and on its slopes runs the most challenging trail in the entire complex. However, entering the forest on “our” side of the lake, it quickly becomes apparent that this mountain is at moments quite steep. Let’s start to check out trails from the easier options, which are located at its foot on a panoramic hill just outside of Terrasencamping:
Miki Trail T76 i Mini Trail T77 – Very Easy
Both trails are smooth, very short loops, marked in green, meaning they are very easy. They are intended for the youngest riders and those who want to take their first steps on flow MTB bike trails.
Cody Trail T73 – Easy
A short and easy flow line with few table jumps. Perfect for warming up, it offers great views of the lake and the picturesque surroundings. A good way to familiarize yourself with the style of local trails. If you push yourself, you can go a bit faster and fly higher with alternative, steeper takeoffs, but beyond that, the course is very safe. It gently regulates your speed.
Van Duren Trail T71 – Easy
An easy and smooth flow trail with gentle berms, rollers, and some table jumps. Safe for beginners, but advanced riders can pick up some speed and get in a bit of air. Near the end of the trail, there’s the option of turning left onto the Sandy Trail, and at the very end, there’s a bike roundabout that allows you to turn onto the black Parthy Trail or continue along the blue Flow Trail, which from this point on is called the Sansily Trail.
Sansily Trail T72 – Easy
The Sansily Trail is an extension of the Van Duren Trail, but here the trail changes its character slightly. It runs through steeper terrain, but thanks to skillful shapers, the descent is still very easy. This section is definitely more winding and tighter turns but it still offers a smooth and easy flow trail. Combining the Van Durren Trail, Sansily Trail, and Cody Trail, You will have a total of almost 2 km of descent on a varied and very smooth flow trail.
Alban Berg Uphill T79 + Alban Berg Trail T78 – Easy
Uphill segment is a short singletrail that takes you to the beginning of the proper descent of the Alban Berg Trail. It’s a very nice Flow Trail, with perfectly shaped rollers, high-profiled berms, and plenty of table jumps. For those who want to push their limits, there are bigger version of takeoffs, and occasionally also some beautiful views of the lake.
Andy Trail T74 – Medium
The Andy Trail is marked as red and is clearly more technical than the blue flow trails. The trail is still mostly smooth. Roots and rocks appear only in a few spots, but the berms are noticeably tighter, and the banked sections are lower. There are also a few optional takeoffs for double jumps. The trail is quite tight but very flowy, and riding it with higher speeds is a lot of fun.
Sandy Trail T80 – Medium
The Sandy Trail is a nice jumpline. It’s marked in red, meaning it’s for intermediate riders, but you have to bear in mind that some of the jumps, while not very big, are quite technical. There are transfers that jump straight into a berm, and there are also no table jumps here. In my opinion, this trail is technically close to the black. But once you get the hang of it and know which way to go, it’s very smooth and delivers great fun. To get to Sandy Trail, you have to begin with the Van Durren trail, and at it’s last turns go left. After completing Sandy Trail You can ride the final section of the Andy Trail. This combination: Van Durren – Sandy – Andy is my favorite descent option in this zone.
Matschy Trail T69 – Medium
This is essentially a hiking trail that’s also open to bikes. There are no built up berms, and there are plenty of roots and traverses, but everything is fully rideable on bike. Those who enjoy classic trail enduro will have a good time here.
Toghy Trail T02 – Medium
Two sections of this trail are scattered across the slope. Both are gentle descents and serve as hiking trails opened also to bikers. They make pleasant alternative of traversing the slope on the edge of forest, rather than the paved bike path closer to the lake.
Parthy Trail T70 – Difficult
A black singletrail that combines a steep and tight trail with some berms but also roots, rocks, and natural drop-offs. The steepness of this hill is clearly visible on this trail. It’s quite tight, technical and prowides a good challenge.
Blacky Trail T75 – Difficult
A very short trail that turns from the lower part of Andy Trail. It allows for a fun, and very steep descent that winds between roots and natural drop-offs.
Huby Trail T62 – Difficult
Another black trail, which is a bit further from main part of trailcenter. But if you enjoy technical and steep enduro trails, it’s definitely worth a visit. This I think is the most difficult option on this side of the lake. Very steep, full of roots and sharp turns. I wouldn’t recommend it after rain, when the roots are wet. In good conditions, it’s still quite a challenge. Rather low speed and technical.
Prolitzen Trail T34 – Very difficult
The Prolitzen Trail deserves a separate section. It is considered the most challenging of the entire Lake Bike trail network. It’s certainly the longest: 3.8 km of distance, and boasts a vertical drop of 940 meters. This is a downhill trail, only for advanced riders that are ready for double jumps, plenty of rocks, even more roots, many drop-offs, and technical elements, all in very steep terrain. It’s also the only trail in the complex accessible by cable car. An important note: the lift only transports bikes weighing up to 25 kg. If you have a heavier e-bike, you probably also have a powerful motor and a large battery. In this case, there is an uphill trail, but you must consider the nearly 1,000 meters of vertical climb. However, I recommend taking an enduro or downhill bike, using the lift, if possible. The lift is a separate fee and costs €31.50 for a single ride or €50 for an all-day pass. It’s not a small price to pay for access to just one trail, but if you enjoy challenging and steep slopes, it’s worth it. The Kanzelbahn cable car operates daily from May 30th to September 27th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Current pricing and availability You can check at: gerlitzen.com
Uphill and transfer trails
At Lake Bike there is a complete network of uphill and transfer trails that allows easy access to all the downhill trails. The uphill routes are mostly gravel forest roads. Their surface is good quality, but at times they can be steep climbs. Often, there are two options: a more gentle, more circular route, or a shorter, steeper one. Of course easiest climbs are for ebikes but also many people climbed to the trails on “analog” bikes. The trails are relatively short and also they can be divided just to go to favorite sections or combined into several-minute descents. Riding up the mountain on a powerful e-bike is a quick solution. If, you enjoy a lot of laps and exploration like me, an electric bike is recommended. However, if You have more time and a more relaxed approach You can also fully appreciate this place on non-assisted bikes.
Kids Bike Park and Family Playground – Trailcenter Ossiacher See
Additionally, the Ossiacher See Trailcenter features two areas dedicated to the youngest ones who want to develop their mountain biking skills. The Family Playground is like a bike playground, offering a small pump track, safe “skinnys”, several easy descent lines, and a mini jump line. All are sized and angled to suit young riders. There’s even a mini airbag for practicing take offs and first tricks. The area is also designed to allow parents to have some chill out time and supervise their children in relaxed atmosphere. The second similar area, the Kids Bike Park, is located at the upper station of the Kanzelbahn gondola lift. A specially designed section of short hill is equipped with a conveyor belt for transporting young bikers and there are short, gentle descents where they can learn their downhill and trail skills.
Lake Bike and Villach region – Touring MTB loops
The Lake Bike project also includes a total of 11 more recreational MTB loops. For our first introduction to the area, we chose loop with no. 13, which led us to Landskron Castle via forest gravel roads. These routes are generally free of technical obstacles, but the climbs sometimes can be quite steep, so an e-bike assist again might be useful. Additionally, the majestic area around Villach has an extensive network of easy recreational and touring trails. There are loops around both Faak and Ossiach lakes, numerous connecting routes, and even, a long-distance trail along the Drava River, which can very conveniently take you right to the center of Villach city. The region very effectively encourages people to cycle everywhere!
Lake Bike – Trailcenter Faaker See
Apart from Ossiacher See Trailcenter, there is another, even larger trailcenter at side of Lake Faaker See. There are 28 trails of varying types, one large skills park with an extensive pump track, and a smaller indoor pump track. Unfortunately, before I could fully explore the trails in this region, I encountered a crash, which effectively eliminated me from further testing for now. I hope to return there in the later date of 2026 season and complete my exploration of this part of the Lake Bike region. The trails at Lake Ossiacher See have already demonstrated excellent flow and trail management by the local builders. Faaker See Trailcenter seems to also have great jumplines with beautiful views, and also cool enduro trails. So, I hope to fill in this missing section in the next article soon.
Lake Bike – Infrastructure and fees
The entire Lake Bike region is truly well-prepared for bikers. Each trail is clearly marked. At the entrance gates, you’ll find information on what to expect, a map of the area, and marked transfer and ascent routes. Using the downhill trails and facilities such as the Pump Tracks and Family Playground requires purchasing a pass which is valid for for that day of riding. This can be done on-site at designated partners or online. There are special markers by the trails that feature an QR code, which allows you to easily purchase pass online, wherever You are. Passes are assigned to a person, and there are discounts available for the Youth. Children till 6 years of age ride for free. Day and multi-day passes are available, just like in regular bike parks. A one-day ride for all trails, pumptracks and skill center for an adult costs €9.50. Four-day ride costs €28.50. Transportation to the mountain tops is not included in the price, but still you receive a fully prepared and constantly maintained, extensive network of trails and features. Full pricing and informations on opened trails You can always find on official website: lake.bike.
Lake Bike – When to come?
All Lake Bike trails are closed for the time of winter. The Faaker See Trailcenter opens on April 1st. The Ossiacher See Trailcenter opens on May 1st. Everything is open throughout the high summer season and into the fall. Ossiacher See officially ends the biking season on October 31st, while the trails above Faaker See are closed from November 15th. During the season, riding is permitted from 9 a.m. until dusk. We visited Lake Bike at the turn of May and June. Despite the circling thunder storms, we were pretty lucky with the weather. It was really warm, the lakes were perfect for swimming, and all the trails were in excellent condition. You could visit Lake Bike for a weekend, but there are so many trails, relaxation spots, and additional activities that you won’t be bored with a week’s stay. If you want to cover all the trails in the area, I would plan on spending at least three full days of riding. For fans of biking events and activities, we recommend visiting in dates of July 2-5, 2026. That’s when the special bike festival will be held, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Lake Bike project.
Lake Bike – Trailcenter Ossiacher See – Thoughts
Before my trip, I didn’t know much about the place or its character, but after a short stay, I know I’ll gladly come back here. I expected a more easygoing, family-friendly atmosphere, and it is like that, but also some trails are very far from easy and simple. You can find really demanding but fun options. It’s worth exploring various corners of the region and to try those individual descents which are on the side from the most popular ones. All the trails were very well-maintained, free of washboards, potholes, etc. The black trails were clearly less frequently ridden, but they were groomed and prepared for the season. Perfect shapes are perhaps a result of visiting Lake Bike at the beginning of the season. But also it is the nature of the trail centers, where the trails are less worn compared to bike parks served by lifts.
Lake Bike isn’t only just about bikes, it’s also about lakes. A great way to recharge Your internal batteries and take a break from everything. Interestingly, Lake Ossiacher See is described as one of the warmest lakes in the Alps. In fact, the water temperature at end of May was already very inviting for a swim during our visit. Apparently, during the peak summer season, the water temperature can reach even up to 27°C. Lake Faaker See also offers excellent beaches, and on June 1, 2026, the official water temperature reading was 22°C. The very southern location ensures a generally milder climate and a longer summer season than in other Alpine resorts of Austria. Despite storms circulating throughout Europe, our trip to Carinthia turned out to be very warm and sunny. We can highly recommend this period, when all attractions and trails are officially open, but tourist traffic is still relatively low. Ideal conditions for a awesome ride and complete relaxation.
Lake Bike – Summary
Although my visit to Lake Bike didn’t end as I had hoped, I’ll remember this place fondly and will gladly return to the region and its trails. I was expecting rather simple, family-friendly flow trails, but there are plenty of more challenging and interesting trails here. A visit before the main season might be a good idea to get some serious riding before hitting high alpine bike parks. Since you’ll be approaching the trails by bike, I’d recommend an ebike, but it’s not necessary. You can also have fun on a classic bike. In any case, a few days here will be worthwhile to discover the best of its delights. Plus, relaxation by the lakes, beautiful views, great Austrian food, and attractions for the whole family. In short, I recommend visit to the Lake Bike region, and I hope to soon be able to explore and describe the Faaker See Trailcenter, in another article.
About Lake Bike
The Lake Bike region in Carinthia, Austria, surrounding the city of Villach and the lakes Faaker See and Ossiacher See, is one of the most versatile biking destinations in the southern Alps. It offers 45 diverse mountain bike trails in two trail centers, additional skill parks, pump tracks, and numerous touring trails. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, the region combines active recreation with unique landscapes, offering attractions for both families with children and experienced bikers. RIDE THE SOUTH OF THE ALPS!