The picturesque Hermagor-Pressegger See is an all-weather destination, boasting lakes in summer and ski slopes in winter. Named for the 3rd-century Saint Hermagoras, the area has been settled for almost 3,000 years. Feel the long history in the architecture and character of the town, which was first mentioned in documents in the 12th century. Today it is a vacation destination popular among Austrians, Slovenians and Italians.
Splash in the waters of the Pressegger See, whose naturally warm temperatures make it pleasant for swimming even in early summer. Take kids along the BergWasser trail, which celebrates the region’s natural beauty. Look here for the Wulfenia, an extremely rare flower from the Ice Age that grows in only two other places in the world. Let kids loose on the rides and in the pools of Erlebnis Park, a water park next to the lake.
Hike across the border to Italy, venture down into Garnitzenklamm Canyon or climb to the top of Poludnig Mountain. Back in town, explore the ancient architecture of Möderndorf Castle, which contains the Gailtaler Heimatmuseum, a celebration of the valley’s food, culture and history. In winter, speed down the slopes of Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, which hosts one of the world’s longest ski races.
Hermagor-Pressegger See is located on the southern border of Austria, near Italy and Slovenia. Drive from Vienna in about 4 hours, from Venice in 3 hours or from Ljubljana in about 2 hours Graz and Salzburg are 2 hours away by car or 4 hours by train. The closest international airport is in Ljubljana, though flights can be more limited than to airports in Austria and Italy. A train station in town makes it relatively easy to reach the area’s other towns, though the region’s more remote attractions generally require access to a car.
Take an excursion north of Hermagor-Pressegger See to the startlingly clear waters of Weissensee Lake, among Austria’s cleanest lakes. Splash around in these astounding natural surroundings.
