Carinthia offers ten cool spots for summer heat relief

Austria’s southern state of Carinthia (Kärnten) presents ten natural locations to stay refreshed on hot summer days. Visitors can drive up panoramic mountain roads such as the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße, Malta Hochalmstraße and the Nockalmstraße to enjoy fresh alpine air and wide‑angle views. High‑altitude hikes above 2,500 m are available on the Mölltaler Glacier (2,235 m) and the Ankogel, offering cooler temperatures and striking scenery. A selection of crystal‑clear alpine lakes—including Wolayer See on the Italian border, Zollnersee, Turracher See at 1,800 m and Falkertsee near Bad Kleinkirchheim—provide natural swimming spots. Gorges and cliffs such as the Raggaschlucht, Groppensteinschlucht, Tscheppaschlucht, Garnitzenklamm and Barbarossaschlucht feature flowing water, walkways and viewing platforms, with some offering night‑time guided tours. Additional water‑side trails, like the Schluchtweg Millstatt, wind past streams, historic mills and forested valleys, making them ideal for families and hikers seeking shade and fresh water in the mountains.