Lake Pressegger See shows Hermagor at its most water-rich: a roughly six-kilometre-long Slow Trail circles the lake, while the “Path Through the Reeds” runs through a dense reed belt that leaves room for only a narrow path. These two routes alone offer different views of the landscape.
Lake, reeds and an alpine backdrop
Hermagor-Pressegger See lies in the lower Gail Valley, near the Italian border and where the Gitschtal Valley meets the Gail Valley. The Carnic Alps form the region’s southern boundary, while the Gailtal Alps lie to the north. Lake Pressegger See is in a nature reserve with rare plants, twelve fish species, noble crayfish, and numerous birds and dragonflies.
The water also shapes the character of the lake: thanks to the strong inflow from the two springs, its warm water is completely renewed every two weeks. In midsummer, the water temperature of Lake Pressegger See can reach up to 28 °C.
The Hermagor lido has a large sunbathing lawn and a shallow pebble beach. The roughly six-kilometre-long Slow Trail around Lake Pressegger See also starts here. The “Path Through the Reeds” offers a different perspective: its narrow path leads right through the dense reed belt. From the steep lakeside slope, you can enjoy views of typical peaks of the Carnic Alps and the Nassfeld.
Trails through rock and history
In Garnitzen Gorge, the Geotrail brings together natural and geological features: it runs alongside emerald-green, rushing streams and past colourful rock formations. The Nassfeld Historic Mile turns the spotlight on the border region along the Carnic Main Ridge. Its route runs from the national border to Watschiger Alm and back via the sulphur spring. Along the way, it explores botanical and geological features as well as the history of the area, particularly the First World War.
Another historical trail is the tenth stage of the Path of the Book, from Hermagor to Nötsch. It starts at the Protestant church in Hermagor. The section from Khünburg towards Mother of God Rock follows a gently ascending forest road; from there, views stretch across Lake Pressegger See and the Carnic Alps. The Hermagor–Khünburg–Lake Pressegger See hike also reaches Presseggersee near the railway stop.
The Gailtal Local History Museum is housed in Möderndorf Castle near Hermagor. It holds more than 5,000 artefacts from the Georg Essl collection. Its themes range from palaeontology and archaeology to regional folk and everyday culture. St. Urbani offers a different cultural landmark: the Gothic chapel, dating from the early 16th century, stands on a rock that rises steeply from Garnitzen Gorge.
A guided walk through the old town traces the history of Hermagor and its surroundings over several centuries. If you plan to join, check the dates and booking conditions for the 2026 programme, as they may change.
Routes with different highlights
The Gailtal Cycle Path runs right past Lake Pressegger See and covers 90 kilometres in total, from Kötschach to Villach. The Gailtal Cycle Path R3a is described as a family-friendly connecting route. By contrast, the 3 Lakes Circuit links Lake Pressegger See with Farchtensee and Weißensee, passes through the Gitschtal Valley and returns to Lake Pressegger See. It can be shortened at numerous points, and in some places it is also possible to return by public transport. The routes therefore differ both in their courses and in the stated options for finding your way and returning.
There are also various options in the Nassfeld ski area, which offers more than 40 pistes, from sporty runs to family-friendly descents. Which of these routes and experiences suits your trip depends on whether you want to focus more on the lakeshore, the landscape, history or a longer route.
Regional culture and flavour
The Tressdorfer Alm show dairy puts the local production process in the spotlight: visitors can watch live as fresh milk, delivered daily, is made into various cheeses and dairy products. Check seasonal opening information before visiting. The alpine dairy products include Gailtaler Almkäse PGI, Schotten cheese, alpine butter, soft cheese and semi-hard cheese; availability may vary by season.
The See Runde also combines exercise and culinary delights. This themed circular hiking trail leads from the centre of the town of Wulfenia over the hills around Hermagor to Lake Pressegger See. Together with the alpine dairy products and the show dairy, the route shows how regional experiences find expression in the landscape and in the production of local food.
There is also BoulderROCK by the lake, an outdoor bouldering cube. The Fix & Foxi adventure playground, “In the Realm of the Lake Witch,” at the Hermagor lido is the starting point for a treasure hunt around Lake Pressegger See. So, alongside hiking trails, there are also specific activities to enjoy by the lake.
Discover more destinations: Hermagor-Pressegger See, Jenig, Kötschach-Mauthen, Lesachtal, Maria Luggau, Rattendorf, Tröpolach, Kirchbach, Weißbriach, Paßriach, Gundersheim, Sankt Stefan an der Gail, Dellach, Forst, Vorderberg, Birnbaum, Görtschach, Liesing, Mellweg, Schlanitzen, Sankt Lorenzen im Lesachtal, Reisach, Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, Waidegg, Gitschtal, Podlanig im Lesachtal, Liesch, Sittmoos, Egg bei Hermagor, Radnig.
Go to the main travel overview: Carinthia.
