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A Romantic Getaway at Lake Weissensee: What You Should Experience While Ice Skating and Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

Glide hand in hand across sparkling natural ice, or enjoy a sleigh ride wrapped in blankets—winter days around Lake Weissensee and Lake Pressegger See showcase the romantic side of Carinthia.

Unforgettable Experiences on the Ice and in a Sled

Lake Weissensee is considered the largest groomed natural ice surface in Europe. Tracks up to 25 km long are carved into the lake by the legendary “ice master.” The result: mirror-smooth ice where not only amateur athletes but also professionals skate their laps.

Even James Bond films have used this backdrop to shoot scenes on the crystal-clear, lightning-fast ice—a natural spectacle that’s a must-see. In addition to the skating rinks, walking paths are laid out directly on the ice, and even horse-drawn sleighs glide leisurely across the ice, which is up to one meter thick. The nearby Pressegger See also offers a fairy-tale setting during cold winters: beautifully groomed ice rinks, skate rentals, and mulled wine stands create a winter delight for all the senses. The atmosphere becomes even more magical in a horse-drawn carriage: In Tröpolach and on the Tressdorfer Alm, carriages travel through snow-covered landscapes, while at Weissensee the carriages glide directly across the ice—with views of the mountains and the elegant movements of the skaters.

If you’re still in the mood for more winter fun afterward, you can whiz down into the valley on the 400-meter-long, illuminated toboggan run in Tröpolach—a special experience for families and couples, especially in the evening hours. Pure romance, nestled in the natural beauty of the Weissensee Nature Park.

All the info at a glance

Weissensee: 9762 Techendorf, Carinthia

Pressegger See: 9620 Hermagor

Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Tröpolach & Tressdorfer Alm

Hours / Prices

Ice skating season typically runs from December through February, depending on temperatures and ice thickness

Horse-drawn sleigh rides by appointment or on fixed schedules

Directions & Parking

Accessible by car via Hermagor or Greifenburg; parking available at the starting points. Shuttle buses and ski buses operate in the region.

Plan your route

More info:

Horse-drawn carriage rides, Ice skating on Lake Weissensee, Tobogganing in Nassfeld

  • Tip 1: Dress warmly

    It can get chilly on the ice and in the sled. Blankets, gloves, and a hat will keep you cozy.

  • Tip 2: Rent Ice Skates

    There are rental stations at Weissensee and Pressegger See. Perfect if you don’t have your own skates—this way, you can hit the ice on a whim.

  • Tip 3: Take Advantage of the Evening Atmosphere

    It gets especially romantic at dusk. When the lights on the ice come on and the carriages glide across the glittering surface, a unique atmosphere is created.

Conclusion: Winter Romance on Skates and in Horse-Drawn Carriages

Ice skating on Lake Weissensee or Lake Pressegger See and romantic sleigh rides are the highlights of a winter vacation in Carinthia. Here, nature, sports, and romance come together to create moments that will stay with you forever. Whether gliding across the black ice or wrapped in blankets in a horse-drawn sleigh—these experiences are one-of-a-kind.

The nawu apartments are the ideal starting point: just a few kilometers from Lake Weissensee and Lake Pressegger See, with tips on the best ice rinks and assistance in organizing horse-drawn sleigh rides. Start your winter fairy tale right here with us and experience Carinthia at its most romantic.

Your adventure begins with us at NAWU.

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Heimo

Author: Heimo

Heimo writes the blog posts for nawu apartments. With a keen sense for the region and attention to detail, he tells stories that inspire readers to take a vacation and provides valuable tips.

Your break in Carinthia awaits you

We are a family-run establishment on the southern side of the Alps and place great importance on personal service. Whether you are planning a summer by the lake, a winter in the snow, or a short break in between, send us your request and secure your desired accommodation.

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313 Reviews

  • Sandra Fischer

    Review by Sandra Fischer

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    ★★★★★
    vor 2 Monaten

    Sehr freundliche Besitzer und Personal. Super schönes Hotel und sehr gepflegt. Hier wird man mit Herzlichkeit empfangen. Sehr schöne Gegend und man hat das Gefühl angekommen zu sein.❤️❤️❤️

  • Jennifer Rohdenburg

    Review by Jennifer Rohdenburg

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    ★★★★★
    vor 2 Monaten

    Wie immer wunderbar! Das gesamte Team ist herzlich und freundlich. Wir waren das 2. Jahr im Folge dort und werden definitiv wiederkommen. Appartements großzügig, modern und individuell. Hunde sehr willkommen. Das Essen im Restaurant ist wirklich Spitzenklasse! Pool innen und aussen sauber und einl...
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  • Alex alkap

    Review by Alex alkap

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    ★★★★★
    vor 2 Monaten

    Nach vielen Urlauben im nawu freuen wir uns immer wieder wenn wir unseren Urlaub genießen können. Super liebe Gastgeber, schöne Lage und großzügige Appartements laden zur Erholung ein. Im Aussen- und Innenpool kann bei jeder Wetterlage geschwommen werden und in der Saunalandschaft entspannt. A...
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