Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia, Austria, is one of the most versatile holiday destinations in the Alps – and that holds true all year round. Nestled at approximately 1,100 metres above sea level in the heart of the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, this charming resort combines alpine skiing, soothing thermal springs, extensive hiking trails and world-class mountain biking within a compact area. In winter, 103 kilometres of groomed slopes and modern lift systems attract skiers and snowboarders from across Europe. After a day on the mountain, the Thermal Römerbad spa with its healing thermal waters provides deep relaxation. In summer, the region transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers. Over 1,000 kilometres of marked trails lead through the gentle Nockberge landscape, past crystal-clear mountain lakes and rustic alpine huts. The legendary Flow Country Trail ranks among the best mountain bike trails in Europe. Families appreciate the short distances between cable cars, thermal spas and accommodation – and the wide range of activities for every age group. Discover the best activities around Bad Kleinkirchheim here and start planning your perfect holiday in the Carinthian Nockberge mountains.
The Bad Kleinkirchheim ski resort is one of the most popular ski areas in Carinthia and offers everything a skier could wish for. Across 103 kilometres of slopes, beginners, intermediates and experts will find ideal conditions. 24 modern lift facilities – including high-capacity gondolas and chairlifts – ensure short waiting times and comfortable transport up the mountain. The slopes are spread across the two connected ski areas of St. Oswald and Bad Kleinkirchheim, which together form the Thermal Ski Resort. Thanks to the altitude range of 1,100 to 2,055 metres, reliable snow cover is guaranteed from late November until mid-April. Modern snowmaking systems supplement the natural snowfall when needed.
The FIS World Cup downhill course “Kärnten – Franz Klammer” is the highlight for sporty skiers and ranks among the most challenging race courses in the world. For families, there are dedicated children’s areas with magic carpets and kids’ ski schools. The Bad Kleinkirchheim Card provides free access to the lifts during the winter season and discounted entry to the thermal spas. Beyond the slopes, cross-country skiing trails, winter hiking paths and toboggan runs invite visitors to enjoy even more winter activities.
The Bad Kleinkirchheim ski resort comprises 103 kilometres of slopes and 24 lift facilities. The slopes are distributed across the Bad Kleinkirchheim and St. Oswald areas, which are connected via the Thermal Ski Resort. The altitude ranges from 1,100 to 2,055 metres above sea level. Approximately 70% of the slopes are marked blue or red, making them ideal for families and intermediate skiers. The black runs, including the famous Franz Klammer downhill, offer a genuine challenge even for experts.
Bad Kleinkirchheim owes its reputation as a spa resort to two exceptional thermal baths located right in the village. The Thermal Römerbad is the larger of the two and impresses with a spectacular panoramic indoor pool and generous outdoor pools overlooking the surrounding mountains. The sauna world includes several Finnish saunas, steam baths, infrared cabins and relaxation rooms. The thermal water rises from over 200 metres below ground and is rich in valuable minerals that provide relief for joint and muscle ailments.
The St. Kathrein Thermal Spa is the older and cosier of the two facilities. It features indoor and outdoor pools filled with natural thermal water, a sauna landscape and a comprehensive wellness programme with massages and beauty treatments. Both thermal spas are open year-round and are just a few minutes’ walk from our apartments. The combination of skiing in the morning and a thermal spa visit in the afternoon makes Bad Kleinkirchheim truly unique in the Alps.
A day ticket for the Thermal Römerbad costs approximately EUR 25–30 for adults (as of 2025/2026). Children and teenagers receive discounted rates. Holders of the Bad Kleinkirchheim Card benefit from reduced admission to the thermal spas. Evening rates and multi-day passes are also available. For current prices and opening hours, please visit the official Thermal Römerbad website.
The Nockberge Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO-recognised protected area featuring a unique natural landscape of gently rounded mountain peaks – the distinctive “Nocken” that give the range its name. Over 1,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails crisscross the region, offering routes for every level – from leisurely alpine pasture walks for families to demanding summit tours for experienced mountaineers.
A particular highlight is the Alpe-Adria-Trail, which covers 43 stages from the Grossglockner (Austria’s highest peak) all the way to the Mediterranean at Muggia near Trieste. Several stages pass directly through Bad Kleinkirchheim and the Nockberge. Other popular routes lead to the Falkert (2,308 m), the Wand (2,055 m) or along the panoramic Nockberge Trail. In summer, the cable cars carry hikers comfortably to higher elevations, making even longer tours possible without a strenuous ascent.
The Kärnten Card provides free entry to over 100 attractions in the region, including cable car rides, museums and nature experiences. Guided hikes are regularly offered by the local tourism board during the summer season.
In and around Bad Kleinkirchheim there are over 1,000 km of marked hiking trails in the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. The most popular routes include the Alpe-Adria-Trail (long-distance trail from Grossglockner to Trieste), the Nockberge Trail (multi-day hut-to-hut hike), the family walk to the Millstätter Alpe, the summit trail to Falkert (2,308 m) and numerous alpine pasture walks with refreshment stops. The cable cars make the ascent easier and open up many routes to families with children.
Bad Kleinkirchheim has established itself as one of the top mountain biking destinations in the Alps in recent years. The centrepiece is the Flow Country Trail – a natural singletrack trail of over 8 kilometres that descends from the Kaiserburg cable car summit station (1,770 m) to the valley. The trail has been voted among the best mountain bike trails in Europe multiple times and thrills riders with its flowing berms, natural jumps and perfect gradient. It is suitable for both advanced riders and ambitious beginners.
In addition, numerous other mountain bike routes and forest roads are available. The Nockbike Trail leads across scenic high-altitude paths through the biosphere reserve. For road cyclists, the Nockalm Road offers a 34-kilometre panoramic route through the Nockberge mountains. E-bikes can be hired at several rental stations in the village, making longer tours relaxed and enjoyable. The cable cars conveniently transport bikers and bikes to the top.
The Flow Country Trail in Bad Kleinkirchheim is an approximately 8-kilometre natural mountain bike singletrack that descends from the Kaiserburg summit station (1,770 m) to the valley. It is rated among the best natural trails in Europe and has been awarded a design prize by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). The trail is characterised by flowing berms, moderate jumps and a consistent gradient that creates a continuous flow experience. It is classified as intermediate difficulty (S1–S2). More information is available on the official Flow Country Trail page.
Beyond skiing, thermal spas, hiking and mountain biking, Bad Kleinkirchheim offers a wealth of additional leisure activities for guests of all ages:
Experience all of these activities right from our Apartments Della Schiava. Our cosy holiday apartments are centrally located in Bad Kleinkirchheim – just minutes from the cable cars, thermal spas and hiking trails. Whether it is a ski holiday in winter or a hiking holiday in summer, you will find the perfect base for your stay in the Carinthian Nockberge mountains with us.