WÖRTHERSEE EXTREME
the toughest challenge of the new year
Wörthersee Extreme
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The program of the Wörthersee Extreme!
The toughest adventure is calling!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026:
- Collection of starter packs 4.00 - 8.00 pm
- Multi Visions lecture at 8.30 pm in the seminar room of the Hotel Post in Velden (free admission for participants / additional tickets € 15,-)
- Dinner specials at our gastronomy partner "Restaurant Wrannissimo" from 18.00 to 22.00 hrs
- Briefings for the hike at 23.00 or 23.30 in front of the reading room of the municipality of Velden. In case of bad weather, the briefing will take place in the seminar room of the Hotel Post in Velden
- Start "Wörthersee EXTREM" at midnight in the Velden Kurpark
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026:
- from 14.00: Finisher pasta, souvenir photo and Casino Velden wheel of fortune in the "Restaurant Wrannissimo"
*Subject to change until the event!
Tip:
It pays to be quick: for security reasons, tickets are limited. Get yours now and be there!
The toughest challenge of the New Year!
Austria's most extreme winter hike - that means 62 km and 1,800 m in the depths of winter! No matter if snow, storm or cold. The march is on. Take on this more than tough New Year's challenge!
The start is exactly at the witching hour in the night from January 10 to 11, 2026 in the middle of the Kurpark in Velden. Without stopping, you will actively run through the night until the first, longed-for, refreshment station with hot food and drinks awaits you at the Karawankenblick restaurant on the descent from the Pyramidenkogel. From there, the route continues quickly to Klagenfurt for a second breakfast. On the rest of the route, there are warm-up and refreshment stops at Gut Draßing in Krumpendorf and at Thadäushof in Sekull. When you reach the Kurpark in Velden again, you know 100% that you are a Wörthersee Extreme finisher.
Every tough finisher will confirm it: Sometimes you better walk on the wild side!
Cold. Endurance. Adventure.
The countdown is on: Wörthersee Extreme!
Get your ticket quickly
The toughest challenge of the New Year!
Austria's most extreme winter hike - that means 62 km and 1,800 m in the depths of winter! No matter if snow, storm or cold. The march is on. Take on this more than tough New Year's challenge!
The start is exactly at the witching hour in the night from January 10 to 11, 2026 in the middle of the Kurpark in Velden. Without stopping, you will actively run through the night until the first, longed-for, refreshment station with hot food and drinks awaits you at the Karawankenblick restaurant on the descent from the Pyramidenkogel. From there, the route continues quickly to Klagenfurt for a second breakfast. On the rest of the route, there are warm-up and refreshment stops at Gut Draßing in Krumpendorf and at Thadäushof in Sekull. When you reach the Kurpark in Velden again, you know 100% that you are a Wörthersee Extreme finisher.
Every tough finisher will confirm it: Sometimes you better walk on the wild side!
Cold. Endurance. Adventure.
The countdown is on: Wörthersee Extreme!
Get your ticket quickly
The toughest challenge of the New Year!
Austria's most extreme winter hike - that means 62 km and 1,800 m in the depths of winter! No matter if snow, storm or cold. The march is on. Take on this more than tough New Year's challenge!
The start is exactly at the witching hour in the night from January 10 to 11, 2026 in the middle of the Kurpark in Velden. Without stopping, you will actively run through the night until the first, longed-for, refreshment station with hot food and drinks awaits you at the Karawankenblick restaurant on the descent from the Pyramidenkogel. From there, the route continues quickly to Klagenfurt for a second breakfast. On the rest of the route, there are warm-up and refreshment stops at Gut Draßing in Krumpendorf and at Thadäushof in Sekull. When you reach the Kurpark in Velden again, you know 100% that you are a Wörthersee Extreme finisher.
Every tough finisher will confirm it: Sometimes you better walk on the wild side!
The toughest challenge of the New Year!
Austria's most extreme winter hike - that means 62 km and 1,800 m in the depths of winter! No matter if snow, storm or cold. The march is on. Take on this more than tough New Year's challenge!
The start is exactly at the witching hour in the night from January 10 to 11, 2026 in the middle of the Kurpark in Velden. Without stopping, you will actively run through the night until the first, longed-for, refreshment station with hot food and drinks awaits you at the Karawankenblick restaurant on the descent from the Pyramidenkogel. From there, the route continues quickly to Klagenfurt for a second breakfast. On the rest of the route, there are warm-up and refreshment stops at Gut Draßing in Krumpendorf and at Thadäushof in Sekull. When you reach the Kurpark in Velden again, you know 100% that you are a Wörthersee Extreme finisher.
Every tough finisher will confirm it: Sometimes you better walk on the wild side!
Fact-Check Wörthersee EXTREM:
The most important information about the toughest long-distance hiking event
Hiking in any weather!
Route: from the Kurpark in Velden along the Wörthersee circular hiking trail (blue and white markings / yellow signs) in an anti-clockwise direction along the Wörthersee circular hiking trail.
Route length: 62km
Altitude difference: 1,800 m
Walking time: approx. 12 - 15 hours
Starting point: Kurpark in Velden am Wörthersee
Date / time Start: January 10 to 11, 2026 at midnight (24.00 hrs)
Finish time: 16:00 at the finish or at the latest by 14:00 at the last refreshment station
Parking: at the Velden ice rink, Velden tennis hall and at Café Marietta at the western entrance to Velden
Participation fee: Early Bird until 30.10.2024 for € 59,-
Regular sale until 30.11.2024 for € 69,-
Remaining tickets from 1.12.2024 for € 79,-
>> CLICK HERE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE TICKETSHOP<<
Pick up Starter:innen package - in the reading room of the municipality of Velden:
- January 10, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Participation is not possible without personal collection of the Starter:innen package!
- Personal collection is mandatory!
- Please be sure to take it with you:
Official photo ID please
Eventjet ticket
as well as proof of discount (e.g.: kelag Plusclub Joker or Kleine Zeitung Vorteilscard)!
CHECK OF THE MANDATORY EQUIPMENT!
- We check the mandatory equipment of every single participant without exception.
- headlamp
- Charged cell phone
- Insulation layer: jacket, hat, gloves
- Rain layer: jacket, trousers
- Thermos flask with warm drink (refill available on site!)
- Aluminum emergency blanket
- In case of fresh snow, we also require proof of "shoe snow chains"
For safety reasons, participation is not possible if the equipment is missing!
Late registrations:
- Due to the large number of bookings, late registration on the day of the event is unfortunately no longer possible.
Changing room / luggage depot: there will be a changing room in the reading room of the municipality of Velden on Saturday, January 10th from 8.00 pm. Personal items/luggage/clothing can be deposited here. The room is closed on Sunday, January 11th from midnight to 8:00 a.m., no access possible!
If you would like to have permanent access to your belongings, please store them in your own car or accommodation.
The organizer assumes no liability for deposited items!
Participant briefings: 2 briefings before the start at 23.00 and 23.30 in front of the reading room of the Velden municipal office.
In case of bad weather in the seminar room of the Hotel Post in Velden.
Pacemakers: there will be pacemakers to help you reach your target time (12, 13 or 14 hours).
Catering:
4 refreshment stations along the route with free hot drinks and food
- Restaurant Karawankenblick: Soup and bread
- Aid station Klagenfurt
- Gut Draßing in Krumpendorf: soup with side dish
- Thadeushof in Sekull: snack and clear soup
For almost all of our participants, our refreshment stations are sufficient for their entire energy requirements. Please take additional personal provisions with you or cash for a possible stop at an inn / supermarket.
If your legs don't want to go on: You can have our driver take you back to the starting point at the refreshment stations.
For a pick-up, please call the following number: +43 677 634 988 42
If you break off the hike and drive home privately, please cancel your booking by text message on: +43 677 631 318 63
Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency, please call the EURO emergency number 112!
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Frequently asked questions about Advent at Lake Wörthersee and in the Rosental valley
When will the Advent markets at Lake Wörthersee take place in 2026?
The Advent markets in Velden, Pörtschach and on the Pyramidenkogel will take place from 20 November to 20 December 2026. The church Advent celebrations in Maria Wörth begin on 21 November. The individual Advent venues have different opening days and times. You can find all the details under ‘Opening times of the Advent markets’.
Are the Advent markets open every day?
No. Velden, Pörtschach and the Pyramidenkogel are mainly open from Friday to Sunday, whilst Maria Wörth is open on Saturdays and Sundays. There are also opening days on 7 and 8 December. Smaller Advent markets and events have their own dates. You should therefore check the opening times for your chosen venue before you visit.
Which Advent markets are there on Lake Wörthersee and in the Rosental valley?
Advent destinations include the ‘City of Angels’ Velden, the ‘Silent Art Advent’ in Pörtschach, the ‘Church Advent’ in Maria Wörth and the ‘Advent on the Pyramidenkogel’ in Keutschach am See. In the Rosental valley, the Ferlacher Advent Magic awaits you. Other events include the Advent De Luxe at Seefels Castle, the Advent Sparkle in Krumpendorf and the ‘ZUGängliche KUNST’ arts and crafts market in Pörtschach.
What makes Advent on Lake Wörthersee so special?
At Lake Wörthersee, you can experience the Christmas spirit right by the water’s edge: with lights lining the shores, the floating Advent wreath in Velden and atmospheric boat trips. The Advent destinations combine a variety of experiences – from art and contemplative church music to regional culinary delights and the winter panorama at the Pyramidenkogel.
Which Advent activities are suitable for families with children?
In Velden, Fabian’s Angel Meet-up in the spa gardens invites you to take part in crafts, writing and puzzles. On the Pyramidenkogel, families can look forward to a children’s programme featuring Benno the Christmas Bear. In Maria Wörth, the programme is rounded off by alpaca walks and stories featuring Luna, the Ice Princess. You can find dates and possible costs on the respective town pages.
Where can I experience a peaceful and contemplative Advent?
The ‘Stille Kunstadvent’ in Pörtschach combines art, sound installations and regional cuisine with an Advent trail along the promenade and the peninsula. The ‘Kirchenadvent’ in Maria Wörth offers a special atmosphere between the lakeshore and historic churches – with guided church tours, musical Advent services and warming fire pits.
When does the Ferlach Advent Magic in the Rosental take place?
The Ferlach Advent Magic takes place on 27 November and on 4, 11 and 18 December 2026, from 4 pm to 8 pm on each occasion. Local clubs and businesses organise the Advent market; nurseries, schools, the music school and choirs contribute to the supporting programme. Find out more at Advent in the Rosental.
What culinary delights are on offer at the Advent markets?
The Advent markets around Lake Wörthersee focus on regional specialities, traditional recipes and winter delicacies. Depending on the Advent market, you can look forward to savoury treats, sweet Advent baked goods, roasted chestnuts, punch and mulled wine. Handicrafts and local produce round off the range on offer.
Can I visit the Advent markets without a car?
Yes. You can reach the region by bus and train and combine your Advent trip with a boat trip and shuttle bus. The Advent boat service connects several towns on Lake Wörthersee; the Advent shuttle bus runs from Velden via Maria Wörth and Reifnitz to the Pyramidenkogel. You can find details of the services under ‘Getting there and local transport’.
Where can I park during Advent in Velden and Pörtschach?
In Velden, public car parks such as Velden Süd and Franz-Baumgartner-Platz are available, amongst others. In Pörtschach, you’ll find parking facilities on Wahlißstraße and near the railway station. Please note the signposted charges and parking times. You can find the locations of the car parks and information for coaches under ‘Getting Here and Parking’.
When does the Advent boat trip run and which places does it connect?
The Advent scheduled boat service runs from 21 November to 20 December 2026 on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on 7 and 8 December. The route connects Klagenfurt, Krumpendorf, Maria Wörth, Pörtschach/Werzer and Velden/Schlosshotel. Not every service calls at all landing stages. When planning your trip, please also check the return journey in the Advent boat service timetable.
How much does the Advent boat service cost?
Tickets cost 25 euros for adults, 24 euros for senior citizens aged 60 and over and passengers with disabilities, and 10 euros for children aged 6 to 15. The family ticket costs 54 euros and is valid for two adults and up to three children aged 6 to 15. Separate fares apply for the MS Velden express service and the MS Pörtschach ferry.
Is there a direct boat service between Klagenfurt and Velden?
Yes. The MS Velden sails non-stop between Klagenfurt and Velden. A single journey costs 13 euros for adults and 7 euros for children. Tickets are available exclusively on board the boat; the Advent scheduled service day ticket is not accepted. Capacity is limited, and boarding cannot be guaranteed. Group bookings are not possible on this route.
How do I get to the Advent celebrations at Seefels Castle by boat?
The MS Pörtschach connects Pörtschach with the Church Advent in Maria Wörth and the Advent De Luxe at Seefels Castle. Adults pay 7 euros each way, or 6 euros with the Wörthersee PLUS CARD. Children pay 3.50 euros, or 3 euros with the PLUS CARD. For guests arriving at Seefels Castle on the last crossing, a free shuttle to Pörtschach is available on request. Please register at the hotel reception.
How do I get to the Pyramidenkogel on the Advent shuttle bus?
The Advent shuttle bus connects Velden, Maria Wörth, Reifnitz and the Pyramidenkogel. It runs from 21 November to 20 December 2026 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, as well as on 7 December. A day ticket costs 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children aged 5 to 12; children aged 4 and under travel free of charge. The Klimaticket Österreich, Klimaticket Kärnten and Wörthersee PLUS CARD are not valid as tickets on this special service.
Is there a combined ticket for the boat, shuttle bus and Pyramidenkogel?
Yes. The combined ticket covers the Advent boat trip, the shuttle bus and a visit to the Pyramidenkogel observation tower. It costs 34 euros for adults and 17.50 euros for children and is available on board the boat and at the observation tower. The separate express service, the MS Velden, has its own fare structure.
What transport benefits does the Wörthersee PLUS CARD offer during Advent?
From 1 November 2026, registered overnight guests with a valid Wörthersee PLUS CARD can use almost all public bus and train services within Carinthia free of charge during their stay. The S-Bahn to Lienz is also included. Special services, such as the Advent shuttle bus to the Pyramidenkogel, are excluded. You’ll receive a discount on the MS Pörtschach. Further information can be found under Wörthersee PLUS CARD.
Can my dog come along on the Advent boat trip?
On the Advent scheduled boat service and the MS Pörtschach ferry, dogs wearing a muzzle and on a lead can travel free of charge. For other modes of transport and boat services, the respective terms and conditions of carriage apply. Free travel for dogs is not included in the free bus and train travel offered by the Wörthersee PLUS CARD.
What happens to the MS Pörtschach ferry in bad weather?
In the event of a storm, the MS Pörtschach ferry service is cancelled. The operator provides information on weather-related cancellations at woerthersee-faehre.at. Please check the notices before your trip. For other boat services, please refer to the information provided by the respective operator.
Where can I find accommodation and Advent offers on Lake Wörthersee?
At woerthersee.com/buchen you’ll find available hotels, guesthouses and apartments for your Advent break. You can find special packages under ‘Accommodation offers during Advent’. Also ask your accommodation provider about the Wörthersee PLUS CARD and whether it can be issued before your arrival.
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