Faaker See

The Faaker See is small, about two square kilometres, sitting south of Villach with the pyramid of the Mittagskogel rising behind it on the Slovenian border, and the colour is what it is known for - a strong turquoise that comes from fine suspended limestone particles scattering light, more pronounced here than on the neighbouring lakes. It is shallow enough to warm quickly and is fully within a nature conservation area, with motorboats banned, so the water is quiet apart from sailing and swimming. There is a private island in the middle with a hotel. The one thing that changes the character completely is the European Bike Week rally each September, one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in Europe, which has been based around the lake for decades and fills the whole district with several hundred thousand people.

What you actually see

• Turquoise water - the colour from suspended limestone in the lake.
• The Mittagskogel behind - the pyramid peak on the Slovenian border.
• A private island - the hotel island in the middle of the lake.
• Motorboat-free water - sailing and swimming only, under conservation rules.

When to go

June to September; avoid rally week in September unless that is why you came. A day.

Honest expectations

European Bike Week fills the area and makes accommodation impossible and the roads loud. Public shore access is limited and most bathing areas charge. Parking is tight in summer.

Nearby

Villach is north; the Wörthersee is east; Slovenia is over the ridge.