Carinthia (Karnten in German) is the most southerly state in Austria. It has borders with the countries of Italy and Slovenia and the Austrian states of Styria, Salzburg and East Tyrol.

Mainly mountainous / Alpine, Carinthia's biggest attraction is for winter sports, with ski resorts such as Nassfeld, Gerlitzen and Bad Kleinkirchheim. There are also some lovely lakes, often with beaches for swimming and the area's main summer attraction. Of these, Lake Worthersee is the most popular, followed by the smaller Lake Millstattersee. In terms of interesting buildings, there are monasteries, palaces and castles, such as the elaborate Schloss Porcia at Spittal and der Drau. For some celebrity lifestyle, Velden with its casino, set on the Worthersee, may be worth a visit.

Ski accommodation in Carinthia is generally in the form of ski chalets and apartments - catered or self-catering. Places to stay by the lakes can be a little more diverse, although the alpine chalet style of the houses and apartment buildings still tends to be reasonably similar. Nonetheless you can find something unusual, such as bed and breakfast in a converted castle.