Carinthia Feature

The Wörther See. In the summer, this area turns into Austria's version of the Hamptons. Pleasure-seekers check into mansions-turned-hotels, boat on the crystalline lake, and party until the wee hours.

The other Carinthian lakes. Faaker See, Ossiachersee, Millstätter See, Weissensee, and Pressegger See give Salzburg's lake region a run for its money. The area is dotted with little towns that host arts events all summer.

Bad Bleiberg. For true pampering head to this area of thermal pools west of Villach. Another set of natural hot tubs can be found at Warmbad Villach.

Burg Hochosterwitz. Walt Disney drew the inspiration for Snow White from this magnificent castle on top of a mountain. Not even the Turks were able to pass through its 14 gates.

Gurk Cathedral. Supported by 100 marble pillars, the most splendid of all the region's Romanesque churches features the original chair of St. Hemma. When women sit in it, they supposedly have a nice surprise nine months later.