Cycling the Lendkanal: A Scenic 24‑Kilometre Ride Ending at Hotel Plattenwirt

Looking for a flat, beautiful route that blends city charm with lakeside relaxation? Cycling the Lendkanal delivers an approximately 24‑kilometre experience through Klagenfurt’s most popular waterside path, passing family‑friendly attractions like the Planetarium, the Reptile Zoo, and Minimundus—before you roll into the welcoming gardens and shady terrace of Hotel Plattenwirt by Lake Wörthersee.

In this guide, you’ll get a clear route overview, must‑see stops along the way, practical tips, and what to expect when you finish at Hotel Plattenwirt—just 100 m from the Wörthersee, the warmest Alpine lake in Europe.

Why the Lendkanal is Klagenfurt’s Most‑Loved Cycling Route

• Waterside riding, city access: The Lendkanal is renowned as Klagenfurt’s most popular cycling route, offering calm, scenic pedalling with easy access to landmarks and the lake.
• Attractions along the path: As you approach the lake, you’ll pass the Planetarium in Klagenfurt, the Reptile Zoo (Austria’s largest reptile show), and Minimundus with 156 detailed models from 40 countries.
• A perfect finish: The route naturally guides you to Hotel Plattenwirt, set in the expansive Europapark—ideal for a well‑earned break on the shaded terrace, in the winter garden, or on garden loungers.

Route Overview: From the Glanradweg to the Lendkanal and Lake Wörthersee

The ride combines riverbank cruising, a short, well‑marked city segment, and a relaxed finale along the Lendkanal to the lake.

1) Start: Joining from the Glanradweg

• From the Glanradweg, ride about 1.1 km to a bridge and cross into the grounds of the Landeskrankenhaus (LKH).
• Alternatively, continue along the right bank of the Glan and use the second Glan bridge after the underpass of St. Veiter Straße to enter the LKH grounds.

2) Through Klagenfurt’s streets to Elisabethsteg

• Exit the LKH at Gutenbergstraße.
• Continue via Jahnstraße → Oberlercherstraße → Aichelburg‑Labia‑Straße → Lerchenfelderstraße → Tarviser Straße to reach Elisabethsteg.
• This inner‑city segment is approximately 3.5–4.5 km, depending on your chosen variant.

3) Finale: The Lendkanal to the lake (approx. 3.8 km)

• From Elisabethsteg, follow the Lendkanal westward—this is the highlight of the ride.
• You’ll pass the Planetarium, the Reptile Zoo, and Minimundus before reaching Hotel Plattenwirt near the Wörthersee.

Quick directions at a glance

1. Glanradweg → cross into LKH grounds (via bridge)
2. Gutenbergstraße → Jahnstraße → Oberlercherstraße → Aichelburg‑Labia‑Straße → Lerchenfelderstraße → Tarviser Straße → Elisabethsteg
3. Elisabethsteg → follow the Lendkanal past Planetarium, Reptile Zoo, Minimundus → Hotel Plattenwirt

Tip: Canal paths are typically flat and pleasant, making this an enjoyable route at an easy pace.

Sights You’ll Pass on the Lendkanal

• Planetarium in Klagenfurt
  • Engaging shows that make astronomy accessible for all ages.
• Reptile Zoo (Reptilienzoo)
  • Austria’s largest reptile exhibition with around 1,000 animals on 4,000 m².
  • Extra features: an open‑air area, a dino park, an insectarium, and a petting zoo.
• Minimundus
  • A miniature world just 500 m from Hotel Plattenwirt, featuring 156 models at a 1:25 scale from 40 countries—a delight for families and curious travellers alike.
• Wörthersee & Europapark
  • Finish near the lake and unwind in one of Austria’s largest park landscapes.

Bonus excursion: A short drive from the hotel takes you to the Pyramidenkogel, the world’s highest wooden observation tower. Enjoy a panoramic platform at 50 m and, if you like, depart via a 120 m slide.

Finish in Comfort at Hotel Plattenwirt

After roughly 23–24 kilometres of cycling, reward yourself at Hotel Plattenwirt:

• Location: Around 100 m from the Wörthersee, set in the Europapark.
• Relaxation spaces: A shaded terrace, winter garden, and a garden with comfortable loungers.
• Rooms: 60 modern Business and Comfort rooms with generous sizes up to 45 m².
• Connectivity and convenience: Free Wi‑Fi, non‑smoking, pets allowed, and an EV charging station.
• Drinks: The hotel bar serves beverages until 24:00; afterwards, drinks are available via a vending machine.
• Parking: On‑site parking is available (fee applies; advance reservation required).
• City access: A nearby bus stop connects you to Klagenfurt’s city centre (about 3 km) with services every 20 minutes.

What’s just steps away

Practical Tips for Cycling the Lendkanal

• Pace your day: Plan at least half a day for the route so you can stop at the Planetarium, Reptile Zoo, or Minimundus.
• Bring a bike lock: You’ll want time to explore attractions comfortably.
• Stay hydrated and sun‑smart: Canal rides are exposed; carry water and sun protection.
• Family‑friendly mindset: The canal section is flat and pleasant; allow extra time for kid‑approved stops like Minimundus and the Reptile Zoo.
• Maps and info: Cycling maps are available at the tourism office in the Rathaus—handy if you want to add detours.
• Extend your ride: From the hotel, you can explore additional tours:
  • Radtour 1: Erlebnis & Besichtigung (approx. 14 km)—blends culture and entertainment with a gentle climb near Maiernigg.
  • Radtour 3: Altstadtwandern mit dem Fahrrad (approx. 18 km)—designed largely along bike paths through Klagenfurt’s Old Town, with moments to stroll.
  • Radtour 4: Schlösser Tour (approx. 24 km)—a scenic castles route with cultural stopovers.

FAQs: Cycling the Lendkanal to Hotel Plattenwirt

• How long is the ride?

  • Approximately 24 kilometres (depending on the chosen variant through the city segment).

• What are the key waypoints?

  • Glanradweg → bridge into LKH → Gutenbergstraße → Jahnstraße → Oberlercherstraße → Aichelburg‑Labia‑Straße → Lerchenfelderstraße → Tarviser Straße → Elisabethsteg → Lendkanal past Planetarium, Reptile Zoo, Minimundus → Hotel Plattenwirt.

• Where can I relax post‑ride?

  • On the hotel’s shaded terrace, in the winter garden, or at the Städtische Strandbad just about 200 m away.

• Is there easy access to the city centre?

  • Yes. A bus from a nearby stop runs about every 20 minutes to the centre (roughly 3 km).

Conclusion: Ride, Discover, and Unwind by the Wörthersee

Cycling the Lendkanal is one of the most rewarding ways to discover Klagenfurt—flat, scenic, and filled with memorable stops. And when your ride ends at Hotel Plattenwirt, you’re steps from the lake, minutes from major attractions, and surrounded by comfort.

Ready to plan your cycling getaway? Contact Hotel Plattenwirt to book your stay, reserve parking, or ask about nearby tours.

• Address: Friedelstrand 2, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
• Tel.: +43 463 / 21173
• Email: hotel@plattenwirt.at

Prefer a flexible gift? Choose a Plattenwirt gift voucher at 10,00 €, 50,00 €, or 100,00 €—a thoughtful present for cyclists and lake‑lovers alike.