Full. Of Magic. Such has been the nature of our welcome at the lakeside campground Mössler in Döbriach, run by Georg Mössler and his family. A welcome that swiftly whisks us away to the “House of Legends & Tales – Sagamundo” nearby. Georg has hit the nail on the head with us travel writers, always in search of a good story. And here they all are: Mermaids, lindworm, the many fairies and legendary creatures who appear in songs and tales around lake Millstatt. It only adds to the mystical atmosphere that seeps in through the low clouds, covering the lush green forests and surrounding lake in a shrouded mist. We “warm up” over a jaunt of beer, visiting the local craft brewery Shilling and paying a short visit to the so-called “Granatium“, where you are able to dig for fiery red granet stones right from the mountain side.
After camping adventures infused by (art) history in the Gailtal and Rosental valleys, we conclude our camping trip around Carinthia here at Mössler’s fairytale like fun fair in Millstatt.
Still drizzling ever so slightly. “The pool is heated”, Georg adds with a wink, “as opposed to the lake.” This is our moment. Lucia and I change into our swimsuits and take to the camping pool right next to some small palm trees. Despite the cool summer rain, I go on about “feeling south“, and aren’t we just much further south (in Austria) than when we started?! Of course, you do realise it is still Austria, when the campground offers you the odd sauna right next to the pool – a sauna that comes in perfectly handy to dry us off and heat us up again!
Arriving at Mössler lake camping …
… in our nice little mobile home for the night.
Lucia and I make straight for the heated outdoor pool …
… and dream about lying in the sun, basking in the shade of those palm trees. Unfortunately, it’s the cool drizzling rain that keeps reminding us that it is, ah, the Alps and not the Caribbean ..!
Visiting the “House of Legends & Tales” gives us many an insight about the local area surroundings …
… including stories on fairy-tale like creatures, such as the Carinthian lake mermaid.
This one has long become the entire province’s symbol: The lindworm of Carinthia, exhibited in a large statue in the provincial capital of Klagenfurt, with the story of its origins and tales promoted here at Sagamundo.
Some more foodie travel tips here for you: Shilling craft brewery in Radenthein as well as the Beach Bar Restaurant Sittlinger in Döbriach.
Uli at the Gartenrast inn explains why “good beer needs character”. A travelling inspiration, he has been out and about looking for ideas and has always dreamed about “brewing my own beer: Just taking over the Gartenrast inn from my parents, simply isn’t enough of a challenge for me”, the brewery master tells us about having founded his small craft brewery Shilling Bier only three years ago. We taste typical local beers, such as “Shilling Granat” as well as “Shilling Nock Ale”, named after the local red garnet stones as well as the “Nockberge” nature park nearby.
Sweet tooth are welcome here, at Uli’s craft brewery combine chocolate with beer & truffles …
… the brewing master himself letting us try different kinds of roasted malt, the “essence & soul of the beer”.
Last but not least, and a couple of excellent beers later, Uli and us have become friends for the day!
What else would be left to do, than finishing our day tasting typical lake fish from Millstatt? Lucia about to enjoy her fish wrap …
… while I’m off trying “Reinaken” (local whitefish) filets, also from Lake Millstatt.
The morning after, it’s time to burn those calories again: Consider a rowing trip across the peaceful lake, as well as a mountain bike ride back along the southern lake ridge.
If you still think that camping is only for those lying around in a hammock, reading books all day, then think again. Of course, I would not have minded one such hammock after our active morning on boats & bikes. However, the area around Döbriach & Millstatt, including the lake’s completely natural southern rim, are totally worth exploring. We took “local hero” Gottlieb Strobl out for the day, a former fisherman and rowing expert with a knack for some good, local storytelling. He starts us off …
… teaching us how to best board a small rowing boat in style …
… before we are once more completely “back on track”, taking photographs, talking and rowing at the very same time …
… Gottlieb, thank you for all your patience with us ..!
It is your stories that clearly made our morning on lake Millstatt such a fabulous one: Here, Georg Mössler, our camping host, and Angelika, are literally learning about “being together in one boat”.
Another clear advantage of getting out on the lake in a boat: The view to the lake shore and its famous mansions is just fantastic!
We end the morning by taking another trip around on our mountain bikes …
… along the lake’s southern edge, almost entirely natural and untouched.
Lots of picture stops for sure …
… while finally enjoying our well-deserved rest with a salad of a kind, served in a large jar with dressing! Spotted and recommended by Charly’s See Lounge at Millstättersee!
All Lucia and I have left to say to you is this: See you soon in Millstatt, Carinthia!
Want to know how the journey continues? Follow us as we keep visiting two more campgrounds during our trip in early June: “Glamping at AlpenCamp Carinthia” as well as the “Honey bees, heavenly heights & high-level art at the Camping Rosental Roz“.
Disclaimer: We have been invited by the campgrounds AlpenCamp, Camping Rosental Roz as well as Camping Mössler on our trip to Carinthia. All opinions are my own.