With the rig to Carinthia: swimming lakes and the Nockberge

This is where your trip begins. Pack the bike luggage securely and plan the first stage with enough breaks so the trailer doesn't make the children impatient.

A quiet nature campsite in the Fränkische Schweiz with a swimming pond and play areas. A good stopover to split up the long drive into two stages and give the children some exercise.

A short stop just before the Austrian border to fill up before the Tauern route and let the children stretch their legs. A good moment to check the vignette and the toll for the Tauern and Katschberg tunnels.

A family-friendly site with direct access to the turquoise-green Faaker See, which warms up nicely in summer. From here you can cycle flat loops around the lake, and the trailer stays parked for the next few days.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A largely flat and well-signposted loop around the lake, roughly 12 kilometres and easily manageable for children aged seven and up. Along the way there are several swimming bays for breaks in the water.

At the ruined castle above Villach, falconers put on flying displays with eagles and vultures, and there's a monkey enclosure right next door. An exciting morning for the children, with wide views over the Carinthian lakes.

A compact old town on the Drau perfect for strolling, with ice cream parlours and cafés. A good afternoon stop before heading back to the lake.

A spacious lido on the eastern shore of the warm Wörthersee, with lawns for lying out, a shallow entry point and slides. Ideal for a carefree swimming day with the children.

A small peninsula with the two churches that jut out picturesquely into Wörthersee. A short walk is well worth it for the view across the water.

A spacious family site on the eastern shore of Millstätter See with its own swimming beach and activities for children. A good base for the coming days with the lake, cycling and the trip into the Nockberge.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The public beach at Döbriach has shallow water and a hire point for pedal and rowing boats. A relaxed morning right on the campsite's doorstep.

The panoramic road through the Nockberge National Park winds in broad curves over the rounded, grassy Nockberge peaks. Along the way there are alpine pastures, short themed trails and viewpoints that suit children well too.

An easy circular walk at the small Windebensee, at over 1,900 metres, on a good path with rewarding views. Short enough for the children, with a picnic spot along the way.

The former Benedictine monastery, with its Romanesque cloister and lovely courtyard, sits right above the lake. A peaceful morning stop, followed by a stroll along the lakeside promenade.

A well-kept lido on the northern shore with a diving platform, slide and shallow area for children. Another relaxed swimming afternoon at the warm Millstätter See.

A terraced site with a lake view at the quiet, crystal-clear Weissensee, considered the cleanest swimming lake in the Alps and pleasantly warm in summer. Thanks to its sheltered setting, it's noticeably quieter here than at the big lakes — ideal for the final days.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Travelling across the zoned nature reserve of Weissensee on the quiet electric boat is a peaceful experience for the whole family. You can get off at several swimming spots and catch the next boat onward.

The car-free northern shore can be explored by bike on a quiet path, with plenty of swimming bays and shady spots. Family-friendly and largely flat.

A convenient stopover on the edge of Salzburg for the journey home, easily reached via the A10. From here, the rest of the route to Leipzig is manageable in one stage the following day.