From Villachs Old town direct into adventure
The leisure BASE of the paddling city
Since the summer of 2022, a separate SUP, kayak and canoe rental has been in operation in the middle of Villach's old town. The newly created FreizeitBASE on the Drau terraces, directly below the Congress Center Villach, offers experiences on and next to the Drau. The Draupaddler, the Radbutler and Alps2Adria are the first points of contact when it comes to paddling and cycling on the Drau.
Entry into the Draupaddelweg
Whenever the weather and the flow speed of the Drava allow, visitors can rent a canoe, kayak or SUP and explore the city up and down the river.
During the tour on the Drava, the bike butler will store the bikes, and rented equipment will be returned at the starting point or can be left at predefined exit points, such as the Silbersee. From there, you can take e-scooters or public transport back to the city center.
4 experiences in one place
The FreizeitBASE combines four different leisure activities in one of the most beautiful places in the center of Villach. Only a two-minute walk from the main square, an attractive meeting point for cyclists and paddlers has emerged directly on the Drau River.
They are THE specialists for river hiking on the Drau: the water sports professionals from the Draupaddelweg.
For years they have been developing their vision of paddling step by step on 320 kilometers of river between Lienz (East Tyrol) and Ptuj (Slovenia). In the meantime, 13 of the planned 18 stages have already been completed and the Drau can currently be explored over 210 kilometers from Lienz to the Slovenian border in Lavamünd.
With the FreizeitBASE, the Draupaddelweg now also has a base camp in the middle of Villach for paddling fans to get on and off. Here you can easily rent SUPs, kayaks or canoes (including paddles and life jackets)., to explore the Drau alone or with a guide. And the whole thing even works online in advance from home.
There are also attractive one-way offers for guests who only want to paddle on the Drau for an hour or two. From the FreizeitBASE, for example, to Campus of the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in the Villach Technology Park, to the silver lake or until St. Nicholas to be paddled. The rental equipment can then simply be left there. However, you have to take care of the return transport yourself.
Reservation TIP: A selection of rental equipment is available on site as standard. On days with high demand, however, short-term bottlenecks can arise. We therefore recommend – especially for larger groups – to reserve or book the required material online in advance: www.draupaddelweg.at. This ensures that everything is really available for the desired trip.
Mobility TIP: Since the opening of FreizeitBASE, TIER's rental scooters can be used all the way to Silbersee. So just download the app, look out for a free scooter and roar back to the old town in an electric vehicle.
Rental opening times (in good weather):
- daily from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m
More information and booking options:
The Radbutler has been welcoming cyclists for years who Drau Cycle Path (R1) are traveling and would like to make a stopover in Villach. Regardless of whether you are a day guest or a long-distance cyclist, everyone is happy to accept the popular service of the bike butler.
Not only can you park your bike safely on site, but you will also be provided with all the information you need to really enjoy your stay in the Draustadt. The charming employees are always happy to provide personal insider tips for a perfect stroll through the city.
If you would like to spend the night in Villach, the bike butler's parking service is also available at night for your own bike. If desired, there is also competent information on nearby accommodation. And on top of that, the whole service is available free of charge. This guarantees that the bike break in Villach will be a special experience.
Opening times (in good weather):
- daily from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m
Hardly anyone knows the cycle path network in the Alps-Adriatic region better than the cycle tour operator Alps2Adria. Experience South and East Tyrol, Carinthia, Slovenia, Istria, Friuli and parts of the Veneto on two wheels with the experienced cycling pros.
As a traffic junction, Villach is traditionally a popular stage destination on long-distance cycle paths like this Drau cycle path or the Ciclovia Alpe Adria Cycle Path. With the FreizeitBASE there is now also a competent contact point directly on the route.
Alps2Adria has been welcoming hundreds of cyclists to its tours every week for years in the Draustadt or lets them start from here optimally prepared in the direction of the Alps and/or the Adriatic Sea. From bike rental and tour planning to organizing the ideal accommodation along the route, Alps2Adria offers an all-round carefree package, that too can easily be booked online.
The FreizeitBASE is thus THE competence center for cycling alongside and paddling on the Drau. And right in the center of Villach.
More information and booking options:
A sporting meeting place like FreizeitBASE naturally also needs a corresponding gastronomic offer. The LAGANA by the river not only offers an incomparable view of the Drau and the old town of Villach, but also a diverse selection of drinks and homemade snacks. Whether for a short break while cycling on the Drau or as a refreshment before the paddling trip, there is something for every taste and gusto.
As an offshoot of LAGANA Bar in the nearby voco Villach Hotel the LAGANA on the river has been a popular meeting place on the Drau terraces for years. Since the summer of 2022, the Draupaddler team has taken over the catering, making the stylish restaurant the ideal addition to the sporty FreizeitBASE range.
Between June 2nd and September 9th you can also sit in the first row in the outdoor dining area with the unique ones Draupuls shows, which deliver a spectacular mix of light, water and music every Wednesday and Friday from 21:30 p.m.
Opening times (in good weather):
- MON, TUE, THURS, SA & SUN: from 11:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m
- WED & FRI: from 11:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m. (during the Draupuls water show)
Rental equipment for paddling
Reserve the water vehicle you want with just a few clicks and start paddling directly from the FreizeitBASE. In addition to the uncomplicated rental of SUPs, kayaks or canoes, guided tours and courses are also offered.
SUP
Rental fee for one Starboard Astro IGO Zen Stand up paddle board.
Canoe
Rental fee for one Venture Ranger 16'' Canoe (also usable for 2 adults + 2 children).