A calm Austrian city on Wörthersee lake, with a lively student scene and easy access to the Karawanken Mountains. Home to Carinthia's only university.
Klagenfurt, the capital of Austria's Carinthia region, is located on the eastern shore of Lake Wörthersee. This city of 100,000 residents has a Renaissance-style Old Town with arcaded courtyards, a large beach on Lake Wörthersee, and attractions such as the Lindworm Fountain and Minimundus miniature park. You can explore the city's history, relax by the lake, or enjoy various cultural events throughout the year.
Klagenfurt's Old Town
The Old Town of Klagenfurt is characterized by Renaissance-style buildings and narrow streets. As you walk through, you'll see courtyards with shops, cafes, and beer gardens. The New Square (Neuer Platz) is the city center, where you'll find the Lindworm Fountain. This 16th-century sculpture depicts a dragon-like creature from local legend, which was said to have once lived in the area.
Lake Wörthersee
Lake Wörthersee is one of the largest and warmest Alpine lakes in Europe. The eastern shore, where Klagenfurt is located, has a large beach area that can accommodate up to 12,000 people. You can go paddleboarding, sailing, or water skiing during summer. In winter, when the lake freezes over, it becomes a natural ice skating rink.
Museums in Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt has several museums showcasing regional art and history. The Museum of Modern Art has a 1,000 square meter exhibition space for contemporary works. To learn about local history, visit the Provincial Museum or the Wappensaal (Coat of Arms Hall) in the Landhaus. The Landhaus, a 16th-century building, now serves as the seat of the State Assembly.
Minimundus
Just outside the city center is Minimundus, a park with over 150 miniature models of well-known buildings from around the world. You can see scaled-down versions of the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and many other structures in one place.
Local Food and Markets
Visit the Benedictine farmers' market to try local products. Vendors from Carinthia, Italy's Friuli region, and Slovenia sell fresh produce, cheeses, wines, and herbs. This market represents the culinary traditions of the Alps-Adriatic region. For traditional Carinthian meals, try one of the city's local restaurants.
Events in Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt hosts several annual events. In July, the World Bodypainting Festival takes place, where artists paint intricate designs on models. There's also an international summer music concert and Gustav Mahler awards ceremony. In August, the "Altstadtzauber" (Old Town Magic) festival brings music and art performances to the streets.
Day Trips from Klagenfurt
The area around Klagenfurt has several options for day trips. You can visit the Pyramidenkogel Viewing Tower, about 20 minutes from the city, for views of Lake Wörthersee and the surrounding mountains. Hochosterwitz Castle, a medieval fortress on a steep rock, is about 40 minutes north of Klagenfurt and offers a look into the region's past.
