Nestled in the Austrian Alps, this lively town on the Drau River draws visitors with its vibrant square, traditional architecture, and access to mountain adventures.
Villach, Austria's seventh-largest city, is located where Austrian, Italian, and Slovenian cultures meet. This Carinthian city has an old town with a Main Square, while the Villacher Alpe mountains and lakes like Faaker See and Ossiacher See are nearby. In Villach, you can visit the Trinity Column, relax in the KärntenTherme spa, or hike up Dobratsch mountain. The city comes alive during events such as the Villacher Fasching carnival and the Villacher Kirchtag festival.
Exploring Villach's Old Town
The Main Square (Hauptplatz) forms the center of Villach's old town. As you walk along the square, you'll see the Trinity Column from 1739, built to commemorate the city's survival of the plague. Shops, cafes, and restaurants line the square, where you can watch locals go about their day. At the north end, a bridge crosses the Drau River, while the Parish Church of St. Jakob stands at the southern end.
Churches and Architecture
Villach has several interesting churches. The Heilige Kreuz church is an excellent example of Baroque sacred architecture in Austria. The Parish Church of St. Jakob, with records dating back to at least 1136, is another important religious site. For a taste of early 20th-century design, visit the Parkhotel and Parkcafé Villach, built in 1910-1911. These buildings have been the venue for major social events for over a century.
Mountains and Lakes
The Villacher Alpe rises to the west of the city, while the Karawanken chain stretches to the south. You can drive up the Villach Alpine Road, a 17-kilometer toll road, to reach Dobratsch, the region's highest peak at 2,166 meters. This area is now a nature park. For water activities, visit Lake Faak (Faaker See) or Lake Ossiach (Ossiacher See). Both lakes have clear waters and scenic surroundings, and you can swim, boat, or fish there.
Festivals and Events
Villach has a busy festival calendar. The Villacher Fasching, or Mardi Gras, is one of the city's largest events, running from November 11 to March 4. In summer, the Villacher Kirchtag, a week-long festival ending on the first Saturday in August, draws many visitors. Throughout the year, you can also enjoy arts and crafts festivals, street art performances, and shows on a floating stage on the Drau River.
Thermal Spas and Wellness
Three kilometers from Villach's old town, you'll find Warmbad Villach, a spa resort. The KärntenTherme in Villach-Warmbad is a modern spa complex open year-round. These thermal baths provide a place to unwind after exploring the city or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
