The capital of Carinthia, Klagenfurt, in southern Austria, is a pretty and quiet city perfect for a weekend getaway. Its location right on Lake Wörthersee makes it especially attractive in summer when sun and water sports enthusiasts visit the city’s beaches. But even when it’s too cold for swimming, the city and its surroundings have enough attractions to keep you busy. Check out the must-sees in our guide, including museums, viewpoints, and foodie points of interest.
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Take a cruise on Lake Wörthersee
Direction
Wörthersee, AustriaGet directions
Klagenfurt is located just on the west side of the famous ‘Wörthersee’ and for many tourists the lake is the main reason to come. Even though a sightseeing cruise might sound a bit touristy, it really is the best way to see the lake (and its cute little towns). You can choose from different types of cruises, ranging from water ferries that take you from place to place (for example, nearby Velden) to guided boat tours around the lake. There are even brunch and dinner cruises if you fancy a meal on the water. Book online or get your tickets directly at the docks.
If you come in summer, be sure to bring your bathing suit and enjoy the beach just a short walk from the city center.
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See world sights at Minimundus
Direction
Villacher Str. 241, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, AustriaGet directions
Telephone
+43 463 211940
Web
Visit the website
A 15-minute drive west of Klagenfurt (or a short train or bus ride) is Minimundus, a miniature world opened in 1958, showcasing more than 150 sights from around the world. Favorites include the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, and the Taj Mahal. All the models were handcrafted on a 1:25 scale and are spread around a 26,000 square meter theme park. The tallest is the CN Tower which rises 23 meters (75 feet) into the sky and weighs 20 tons. The most expensive model is St. Peter’s Dome, which took six years to complete and cost 730,000 euros. There are numerous small trains and movement plans between the models and a miniature space shuttle launches into the sky every hour. Take front-of-sight photos of your wish list, learn how the models were made, and for some hands-on experience, sign up for a workshop.
Minimundus is open every day from 9 am and admission costs 19 euros for adults and 10 euros for children.
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Stop for a Selfie at the Dragon Fountain
Direction
Neuer Pl. 1, 9010 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, AustriaGet directions
Telephone
+43 463 5370
Web
Visit the website
The most famous monument in the city is a huge Dragon (“Lindwurmbrunnen”) that gushes water from its mouth at Neuer Platz (“New Square”). The sculpture was carved by Ulrich Vogelsang in 1590 from a single block of chlorotic shale, a local green stone that gives it its distinctive color. The figure of Hercules along with the statue of Maria Theresia were added in the 17th century. The fountain was moved several times in a different direction before finding its permanent place in 1972. The 6-ton heavy sculpture is a reference to the city’s legend, claiming that Klagenfurt was built in an interchange inhabited by a dragon.
Other landmarks on Neuer Platz include the New Town Hall and the Trinity Column (“Dreifaltigkeitssäule”), dating from 1689.
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Walk through the oldest part of the city
Direction
Alter Pl., 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, AustriaGet directions
Just a stone’s throw from Neuer Platz is the oldest part of Klagenfurt, called Alter Platz (“Old Town Square”). Despite its name, it is more of a street than a square, nowadays a pleasant pedestrian zone. It is surrounded by some of the most impressive Baroque buildings in Klagenfurt, including the Old Town Hall with its three-story arcaded courtyard and the 17th-century Church of St. Egido, famous for its frescoes and stunning views from its tower. The Haus zur Goldenen Gans (‘House of the Golden Goose’) is a picturesque building dating from around 1500, with some ancient arcades and a nice café to stretch your legs.
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Visit Klagenfurt Cathedral
Built between 1578 and 1591, the basilica with its various whitewashed walls and green tile roofs has served as a cathedral for the Prince-Bishop of Gurk (who lives in Klagenfurt) since 1787. The interior is quite impressive with three large galleries, rich decoration of stucco and wall and ceiling paintings from the 18th century. The painting on the main altar showing the church’s patrons, Petrus and Paulus, was created by Austrian artist Daniel Gran in 1752. Entrance to the cathedral is free, the crypt costs 2 euros.
Right next door is the Gurk Diocesan Museum displaying church vestments and religious art dating from 1170 to today. It is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm and the entrance is 8 euros for adults.
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Marvel at Renaissance art at the Landhaus
Direction
Landhaushof 1 , 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee , AustriaGet directions
Telephone
+43 463 502363
Web
Visit the website
The Klagenfurt Parliament is situated between Alter Platz and Heiligengeistplatz. The so-called Landhaus, built between 1574 and 1590, is impossible to miss thanks to its two impressive towers with onion domes, its fountain and flower beds. Visit the Great and Small Emblem Hall built in 1740 and home to nearly 1,000 coats of arms, and see spectacular frescoes and Renaissance architecture. Landhaus is open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm Admission is 4 euros.
There is also a restaurant inside the Landhaus serving traditional Austrian cuisine.
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Try the famous Kasnudeln
If you are in Carinthia you just have to try their most famous dish, «Kasnudeln». The warm pasta pockets filled with cheese, potatoes, onions, mint and chervil are especially appreciated during the colder months. But you really can have them all year long. The pasta is served with browned butter or crunchy crisp and is so rich that it will probably be filling all day. You can get the Kasnudeln almost everywhere in Klagenfurt, but local favorites are Weidenhof right by the lake, Zum heiligen Josef (Osterwitzgasse 7), and the restaurant inside the Landhaus.
The most famous dessert is “Kärntner Eisreindling”, a delicious mix of ice cream, cinnamon, raisins and rum or egg liqueur.
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Relax in the botanical garden
Direction
E652 18, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, AustriaGet directions
Telephone
+43 463 502715
Web
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For plant lovers, the Botanical Garden a few steps from the city center is a must. Open all year round, they feature flowers and trees from Carinthia (like its official flower Wulfenia Carintiaca) and tropical regions. There is also a waterfall, several wetland biotopes, and a collection of cacti. The surroundings are great with views of the mountains. Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun at lunchtime or after a long day of sightseeing.
The gardens are open from 10 am to 6 pm from May to September and from 10 am to 4 pm the rest of the year. Admission is free.
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Check out the artists of Carinthia
Direction
Burggasse 8 , 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee , AustriaGet directions
Telephone
+43 50 5361 6252
Web
Visit the website
If you like the arts, don’t miss the Klagenfurt Museum of Modern Art. The gallery exhibits an extensive collection of regional and international artists, but most are from Carinthia. Highlights include Hermann Nitsch, Hans Bischoffshausen, Kiki Kogelnik, Maria Lassnig and Hans Staudacher.
There is also a separate room called “Burgkapelle” available for upcoming artists presenting their projects and installations. The exhibits change regularly and if you are lucky you may meet some of the artists there.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursdays until 8 pm Admission is 5 euros per adult.
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Sample local food at the Benediktiner market
Direction
Benediktinerpl. , 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, AustriaGet directions
Looking for some delicious souvenirs or just a snack to eat right away? Make sure to visit the food market at Benediktinerplatz. You can get just about everything here, from regional fruits and vegetables to local jams, cheeses and wines. Most of the farmers selling are from Carinthia, but you will also find Italian and Slovenian stalls. Best of all, there are always samples! You can also get ready-made snacks and lunches, making the market a perfect place to start your day of sightseeing.
The farmers market is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 6.30 to noon. Go early if you want to avoid the crowds.
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Visit Hochosterwitz Castle
Direction
Hochosterwitz 1 , 9314 Launsdorf , AustriaGet directions
Telephone
+43 4213 2010
Web
Visit the website
13 miles (21 kilometers) northeast of Klagenfurt is the impressive Hochosterwitz Castle, perched on a rock some 525 feet (160 meters) above the small town of Launsdorf. The fortress, first mentioned in 860, is known for its 14 gates and its steep and winding access road called the ‘Burgweg’. There is a small chapel on the north side with beautiful frescoes from 1570 and an altar from 1729. The museum inside the castle contains weapons left by Napoleon, as well as an arsenal of arsenal, helmets, spears, spears and weapons from various centuries. And last but not least, have we mentioned the opinions?
Hochosterwitz Castle is open from 10 am to 5 pm from April 1 to May 14 and from September 15 to October 31, from 9 am to 6 pm from May 15 to September 14. Admission is 15 euros for adults and 8 euros for children. There is a lift from Launsdorf for an additional 9 euros, but you can also walk.
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Enjoy breathtaking views from the Pyramidenkogel tower
Direction
Linden 62 , 9074 Keutschach am See , AustriaGet directions
Telephone
+43 4273 2443
Web
Visit the website
Ever wonder where all those amazing photos of all over Lake Wörthersee and the Alps were taken? Most likely outside the observation tower on the Pyramidenkogel summit, about a 30 minute drive from Klagenfurt. Opened in 2013, the 128-foot (100-meter) wooden tower is the tallest of its kind in the world. You can climb the 441 steps or take the panoramic elevator. The tower has three observation decks and its own “Sky box” restaurant, where traditional Carinthian cuisine is served. Then a 394-foot (120-meter) long slide will bring you to ground level. There’s also a ‘FLY 100’ panoramic zip cable if you’re in the mood for more adrenaline.
The Pyramidenkogel Tower is open from 9 am to 9 pm in summer and from 10 am to 5 pm in winter. The entrance costs 14 euros for adults and 7.50 euros for children. The panorama zip is 15 euros extra.
