Klagenfurt in Carinthia
Klagenfurt is the sunny capital of Carinthia (Kärnten) in Austria. The city of 100,000 inhabitants is located on the eastern side of Lake Wörthersee. The lake that can reach a temperature of as much as 25 degrees in the summer, so you can have a great swim.
Austria's fifth-largest city is above all a very relaxed one. Whereas cities like Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck always seem very busy and life is quite hectic, Klagenfurt has a more Mediterranean character. A holiday in or around Klagenfurt is therefore relaxing.
History of Klagenfurt
The city's name was first used in 1192 but it was not until 1518 that Klagenfurt finally started to gain some importance as well. In 1514, the city was hit by a large, devastating fire. Emperor Maximilian could not rebuild the city, so in 1518 he donated it to the ruling powers within the city. Until this time, the city was actually nothing more than an insignificant market town. Klagenfurt became the capital of Carinthia and gained various privileges as a result, which caused the city to rise in stature.
Location Klagenfurt
The city is centrally located in Austria; it is about as far a drive to Vienna as it is to Innsbruck. Klagenfurt is located in the Klagenfurt Basin at an altitude of 446 metres above sea level. From Klagenfurt, Italy and Slovenia are within easy reach. The tourist resort of Bled in Slovenia is just over 80 kilometres away and Udine in Italy just over 160 kilometres.
Sights in Klagenfurt
The city coat of arms of Klagenfurt features a dragon, the symbol of the city. This dragon can be seen on the Neue Platz near the town hall. There is a fountain there with a lindwurm. According to legend, the tapeworm had to be defeated before the city could be founded. The Landesmuseum is worth a visit. In this museum you will find information about past times, such as the history of Carinthia. The Bergbaum Museum shows the history of mining in Carinthia. This museum, opened in 1973, is located in a Kreuzberg cave. Minimundus is a miniature park where you can find many different small versions of important buildings. For example, you can find Utrecht's cathedral there. Minimundus is fun for young and old.
Holiday Klagenfurt
If you love the mountains but don't mind if it's a bit sunnier, then Klagenfurt comes highly recommended. It is a good base for hikes in the mountains, such as hiking on the Gerlitzen, around Bad Kleinkirchheim or on the Turracher Höhe. You can enjoy swimming in the Wörthersee, the Ossiacher See or the Millstatter See. Between Klagenfurt and the Wörthersee is a campsite which is an excellent base. From here you can be in the city within minutes and you can walk to the Strandbad Klagenfurt.
