Klagenfurt – Carinthia's charming state capital on Lake Wörthersee
Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia, is one of the most beautiful cities in Austria and offers a well-kept old town with numerous shops. Especially in summer, many visitors are drawn to the street cafes, where they can enjoy the flair of the city. The proximity to Lake Wörthersee and the historic pedestrian zone, which has existed since 1961, make Klagenfurt an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
Short info:
- Resident: 102,618 (as of January 1, 2022).
- highlights: The large coat of arms hall in the country house, the Wörthersee, Minimundus, the Lindwurm fountain, the Happ Reptile Zoo, the Klagenfurt beach, City parish tower and city parish church
- special feature: The oldest pedestrian zone in Austria.
- Tip: The Europapark with its many playgrounds for children of all ages.
The most important sights
Alter Platz
The Alte Platz is the heart of Klagenfurt's old town and invites you to stroll. From the street cafes you have a wonderful view of the baroque facades of the surrounding buildings. Particularly noteworthy is the plague column from 1680, which commemorates the plague epidemic. Directly opposite is the old town hall, whose arcade courtyard worth a look.
Another Renaissance arcade courtyard is hidden behind house number 22 on the Old Square. Here is the inner courtyard of the Bishopric of Bamberg, a quiet place with impressive architecture. At Alter Platz 31 is the Haus zur Goldenen Gans, the oldest building in the city, which was first mentioned in documents in 1489.
country house with country courtyard and coat of arms hall
The country house in Klagenfurt has been the seat of the Carinthian state government for over 400 years. Particularly impressive is the Great Coat of Arms Hall, which is located on the top floor of the building. The walls of the hall are decorated with 665 coats of arms of the Carinthian estates - a unique testimony to the region's history.
Neuer Platz
On the Neuer Platz is the most famous landmark of Klagenfurt: the Lindwurm fountainThis impressive sculpture of a dragon, made from green chlorite slate in 1590, tells the legend of the dragon that once threatened Klagenfurt. To this day, the sculptor of the sculpture is unknown, but the fountain is a central attraction for tourists and locals.
Theaterplatz
The Theaterplatz is surrounded by several buildings and museums worth seeing. Particularly noteworthy is the city theater, which was built in 1910 and is still considered an architectural gem today. Diagonally opposite is the townhouse, and a few steps further is the Künstlerhaus, which regularly hosts art exhibitions.
From the Landkanal to Lake Wörthersee
The Landkanal connects the city center with Lake Wörthersee and was once an important transport route for heavy loads. Today it is a popular destination for walks and bike tours. In winter, the canal is transformed into one of the most beautiful ice skating rinks in the region.
On the way to Lake Wörthersee you pass Minimundus, where miniature models of famous buildings from all over the world can be admired, as well as the Happ Reptile Zooand that planetarium – ideal destinations for families.
Klagenfurt beach
On the shores of Lake Wörthersee lies the Klagenfurt beach, one of the largest and most beautiful lidos in Austria. It offers three bathing jetties, a huge lawn, water slides, bars, bistros, boat rentals and a beach volleyball court. Here everyone will find the right activity to spend a relaxing day at the lake.
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