Short information:
- What is a lindworm? Lindwurm is the name of a snake or dragon-like mythical creature.
- What is the Lindwurm in Klagenfurt? It is a fountain and the landmark of the city of Klagenfurt.
- Where is it located? Directly on Neuer Platz, in the middle, to be admired from all sides. The town hall is to the west and Burggasse to the east
- Does it cost entry? No, you can see him 24/7.
The lindworm is usually two-legged, but four or more legs are also possible. It resembles a dragon and is sometimes referred to as a subspecies, has no or only short wings and is mentioned primarily in old Germanic sagas. A lindworm usually has a long tail and short legs, and is sometimes described as being man-eating. The dominant color is black, the dragon is green, it is often mentioned as breathing fire, which is less common in the case of the lindworm.
The Lindwurm in Klagenfurt was built at the end of the 16th century, the fountain added around 40 years later.
The Lindworm Saga
When Duke Karast von der Karnburg ruled, there was only wild undergrowth and moss in the area around Lake Wörthersee. Rarely did anyone come down from the many pastures in the mountains. It is said that none who dared descend into the impenetrable darkness ever returned. The shepherds also looked in vain for cattle. Since most of the time there was heavy fog in the area, nobody has ever seen the scary strangler that destroyed people and animals. Only growling and other eerie noises could be heard.
One day the duke ordered the monster to be found and killed. But nobody dared. Only cunning was able to lure the hidden monster out of its safe lair. A tower was built from which the animal could be observed. Lured by the price of victory, a few servants dared to fight: “Whoever dares to seize the monster by cunning or force, for him be the tower and rich reward; the whole country from one river to the other, as far as the monster’s ravenous tooth now reigns, be the property of the victor; let him be free, even if he were a slave now!”
A huge bull was tied to a chain by the servants. The area was filled with deafening noise. It wasn’t long before a fearsome worm showed up, winged and armored. When the worm grabs the bull, the servants quickly jump out and kill the lindworm with pointed clubs.
A peaceful hamlet arose on the site of the dragon fight; and where the tower stood, the duke built a protective castle. Over the centuries, Klagenfurt, the provincial capital of today, developed from this castle and the village.
Incidentally, the Lindwurm is not only a probable feature of Klagenfurt, but also of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana (Laibach).