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Statutory city in Carinthia, Austria
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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City Museum
if you are interested in the history of the town go there. The museum has a nice expo on minerals, mining and all kinds of Villacher History. Nice to visit for some background info on the town of Villach. Time to visit approx. 1 hour.
the remains of the old fortress of Landskron are on the top of a hill, 676 m high. A great part of the castle was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century, but some parts are still there and a few halls can be visited. There is also a restaurant, and every Tuesday evening there is a special "medieval" dinner served by waiters dressed in period costumes. The view from the castle is wonderful. From here you can see Villach and the valley of the river Drau with its lakes, and the Slovenian Alps on the other side of the valley.
A section of the castle is now the home of several birds of prey. They can be seen in their cages, but even better is to see them fly, which is possible two or three times a day, according to the season and to the weather. The demonstrations last about 40 minutes and guests can enjoy watching eagles, hawks, kites, and owls fly just above their heads.
The church of St. Jakob (the parish church of Villach) has an impressive bell tower, 94 metres high. It is the tallest in Carinthia and its present appearance and height dates back to 1847. Visitors can climb the 239 steps to the top and enjoy the wonderful view. The form of the church building today dates back to about the 14th century, when it was reconstructed following an earthquake, though some features were destroyed once again in 1944.
Elli Riehl Puppenwelt
Collectors and doll lovers of dolls will be overwhelmed by this museum. They show porcelain, vinyl and wooden dolls made by famous artists. Some of these dolls are manufactured in the own studio. In the basement premises they exhibit all different kinds of craftswork like glass objects, pottery, flowers and certainly a great variety of special dolls.
This almost 20 km alpine road takes you up to Dobratsch mountain and ends on 1.732 m. Who wants to visit the top still has a bit of climbing to do! The top of Mount Dobratsch is at 2.167 m high.
Relief of Carinthia
Walk around a precisely detailed three-dimensional model of the entire state of Carinthia. Audio, light and video effects explain the geology and history of the region, such as the formation of the Alps, and development of Roman roads into the modern transportation system.
Claiming to be the smallest theatre in the world, it seats 8 people and has a stage measuring 1.30 m by 1.30 m
Cross-country skiing is possible on Dobratsch and all major ski resorts around Villach.
Ice-skating is possible on Faakersee, Ossiachersee and Vassacher See though this depends heavily on the weather in winter whether lakes are frozen or not.
Every year (usually the first week in August) the city celebrates Villacher Kirchtag with a big amusement park. The city can get very crowded in this week with as many as 50,000 visitors, especially from Italy.
A jazz festival in the middle of July located on Gernottenhöhe in Judendorf.
One of the best natural climbing walls in Austria. There are hundreds of colour-coded climbing routes at all levels, and on sunny days the vista is stunning. The maximum height difference is approx. 60 m. Kanzianiberg can be accessed by bus or bicycle (30 min from Villach) or car (15 min).
One of the best 19-hole golf places in the area with stunning views from every hole.
Said to be the lake featuring the cleanest water (drink water quality) in Europe. Tranquille area without those disturbing motorboats. There are some free beaches, but the better ones have to be paid for (usually no more than 4 euro). All beaches are nicely laid out with large grass fields. Getting to the Faakersee in the village of Faak is about 10 minutes away from Villach.
A large spa resort, featuring the heated pools of Villach. Here, there are slides, vortex pools, and hot tubs for you to enjoy. Or, you can relax on the chairs outside of the pool. The resort complex includes hotels, restaurants, and wellness services. The Thermal Urquellbecken features an indoor thermal pool with natural bubbles and a pebble floor. The KärntenTherme offers indoor and outdoor thermal pools, and a separate sauna area with traditional infusions, rest areas, and a whirlpool with a view of the nearby mountains.
A hot spring, which only appears in springtime. The water is hot enough for bathing and is very popular with the locals. Entry is free. Buses and trains operate from the main station to Warmbad on a regular basis. The hot springs were already known to the ancient Romans.
Menu includes local dishes and weekly lunch specials. Also open for coffee in the morning, and drinks in the evening.
Cafeteria-style restaurant, part of the Interspar supermarket.
Cozy tavern in a house dating back to 1879, serving regional dishes with local ingredients. Offers a weekly lunch special that includes a vegetarian option.
Kebab, pizza and pide shop.
Japanese restaurant, with sushi and a buffet option.
The brewery serves traditional Carinthian food for lunch or dinner with locally sourced ingredients, paired with their own varieties of beer. Try the Kasnudln or the Bierführerbrot (dark bread piled with cold meats, cheese and radish). Several vegetarian dishes are also available.
Genottehöhe Straße 40, Tel.379 18 - serves traditional Carinthia food and is located on a hill in Judendorf.
Once a coffee house, they now focus on cake production by special order. But you don't need to plan ahead to try a Villacher Torte or Carinthian Cheesecake; you can buy an entire small or large cake from their 24-hour Torten-Automat (cake machine).
A small, atmospheric pub where the locals go. If you are travelling in a group you should book a table in advance.
An atmospheric pub.
Cocktail bar and restaurant.
A lively pub.
Stylish cafe with Italian snacks, baked goods, and breakfast.
Youth and Family Hostel
Hostelling International hostel with 4- or 5-bed en suite dorm rooms. Amenities in the hostel include a sauna, climbing hall, and fitness room. Also offers packed meals to-go, and shuttle bus services for groups of skiers.
Comfortable, straightforward hotel with air conditioning, free parking, and friendly staff.
Features free parking and a sauna.
Scenic, old hotel (built in the 16th century) in the centre of the city with spacious, renovated rooms.
Modern family-friendly hotel. Part of the resort area at Warmbad; hotel guests have indoor access to the thermal spa and pools.
Part of the IHG brand, a stylish hotel overlooking the river, featuring fitness, spa and business services. Direct access to the congress centre located next door.
By car
If you are coming from north, take the A10 Tauernautobahn. If you are coming from east (Graz,Vienna) take the A2 Südautobahn. If you are planning to go from Slovenia, take the A11 Karawankenautobahn.
By plane
If you are travelling by plane, Klagenfurt Airport (KLU) is the nearest airport, with regular flights from destinations including Alicante, Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, London Stansted, Munich, and…
It's a quite small town, so it is easy to get around on foot. Taxis can be found near the railway station and in the centre of the city near Hauptplatz.
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Klagenfurt am Wörthersee · International · KLU
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