Carinthia

Austria

Maria Woerth which includes a sunset, wetlands and a lake or waterhole
Klagenfurt am Woerthersee which includes art, a church or cathedral and interior views
Landhaus which includes heritage elements and interior views
Velden am Woerthersee showing tranquil scenes and a bay or harbor
Keutschach am See which includes a sunset and modern architecture

As if imitating the staggering peaks of the surrounding Eastern Alps, church spires soar out of the historic villages in the lush valleys of this lake-studded region.

Visit Carinthia’s medieval settlements and plan your exploration of the region’s dramatic peaks and valley-floor lakes. The Austrian province is unrivaled when it comes to spectacular lakes and pristine waterways. Discover a mountainous landscape punctuated by more than 200 glimmering lakes, which present fantastic opportunities for swimming and boating. As Austria’s sunny south turns into a winter paradise, Carinthia’s peaks and highlands become playgrounds for alpine adventure.

The region’s capital is the grand old city of KlagenfurtOpens in a new window. Stroll through its Alter Platz (Old Square) to see a collection of Renaissance buildings. Visit other notable highlights, such as the 16th-century Lindworm Fountain and the Baroque Cathedral of Klagenfurt. The city lies on the shores of Wörthersee, Carinthia’s largest lake. The lake also has the noteworthy asset of being one of the Alps’ warmest lakes, due to the thermal springs that heat the enormous body of water to comfortable swimming temperatures.

Don’t be daunted by Carinthia’s staggering range of lakes and waterways centuries of Carinthian lakeside leisure means the region’s best spots are easily accessible. Check out Millstätter See, Ossiacher See and Faaker See to explore local favorites.

Explore the riverside city of VillachOpens in a new window or make your way into the province’s mountainous interior to find magnificent medieval towns. Friesach and Gmünd shelter this beautifully preserved medieval heritage within their ancient village walls. See the hilltop castle Hochosterwitz or check out grand palaces, such as Burg Griffen and Porcia Castle. Elsewhere in the verdant valleys, you’ll find the historic abbeys of St. Paul’s and Viktring. Make your way through the Zollfeld Plain to see the towering spire of Maria Saal Cathedral. Visit Heiligenblut to see the sky-piercing tower of St. Vincent Church rising up against a backdrop of Austria’s tallest mountain, the Glossglockner.

In winter, check out Carinthia’s excellent ski resorts. Nassfeld, Bad Kleinkirchheim and Flattach are popular destinations, while the Hohe Tauern and the Nock Mountains National Park present plenty of opportunities for mountaineering.

Reach Carinthia by flying into its major airport in Klagenfurt or make use of the large railway hub in Villach. The province is best explored by car, but ensure you take care when driving along the mountain roads.

Popular cities in Carinthia

Klagenfurt am Woerthersee featuring heritage elements, a park and a fountain
Klagenfurt am Woerthersee
Known for Historical, Monuments and Museums
A distinct Mediterranean feel and proximity to Austria’s warmest Alpine lake characterize the provincial capital of Carinthia.

Reasons to visit

  • Minimundus
Velden am Woerthersee featuring a bay or harbor and heritage elements
Velden am Wörther See
Known for Lakes, Spas and Biking
Look for the path in a vast maze, gaze up at castles and test your luck at the swanky lakeside casino at this quaint market town on the western end of Woerthersee lake.

Reasons to visit

  • Casino Velden
Took this shot in Austria. I just loved the way the clouds hugged the valley floor
Bad Kleinkirchheim
Known for Spas, Skiing and Mountains
Explore Bad Kleinkirchheim: its skiing, spas, golf, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Bad Kleinkirchheim - St. Oswald Ski Area
Villach
Villach
Known for Historical, Castle and Mountains
This city in the Austrian province of Carinthia is surrounded by mountains and lakes and is a great base for hiking, skiing or snowboarding near the Italian and Slovenian border.
Peaceful summer
Poertschach am Woerthersee
Known for Lakes, Beaches and Spas
Explore relaxing Poertschach am Woerthersee: its lake views, spas, beaches, and more!
Starting point: Alexanderhütte 1.786 HM (transfer to the Schwaigerhütte with lake and mountain taxi) Route: via Millstätter Hütte, past the Kamplnock over the Grüne Törl to the Granattor Difficulty: easy to moderate (suitable for pushchairs up to the Millstätter Hütte) End: Granattor - 2.066 HM (transfer from Lammersdorfer Hütte with lake and mountain taxi) Length: 6.5 km (Path of Love, Sentiero dell Amore.), Total length: 7.5 km Duration: 3 hours incl. breaks (Path of Love, Sentiero dell Amore.) , Total duration: 4.5 hrs. Altitude difference: 275 m (Path of Love, Sentiero dell Amore.), Total altitude: 400 m


THE WAY OF LOVE. When Alexander Pupovac, court and court advocate in Vienna, fell in love with the young widow Rainer from Millstatt around 1900, he acquired with the later marriage also at that time, couples had little opportunity to show their feelings for each other - and certainly not in public. What's the craziest thing you've ever done for love? "This is a question Wanderer pauses at the Alexander Hut today, pointing to the path of love that begins here." Seven books filled with poems, quotes, and aphorisms. " Provide assistance in response to interpersonal feelings, as well as clinging to paths whose inclusions glimmer out of the mother rock like red buttons - all indications that the interior of the Millstätter Alpe holds the largest alpine garnets.
Millstatt
Known for Dining, Lakes and Natural parks
Escape to Millstatt! Enjoy its lake views, parks, and food.