Klagenfurt is a quiet and beautiful city with gorgeous natural surroundings, and a great choice if wanting an alternative to the more famous landmarks. Read on to explore some of the best places in Klagenfurt, Austria.
Best Places in Klagenfurt
1. Lake Wörthersee
Klagenfurt sits right on the West side of the famous “Wörthersee” and for many tourists, the lake is the main reason to come. Even though a sightseeing cruise might sound a little touristy, it really is the best way to see the lake and its cute little towns around. You can choose from different types of cruises, ranging from water ferries taking you from one place to another to guided boat trips around the lake. There are even brunch and dinner cruises if you fancy a meal on the water.
If you come in summer, make sure to bring your swimwear and enjoy some beach time a short walk from the city center.
2. Landhaus
One of the most important historical landmarks in Klagenfurt, this country house (one of the largest in all of Austria) was built between 1574 and 1594 and is the seat of the Carinthian parliament. The interior is truly spectacular – decorated in elaborate frescoes and Renaissance architecture, making it a wonder to behold. Entry is just four euros, therefore it is a must-visit for history buffs.
3. Hochosterwitz Castle
Perched high atop a craggy peak some 160 meters above the town of Launsdorf, just 21 kilometers northeast of Klagenfurt, sprawls the imposing Hochosterwitz Castle (Burg Hochosterwitz), one of Austria’s most impressive castles. First mentioned in AD 860, the castle was for centuries on the frontline between Europe and the Ottoman empire but never fell.
Notable features include the steep, winding access road, the Burgweg, some 620 meters long and famous for its 14 gates (each of them named), and the beautiful arcaded courtyard at its end. Other highlights include its quaint little chapel with fine wall and ceiling paintings from 1570 and the church at the southwestern end with a high altar dating from 1729.
4. Pilgrimage Church of Maria Saal
The Pilgrimage Church of Maria Saal (Propstei- und Wallfahrtskirche Maria Himmelfahrt), more often than not referred to as St. Mary’s Cathedral (Maria Saal Dom), sits high on a hill some ten kilometers north of Klagenfurt and is one of the leading places of pilgrimage in Carinthia. It was here in AD 750 that Bishop Modestus consecrated a church dedicated to the Virgin, from which the surrounding area was Christianized. The current twin-towered structure was built in Gothic style in the first half of the 15th century and later remodeled during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
5. Carinthian Museum of Modern Art
Not just a region boasting natural beauty, Klagenfurt is also home to an impressive contemporary art gallery. The Carinthian Museum of Modern Art houses an exciting collection featuring a huge range of distinguished regional and international artists, with a focus on works specifically from the province of Carinthia. Hans Bischoffshausen, Kiki Kogelnik, Maria Lassnig, Hermann Nitsch, Hans Staudacher are among the Austrian artists featured, and the “Burgkapelle” space is dedicated to showcasing upcoming artists.
6. Dragon Fountain
The city’s most famous landmark is a massive Dragon (“Lindwurmbrunnen”) spurting water from its mouth on Neuer Platz (“New Square”). The sculpture was carved by Ulrich Vogelsang in 1590 from a single block of chlorotic schist, local greenstone that gives it its distinct color. The Hercules figure along with the statue of Maria Theresia was added in the 17th century. The fountain was moved several times facing different directions before it found its permanent place in 1972. The 6-ton heavy sculpture is a reference to the city legend, claiming Klagenfurt was built on a swamp inhabited by a dragon.
7. Minimundus
A little to the west of Klagenfurt is the wonderful Minimundus, a miniature town made up of models of some of the most recognizable buildings from around the globe. Started in 1958, the collection includes more than 150 models built at a scale of 1:25 and spread across a large park-like setting. Highlights include the Statue of Liberty, the Tower of London, a model of the NASA Space Shuttle launch site, and the numerous model trains that whip around the site.
Fun activities such as model making and outdoor dining experiences at the “world site” of your choice are also available (all profits from this attraction go to charity). It’s also a great place to visit in the winter months when festive lights are added to many of the most popular mini-buildings, as well as fun activities such as craft making and magic shows.
In conclusion, these are the best places in Klagenfurt that you can’t miss.
