The City of Klagenfurt (Austria)
Klagenfurt (Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, German: Klagenfurt) is a city in southern Austria, the capital of the federal state of Carinthia. It is located near the border with Slovenia in the valley of the Drava River, surrounded by a forested mountain range. Klagenfurt is a quiet city with a beautiful historic center, featuring picturesque streets, ancient historical buildings, and numerous Renaissance-style arcaded courtyards. A canal dug in the 16th century connects Klagenfurt with Lake Wörthersee, the largest lake in Carinthia.
Geography and Climate
Klagenfurt is located in southern Austria on the Glan River in the Drava Valley, east of Lake Wörthersee. The city center lies at an elevation of 450 m, with the highest point being the Ulrichsberg mountain (1,022 m). The climate is moderately continental, with significant seasonal variations. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are quite cold.
Practical Information
- Population – 100.4 thousand people.
- Area – 120.03 square kilometers.
- Language – German.
- Currency – Euro.
- Visa – Schengen.
- Time zone – Central European (UTC + 1), summer (UTC + 2).
- Tourist information center located at: Neuer Platz, 5.
History
Klagenfurt is considered to have been founded by the Carinthian Dukes Hermann von Spanheim and Bernhard von Spanheim. The first mentions of a settlement with this name date back to 1193-1199. In 1246, Klagenfurt received city rights. Interestingly, 10 kilometers away, there was once the Roman city of Virunum.
Until the 16th century, Klagenfurt was a small town and played a secondary role not only in southern Austria but also in Carinthia, where Villach was the main city. In 1514, it was almost completely destroyed by fire. Later, Klagenfurt became the capital of the Duchy of Carinthia. During the Napoleonic Wars, it was occupied by the French. In World War II, 60% of the city was destroyed by bombardment.
How to Get There
Klagenfurt has an international airport with regular flights from London, Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Vienna, Munich, Hanover, and Hamburg. You can also use the airports of Trieste, Ljubljana, Graz, Salzburg, Maribor, and Venice.
Klagenfurt is a major railway hub on the route from Austria to Slovenia and Italy. You can reach it by train from all major cities in Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.
Accommodation
Klagenfurt offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From charming historic hotels in the city center to modern apartments and vacation rentals, there is something for every traveler.
The historic Hotel Palais Porcia is a popular choice, located in a 16th-century palace with elegant interiors and a beautiful garden. For a more budget-friendly option, the cozy Pension Sonnenhof offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere. Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms also provide a wide selection of apartments and homes for those seeking a more independent experience.
The best hotels in the city
Shopping and Purchases
The old town of Klagenfurt is a pedestrian zone, and you can find a wide variety of shops. The City Arkaden shopping center is located in the center, and the Südpark is on the outskirts. The Benediktinermarkt farmer’s market is held every Thursday and Saturday, selling organic products from Carinthia, Friuli, and Slovenia.
Food and Drinks
The cuisine of Carinthia has absorbed the traditions of Austrian, Slovenian, and Italian cuisines. Traditional dishes include Dampfnudel (dumplings served with cranberry cream), Frigga (corn with mushrooms and bacon), Glundner Kas, Hauswürstel (homemade sausage), Kasnudel (pasta with meat and spinach), Kirchtag (soup with various types of meat), Maisch Alan (pork with porridge), Reindling (rural cake with raisins and cinnamon), Ritschert (stewed meat with beans), and Sterz (Carinthian variant of polenta).
Sights and Attractions
One of the features of Klagenfurt’s historic center is the New Square (Neuer Platz). Here, you can find one of the main attractions of the city – the massive Dragon Fountain (Lindwurmbrunnen). According to legend, Klagenfurt was built on a swamp where a dragon lived. This huge sculpture was erected in the 16th century. The square also features a 17th-century Holy Trinity Column. On the western side is the former Rosenberg Palace, built in 1580 and remodeled several times in the 17th century.
Near the Old Square (Alter Platz) is one of the most important historical buildings in the city – the Landhaus. It was built between 1574-90 on the site of an earlier ducal castle. The building is distinguished by two impressive towers and a beautiful arcaded courtyard. In the garden, you can see ancient Roman stones with inscriptions, and the northern wing houses the remains of the old arsenal. The interior of the building is remarkable, with Renaissance-style frescoes and coats of arms.
The Klagenfurt Cathedral is the main religious structure of the city, built in the late 16th century. Interestingly, this Catholic church was initially built for Protestants and was the largest Protestant church in Austria during construction. The interior of the cathedral is executed in the Baroque style and is richly decorated with stucco and ceiling paintings.
The Old Square (Alter Platz) is the heart of the oldest part of Klagenfurt. The square is surrounded by many beautiful Baroque-style historical buildings, including the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) with its picturesque three-story arcaded courtyard. Also of interest is the Golden Goose (zur Goldenen Gans) building, a magnificent old structure dating back to around 1500. In the northern part of the Old Square is the old parish church (Stadtpfarrkirche) of the 17th century, known for its historic tombstones and stunning ceiling frescoes.
The Cistercian Abbey is located in the Viktring district and was founded in the 12th century. It is one of the largest monasteries in southern Austria, with a beautiful early Gothic church.
Interesting Places and Sights Near Klagenfurt
Lake Wörthersee is a picturesque lake surrounded by Alpine foothills and with a view of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. It is known for its warm, transparent turquoise waters (reaching 25 °C in summer). To enjoy the panorama of these places, visit the Pyramidenkogel – the largest wooden observation deck.
Hochosterwitz is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Austria. It is located on top of a picturesque cliff above the town of Launsdorf, 21 km northeast of Klagenfurt. It was first mentioned in the 9th century and has never been captured. The castle is in excellent condition.
Maria Saal is an ancient church 10 kilometers north of Klagenfurt, a popular pilgrimage site. The current two-story structure was built in the Gothic style in the first half of the 15th century and was later remodeled in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. The main features are beautiful old tombstones, frescoes, and various ancient works of art.
Minimundus is a collection of miniatures of the world’s most famous landmarks, built on a 1:25 scale. The collection of 150 models is located west of Klagenfurt.
Conclusion
Klagenfurt is a charming and historic city in southern Austria, offering a unique blend of architecture, culture, and natural beauty. From the impressive Dragon Fountain to the picturesque Lake Wörthersee, there is something to captivate every visitor. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s medieval roots or simply enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, Klagenfurt is a destination worth considering on your Austrian itinerary.
