Carinthia Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Carinthia. Also included are tips on food, culture, safety, and transportation options.


Introduction to Carinthia

Located in the heart of Europe, Carinthia is a picturesque region of Austria, known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse outdoor adventures. With its charming mountain villages, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped peaks, Carinthia offers something for everyone, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, nature lover, history buff, or foodie.

List of Places to Visit in Carinthia

Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Carinthia, arranged according to their unique qualities and attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Schloss Hochosterwitz: A 16th-century castle perched on a steep hill, offering impressive views of the countryside.
  • Museum of Modern Art: One of the most prominent museums in Austria, exhibiting contemporary artwork from around the world.
  • Minimundus: A miniature park featuring replicas of famous landmarks from different countries.
  • Roman Museum Teurnia: A museum showcasing Roman artifacts and ruins, housed in the remains of a Roman city.
  • Benedictine Abbey of St. Paul: A baroque monastery with a rich religious and cultural history.

Natural Attractions of Carinthia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Wörthersee: One of Austria’s largest and most famous lakes, known for its crystal-clear waters, recreational activities, and scenic views.
  • Grossglockner High Alpine Road: A scenic drive through the highest mountain range in Austria, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and valleys.
  • Nationalpark Hohe Tauern: The largest national park in Austria, home to diverse flora and fauna, mountain trails, and waterfalls.
  • Nassfeld: A popular ski resort in the winter, and a stunning hiking and biking destination in the summer.
  • Dobratsch Nature Park: A nature reserve offering hiking trails, panoramic views, and diverse flora and fauna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Carinthia

Carinthia is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with countless trails to explore. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Alpe Adria Trail: A long-distance hiking trail that runs through three countries, including Carinthia, offering varied landscapes, cultural attractions, and culinary delights.
  • Nockberge Biosphere Park: A nature reserve with a variety of hiking and biking trails, winding through natural forests and meadows.
  • Drauradweg: One of Europe’s most beautiful biking routes, following the course of River Drau, and passing through charming villages and historic landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Carinthia: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and skiing, Carinthia offers many other fun activities and tours for visitors to explore. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Rafting and canyoning in the rivers and gorges of Carinthia.
  • Paragliding and tandem flights for a bird’s-eye view of the region.
  • Wine tasting tours in the nearby wine regions of South Styria and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
  • Horseback riding through scenic trails and mountain meadows.
  • Carinthian Summer Music Festival, a celebration of classical music and arts in various historic venues around Carinthia.

Week-Long Itinerary for Carinthia

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Carinthia, with various activities and attractions in different parts of the region:

Day 1-2: Klagenfurt and Lake Wörthersee

  • Visit the famous landmarks of Klagenfurt, such as the Lindwurm statue and the Landhaus.
  • Relax by Lake Wörthersee, enjoy swimming, paddle-boarding, and kayaking.
  • Explore the nearby pyramidal mountain, Pyramidenkogel, for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Day 3-4: Villach and Dobratsch Nature Park

  • Wander around the charming old town of Villach, visit the town museum, and enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the local restaurants.
  • Hike or bike through Dobratsch Nature Park, and take in the breathtaking views.
  • Visit the nearby thermal spas and wellness centers, such as the Kärnten Therme or the Warmbad Villach.

Day 5-6: Nassfeld and Gailtal Valley

  • Hit the slopes in Nassfeld Ski Resort or enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
  • Visit the nearby Weissensee, a crystal-clear Alpine lake, and try your hand at fishing.
  • Explore the scenic Gailtal Valley, and visit the charming villages along the way.

Day 7: Hochosterwitz Castle and Magdalensberg

  • Explore the impressive Hochosterwitz Castle, and take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.
  • Visit the nearby Magdalensberg, a historic site with Celtic and Roman ruins, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Return to Klagenfurt for a final dinner at a local restaurant.

Food and Drink Scene of Carinthia

Carinthia’s cuisine is influenced by both Austrian and Italian traditions, and features many local ingredients and specialties. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Reindling: A sweet yeast bread with raisins and almonds, often served with butter or cream cheese.
  • Kärntner Kasnudeln: A regional pasta dish with a cheese and potato filling, served with brown butter and chives.
  • Kaiserschmarrn: A fluffy pancake typically served with fruit compote or jam.
  • Carinthian trout: Freshly caught from the region’s crystal-clear lakes and rivers, usually served grilled or baked with herbs and lemon.
  • Gailtaler Speck: A cured ham with a strong smoky flavor, often used as a topping for bread or in pasta dishes.

Local Beverages

  • Wörthersee Bier: A local beer made with fresh mountain water, barley, and hops.
  • Kräuterschnaps: A herbal liqueur made from regional herbs, such as thyme, sage, and rosemary.
  • Südsteirischer Wein: Wines from the nearby region of South Styria, known for their crisp acidity and fruity flavors.
  • Carinthian Almdudler: A refreshing soft drink made from herbs and fruits found in the Alpine meadows.

Where to Stay in Carinthia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Carinthia offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses. Here are some recommendations for different budgets:

  • Luxury Hotels: Grand Hotel Lienz, Hotel Schloss Seefels, and Schlosshotel Velden.
  • Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel Carinthia, Hotel Eschenhof, and Familiengasthof Schönleitn.
  • Budget Hostels: Jugendherberge Klagenfurt, Jugendherberge Villach, and Alpenrose Nassfeld.

What to Buy in Carinthia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back from Carinthia include:

  • Carinthian honey, known for its unique flavor and quality.
  • Carinthian wine and schnapps, available at local vineyards and distilleries.
  • Artisanal cheeses, such as Weissenseer Bergkäse or Gailtaler Almkäse.
  • Handmade pottery and ceramics from the region’s many artisanal studios.
  • Carinthia’s signature Reindling bread, available at local bakeries and markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Carinthia

Carinthia has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by its diverse history and location at the crossroads of Central Europe. Many of its customs and traditions are still preserved today, such as:

  • Carinthian folk dances, such as the “Polka” and the “Ländler”.
  • Traditional costumes and clothing, featuring bright colors and intricate embroidery.
  • Carinthian dialect, a unique blend of Austrian and Italian languages.
  • St. Nicholas Day celebrations on December 6th, where locals dress up in costumes and masks and go from house to house, distributing presents to children.
  • The Carinthian “Jause” or snack, a traditional spread of local cheeses, meats, and bread, typically enjoyed with a glass of wine or schnapps.

Best Time to Visit Carinthia

Carinthia’s tourism season spans from late spring to early autumn, with the peak summer months of July and August being the busiest. The best time to visit Carinthia depends on your interests and activities, as each season offers different attractions and experiences. For skiing and winter sports, the season runs from December to April. Mid-May through June and September to mid-October are ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, as the weather is mild, and fewer tourists are around.

Do’s and Don’ts of Carinthia

Here are a few things to keep in mind while travelling in Carinthia:

Do:

  • Try to learn a few words of German, especially if you plan to venture into rural areas where English may not be spoken widely.
  • Bring sturdy hiking shoes, as many of the region’s trails can be steep and rocky.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions, such as dress codes and behavioral norms.
  • Enjoy the region’s delicious cuisine and beverages, but be mindful of your alcohol consumption, especially while driving.

Don’t:

  • Swim in unauthorized areas of the lakes and rivers or leave any litter behind while exploring the outdoors.
  • Overdress or underdress - it’s always best to come prepared with layers to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions.
  • Criticise or mock the local customs or dialect, as this may offend some of the locals.
  • Smoke in public areas or enclosed spaces, as this is banned throughout Austria.

Safety and Health

Carinthia is generally a safe and secure place to visit. However, some basic precautions can be taken for a hassle-free trip.

Safety in Carinthia

  • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas or public transport.
  • Use sunscreen and insect repellent when outdoors, to protect yourself from sunburn and mosquito bites.
  • Obey traffic rules and speed limits while driving, and wear a seatbelt at all times.

Health in Carinthia

  • Tap water is safe to drink and readily available, but bottled water is always an option for those with sensitive stomachs.
  • Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling, as well as any travel-specific vaccinations recommended by the CDC or other national health organizations.
  • Always carry a small first-aid kit with you, including essential medicines and supplies such as painkillers, antiseptics, and band-aids.

Getting to Carinthia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Carinthia is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are some of the options to consider while planning your trip:

Airports Near Carinthia

  • Klagenfurt Airport: The primary airport in the region, located just outside of Klagenfurt.
  • Salzburg Airport: A larger airport, approximately 2 hours away from Carinthia.
  • Ljubljana Airport: The closest international airport, located in Slovenia, approximately 1 hour away from Carinthia.

Bus Stations Near Carinthia

  • Villach Bus Station: A major hub for regional and international bus routes.
  • Klagenfurt Bus Station: A central station offering connections to various destinations within the region.

Other Options

  • Train: Carinthia’s cities and towns are well-served by rail, with frequent connections to major cities in Austria and beyond.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring Carinthia at your own pace.
  • Bicycle Rental: Various bike rental services are available, especially in the summer months.

How to Get Around in Carinthia

Public transportation in Carinthia is reliable, affordable, and convenient, with buses and trains connecting various parts of the region. Taxis and car rentals are also widely available, and cycling is a popular and eco-friendly option. For longer distances, such as reaching some hiking trails, transfer options or tour operators should be considered.

Where to Go Next from Carinthia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Carinthia is surrounded by several other popular destinations and excursions, both in Austria and beyond. Here are some suggestions:

  • Salzburg: The birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering historic landmarks, music festivals, and stunning mountain scenery.
  • Venice: A romantic and cultural destination, easily accessible by train or bus from Villach.
  • Ljubljana: The charming capital of Slovenia, offering a mix of medieval architecture, art galleries, and outdoor cafes.
  • Lake Bled: A picturesque lake in Slovenia, famous for its iconic island church and breathtaking views.
  • Grossglockner Mountain: The highest peak in Austria, accessible by car or bus via a scenic alpine road.

Conclusion

Carinthia is undoubtedly one of the most stunning and diverse regions of Austria, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Carinthia has something to offer. By following this guide, you’ll be able to plan a memorable and fulfilling trip to Carinthia, exploring its many attractions, and experiencing its unique culture and traditions.

Hochosterwitz Castle in the Sankt Veit an der Glan district of Sankt Georgen am Längsee municipality, 21 km northeast of Klagenfurt Hochosterwitz Castle in the Sankt Veit an der Glan district of Sankt Georgen am Längsee municipality, 21 km northeast of Klagenfurt Lake Stappitz in the Seebach Valley near Mallnitz, High Tauern National Park Lake Stappitz in the Seebach Valley near Mallnitz, High Tauern National Park Wolayer See, a small lake on the Austrian-Italian border. Wolayer See, a small lake on the Austrian-Italian border.


    Heiligenblut
    Klagenfurt
    Nassfeld