A distinct Mediterranean feel and proximity to Austria’s warmest Alpine lake characterise the provincial capital of Carinthia.
Klagenfurt not only profits from a slightly balmier climate than the rest of Austria, its Renaissance-style Old Town and countless cafés with terraces also give it a decidedly Mediterranean atmosphere. Austria’s sixth-largest town has close to 100,000 inhabitants. The heart of the city is its Old Town, which clusters around the Hauptplatz, the Alter Platz and the Neuer Platz.
After a fire destroyed the old settlements there in the 6th century, the emperor handed the city over to the Carinthian nobles who commissioned mostly Italian architects to rebuild it. This marked a turning point in the city’s fortunes and it began to grow into an important trading post and administrative centre. One of the most attractive sights on the Old Square is the 17th-century former City Hall, with its arcaded courtyard. Just a block away lies the 16th -century Landhaus, which houses today’s Carinthian provincial government and is the city’s most important secular building.
Neuer Platz features Klagenfurt’s landmark, the fabled Lindwurm fountain. The Lindwurm (dragon), according to the legend, lived in the former swamps where the city is now located. It demanded the sacrifice of humans and animals and terrorized the local population until it was killed by a clever ruse and the area could finally be settled in peace. The statue of the Lindwurm, incidentally, was modelled after a curious fossil that was found in the area, and was long believed to be the head of the Lindwurm. Not until much later it was identified as the skull of a rhino. Go and see it for yourself at the Regional Museum.
Located in Southern Austria, close to the Italian and Slovenian border, Klagenfurt is a popular holiday destination in summer. Nearby Lake Woerth is a major draw for travellers. The recreational area Europa Park also includes the Minimundus, a theme park featuring a collection of the world’s most famous buildings in miniature. There are countless castles and palaces surrounding Klagenfurt, many of which house museums, zoological parks and gourmet restaurants.
