Carinthia is known for its lakes. Whether it's Wörthersee, Ossiacher See, Turner See or the many more sprinkled across the landscape, Carinthia's lakes are world famous and attract visitors from all over Europe. But there is so much more to this Austrian state than just lakes. In today's video, we're gonna tell you about all the best things that you can see and do when visiting Carinthia. And without further ado, let's get started.
Klagenfurt, also called Klagenfurt in German, is the capital of Carinthia. It has a population of around 100,000 inhabitants and is located right next to Wörthersee, one of Austria's most popular lakes. We visited the city twice. The first time we went there, we parked our car outside of the city and walked across the beautiful 8 km long Wörthersee inlet towards Klagenfurt. The path along the lake is called the Rose Garden Path because it used to be lined with roses, although we didn't see any during our visit. Anyway, once you reach the city, you have to visit the Landskron Castle. Located high above the city, the castle offers spectacular views of Klagenfurt and Worthsee.
From the top of the castle, you can walk across the castle bridge, which stretches over the dry moat, offering a pretty photogenic view. Inside the castle, you'll find exhibitions telling the history of Carinthia from prehistoric times up until today. You can also explore the massive castle dungeon, which feels like something out of a horror movie. Once you've had enough of the castle, head back down into town where you can stroll around the charming old town. Here, we recommend you to check out the local specialties at the market, wander through the beautiful squares or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Don't skip the iconic fountain called the Monster's Fountain, which is located in the middle of the Neuer Platz square. Its design is based on a local legend about a dragon that was killed by St. Martin. You can even see the remains of the dragon in the fountain. The statue was created by the sculptor Anton but locals call him Toni. He is an extremely prolific artist who has created over 200 works all around Carinthia and especially in his hometown, Klagenfurt.
Ossiach is a small village that's home to one of Austria's most beautiful lakes, the Ossiacher See. In summer, you will see plenty of families with children swimming, paddling and sailing on the crystal clear water of the lake. The village of Ossiach itself is quite charming with its colorful houses, medieval church and the imposing backdrop of the Karawanks mountain range. The highlight of the village is the Benedictine monastery Ossiach, which towers above the houses and dominates the skyline. The monastery was founded in the year 766 and is therefore one of the oldest monasteries in Carinthia. During our visit, we took a guided tour through the monastery. This was really interesting because we got to see parts of the monastery that are usually not accessible to the public. One of these places was the library which contains thousands of ancient books and manuscripts.
Another interesting part of the monastery are the crypt and the catacombs where many former monks are buried. The crypt is located directly under the high altar in the monastery church and the catacombs are a labyrinth of tunnels that stretch several dozen meters underground. Finally, no visit to Osseach Monastery would be complete without a walk through the herb garden. The garden contains over 300 different herbs, plants and flowers and offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the lake. If you want to stay overnight in Ossiach, we recommend that you check out the Gasthof zur Post. This is a traditional Austrian inn that dates back to the year 1499.
The Villach Basin is located in the southern part of Carinthia and is one of the warmest regions of the state. The area is characterized by rolling hills, vineyards and orchards as well as a number of picturesque lakes and ponds. In the center of the basin lies the city of Villach, which is the third largest city in Carinthia with around 60,000 inhabitants. Villach is known for its beautiful location at the meeting point of the rivers Drau and Gail. The city also has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. In Villach, you can visit the Roman Villa that was discovered in the 19th century during construction work on the Gail Bridge. Today, the villa is open to the public and visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of the ancient building as well as an archaeological museum that tells the story of the region's Roman past.
However, the real gem of the Villach Basin is the nearby Lake Ossiach. The lake is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush green hills and sparkling clear water. Visitors can swim, sunbathe or take a boat trip on the lake and admire the stunning mountain ranges that surround it. There are also a number of hiking trails in the area that offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding nature. If you're looking for a place to stay in the Villach Basin, we recommend that you check out the Gasthof Post. This is a traditional Austrian inn that dates back to the year 1499 and offers cozy rooms, delicious food and a warm welcome.
If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Carinthia, then look no further than the Hochosterwitz Castle. This majestic fortress is located high up on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century. Visitors can explore the castle's many towers, courtyards and ramparts and learn about its fascinating past. One of the most impressive features of the Hochgeschwisterz is its series of seven gates. These gates are adorned with beautiful frescoes that depict scenes from the castle's history and make for a truly memorable photo opportunity. But perhaps the most exciting part of the Hochgeschwisterz is its Mirror Gallery. This unique room is covered with mirrors on all four walls, creating a dazzling display of light and color that is sure to impress visitors of all ages. The Hochosterwitz Castle is definitely a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Carinthia. So make sure to add it to your list of must-visit attractions.
The Turner See is one of the most beautiful lakes in Carinthia. With its crystal clear water, lush green surroundings and charming villages, it's the perfect destination for a relaxing day trip or a longer holiday. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, whether it's swimming, sunbathing, fishing or taking a romantic boat trip. The lake is also surrounded by several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the area. No matter how you choose to spend your time at Turner See, you're sure to create lasting memories that will stay with you forever. So if you're planning a trip to Carinthia, be sure to add the Turner See to your itinerary. You won't regret it.
Gross Glockner is one of the most impressive natural attractions in Carinthia. This massive glacier is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can explore the glacier's vast ice fields and learn about the important role that glaciers play in our planet's ecosystem. There are also several hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the Grossglockner and the surrounding mountain ranges. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a ride on the Grossglockner's scenic road, which winds its way through the mountains and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Whether you're a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for a memorable day trip, the Grossglockner has something for everyone. So if you're planning a trip to Carinthia, be sure to add this natural wonder to your list of must-see destinations.
Klopeiner See is a small but beautiful lake located in the southeast of Carinthia. Despite its size, the lake is a popular destination for tourists who come to relax on its sandy beaches, go for a swim in its clear waters or take a boat trip to admire the surrounding scenery. The lake is also surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making it a perfect spot for hiking, biking or horseback riding. In addition to its natural beauty, Klopeiner See also has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can explore the remains of a Roman villa that was discovered near the lake in the 19th century or visit the nearby town of Sankt Kanzian am Klopeiner See, which has a charming old town and a medieval castle. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, cultural exploration or simply a peaceful getaway, Klopeiner See has something for everyone.
The Millstatt is a charming town located in the district of Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia. The town is situated on the shores of the beautiful Millstätter See lake and is surrounded by lush green mountains. One of the main attractions in Millstatt is its iconic Gothic parish church, which dates back to the 15th century. The church stands majestically at the edge of the lake and is dedicated to Saint Margaret. Visitors can admire its stunning architecture and stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the life of Christ. The interior of the church is equally impressive with its intricately carved pulpit and ornate altars. In addition to its religious sites, Millstatt also offers visitors a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the nearby Hohe Tauern National Park, which is home to a variety of hiking trails, mountain biking routes and climbing spots. They can also take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Millstaetter See or rent a boat to paddle around the lake. Whether you're looking to explore its historic churches, hike in the surrounding mountains or relax on the shores of its beautiful lake, the Millstaetter is sure to impress.
Bled is a small town in the northwestern part of Carinthia, located near the border with Slovenia. It is situated on the shores of Lake Bled, a beautiful glacial lake that is surrounded by lush green mountains. One of the most famous landmarks in Bled is its medieval castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the lake. Visitors can explore the castle's historic ramparts and towers and learn about its fascinating history. Another must-see attraction in Bled is the Church of Our Lady on the Lake, a picturesque church that dates back to the 17th century. The church is known for its distinctive Baroque architecture and its bell tower, which offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also explore the nearby Julian Alps, which are home to a variety of hiking trails, mountain biking routes and skiing spots.
The Kristallwelten are a series of caves located in the town of the caves were discovered in 1932 and are now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Carinthia. The caves are filled with stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a variety of other geological features such as flowstones and stalagnates. Visitors can explore the caves on a guided tour and learn about the fascinating history and formation of these natural wonders. The caves are also equipped with lighting systems that enhance the beauty of the formations and create a magical atmosphere. In addition to the caves themselves, the Kristallwelten also feature a museum that showcases the history of the region and the discovery of the caves. Visitors can learn about the local wildlife and geology, as well as the impact of the caves on the economy and culture of the area.
Once again, welcome to Carinthia.
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