Klagenfurt: A Hidden Gem of Austrian Elegance

Klagenfurt, the enchanting capital of Carinthia, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Carinthia is the most southerly province of Austria and is bordered by both Italy and Slovenia. This picturesque city is an intriguing destination for the discerning traveller. From its charming Christmas markets to the mythic Lindworm fountain, and the stunning Lake Wörthersee, Klagenfurt promises a warm welcome in a spectacular mountain setting.

A Festive Wonderland: Klagenfurt Christmas Markets

Klagenfurt truly comes alive during the holiday season. The city’s Christmas markets have both tradition and festive charm. Strolling through Neuer Platz, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air as twinkling lights create a magical ambience. Artisans display handcrafted treasures, from delicate ornaments to bespoke candles, while gourmet stalls tempt with Austrian specialities. Don’t forget to buy a Krampus, the devilish companion of Saint Nicholas who punishes misbehaving children at Christmas!

The newer Hafenknistern market has a gorgeous riverside setting. It provides a selection of high-quality food and drinks prepared by local suppliers. A range of artisan gifts are homemade, handmade and created with love. The lights reflect in the water and people gather to ward off the cold around the numerous fire pits.

The Lindworm: Klagenfurt’s Mythical Guardian

A visit to Klagenfurt is incomplete without admiring the Lindworm, the city’s iconic dragon sculpture. Located in Neuer Platz, this Renaissance-era fountain pays homage to the legend of the Lindworm, said to have once terrorised the area before being vanquished by brave knights. The sculpture is a testament to Klagenfurt’s rich history and a symbol of its enduring spirit. The town centre also has a statue of Marie Christine – the Archduchess of Austria and mother of Marie Antoinette.

Serenity at Lake Wörthersee

Just a short drive from the city, Lake Wörthersee is the crown jewel of Klagenfurt’s natural attractions. The most beautiful lake in Austria, it is renowned for its turquoise waters and stretches for more than 16km. This alpine lake is so clean you can drink the water, and in the summer it becomes as warm as 28 degrees. Take the Aperol Spritz boat from Velden to Maria Worth across the lake for a great view of the surrounding Alps.

Bathhouse Millsatter

For wellness enthusiasts, luxury spas around the lake provide bespoke treatments incorporating local herbs and thermal waters. Lakeside dining offers Carinthian cuisine paired with world-class wines. A perfect example is Millsatter Bathhouse, an exceptional destination with a stunning panoramic view from its heated infinity pool out over the lake.

Eating out

There are numerous fine restaurants in and around Klagenfurt selling typical substantial Austrian fare – Knödel (sweet or savoury dumplings) Wiener schnitzel: Gulasch and of course the delicious Apfelstrudel. However, one fine dining eatery is turning the culinary expectations of Austria on its head.

Das Kulineria

Not far from the heart of Klagenfurt is an exceptional eatery – Das Kulineria. This restaurant is redefining fine dining with an Austrian twist. An upscale venue offering a modern take on traditional Austrian cuisine, the chef here blends locally sourced ingredients with global culinary techniques. The environment is cosy and contemporary and complements its meticulously crafted menu. The menu is designed to tantalize even the most discerning palates.

The amuse bouche featuring battered sage leaves pegged to a small tree introduces a charming theatrical note.

Highlights include Jerusalem artichoke with hazelnut foam soup and arctic char served with white cabbage risotto and grapefruit. A curated wine list featuring Austrian vintages perfectly complements the dishes, while the dessert selection — think handcrafted Sachertorte with a citrus twist — is a fitting finale.

With impeccable service and a dedication to culinary artistry, Das Kulineria is a must-visit for food connoisseurs seeking a memorable dining experience in Klagenfurt.

Katchsberg Advent Trail

A very special activity to do at Christmas time is the Katschberg Advent Trail. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, it is a magical experience that blends authentic tradition with the festive spirit of Christmas. Located on Katschberg Pass at an altitude of around 1,700 meters, this enchanting trail offers a peaceful retreat and a taste of an authentic Austrian Christmas.

The trail spans 2.5 kilometres along the “witchelweg” and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It winds through snow-covered forests along a route of traditional Alpine huts which have been transformed into themed stations. Each offers a different unique snapshot into Christmas traditions, the alpine horn, a guitar serenade in a cosy home or a special storytelling time around the fire. You will encounter a straw-filled manger with a real donkey, the odd angel and an alpine choir.

Visitors can warm themselves by crackling fires, enjoy freshly baked cookies, and sip on mulled wine, tea or hot chocolate. The focus is on mindfulness and simplicity, with the trail free from the distractions of modern technology. Breathe in the incredibly clean mountain air and listen to the crunch of snow underfoot.

The Katschberg Advent Trail operates during the Advent season, typically from late November to Christmas Eve, and is accessible by foot or horse-drawn sleigh. The sleighs are drawn by pairs of charming Haflinger and Noriker draft horses who are adept at pulling heavy loads. This special activity encapsulates the essence of an Alpine Christmas, leaving visitors with wonderful lasting memories.

Schnapps anyone?

Schnapps is the Grappa of Austria and is guaranteed to warm your cockles. Since 1607, the Schleppe Brewery, just outside the city, has been cultivating the craft of brewing at the highest level. In addition to Klagenfurter Stadtbräu, top-fermented beers are also brewed, such as their award-winning Pale Ale.

Visit the brewing plant, the fermentation and storage cellar and, at the end of the tour, the Pfau schnapps distillery, which is located in a 17th-century vault. Tastings include beers and a wide selection of fine fruit schnapps.

Climb the world’s largest wooden tower – the Pryramidenkogel

In 2013, the reconstructed viewing tower was opened on the summit of Pyramidenkogel, at 851 metres above sea level. At 100 metres tall, it is the highest wooden viewing tower in the world. With its 18-metre tall aerial, the viewing tower was designed by Klagenfurt architects Markus Klaura and Dietmar Kaden.

Whilst climbing up the 441 steps or during a ride in the panoramic lift, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Carinthia’s wonderful lakes and mountains.

A novel way to descend the tower is to pick up a mat at the bottom and shoot down Europe’s tallest indoor tunnel slide which winds down 120 metres to the ground floor. Speeds of up to 25 km/h can be reached on the 20-second ride.

How to get there – Klagenfurt Airport

Klagenfurt Airport is the total antithesis of our busy UK airports. With its scenic mountain setting, it is compact and efficient, ensuring stress-free arrivals and departures, a rarity in today’s bustling travel hubs. It is just a short 10-minute drive to the city centre. There is a new direct Ryan Air flight available from Stansted Airport. Flights from London Stansted to Klagenfurt depart twice a week (every Thursday and Sunday) during the winter season.

Conclusion: Where Elegance Meets Heritage

Klagenfurt is a destination where modern luxury intertwines with timeless traditions. Whether marvelling at the Lindworm, shopping for artisanal gifts at the Christmas markets, or enjoying the pristine beauty of Lake Wörthersee it is a unique Austrian experience. For those who seek a vacation that marries sophistication with the charm of Austria’s southernmost state, Klagenfurt delivers the goods.

For more information contact:

W: Visit Carinthia
W: Visit Klagenfurt
W: Katschberg

Written by Elaine Wilson for Luxuria Lifestyle International