Carinthia: Places to Explore

Carinthia's other major spa area (and many believe its best) is Bad Bleiberg. From here you have a splendid view of the imposing Dobratsch Mountain, which has supplied the region not only with thermal springs... Read more

With turquoise-green waters that seem almost Mediterranean, the Faaker See presents an idyllic setting for swimming and boating. Boating aficionados take to the lake in droves, with a rainbow of sails... Read more

Some relics of the ancient medieval wall that once surrounded Feldkirchen remain, although they are difficult to see; otherwise the town has a pleasant provincial Baroque look, with a shady central square... Read more

The oldest settlement in Carinthia, romantic Friesach is great for wandering. You'll immediately find the Hauptplatz (main square), with its old town hall and gleaming, multicolor pastel facades, and as... Read more

Klagenfurt became the provincial capital in 1518, so most of the delightful sights you can see date from the 16th century or later. However, a group of attention-getting Carinthian architects have also... Read more

The spire of Maria Wörth's parish church reflected in the waters of the Wörther See is one of Austria's most photographed sights. This unpretentious little town is on a wooded peninsula jutting... Read more

Home of the Carinthian Summer Festival, Ossiach is overflowing with tourists during the high season. Ossiach has other attractions, including the 11th-century Stift Ossiach, a typical monastery with a... Read more

Midway along the idyllic Wörther See is Pörtschach, known as the Hamptons of Austria because of its posh, relaxed elegance. You'll find dozens of places to stay and even more things to do under... Read more

The capital of Carinthia until 1518, this old ducal city remains largely unchanged, with the town hall's Baroque facade and ancient patrician houses forming the main square. Be sure to walk into the arcaded... Read more

The seat of the Gurk bishopric until 1787, Strassburg is dominated by the episcopal palace, which houses small museums covering the history of the valley and of the diocese. The Gothic parish church, one... Read more

Velden, the largest resort on the lake, is at the western end of the Wörther See. The atmosphere here strives to retain its international chic. The fact that a casino has settled here says a lot about... Read more

Carinthia's "other" capital (Klagenfurt is the official one) sits astride the Drau River. The Romans may have been the first to bridge the river here to establish the settlement of Bilachium, from which... Read more

On the southern outskirts of Villach lies Warmbad Villach, its name reflecting the hot mineral springs, believed to combat aging as well as a wide range of ailments. This remains one of the classic spa... Read more