The most beautiful sights in Carinthia
Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost province, captivates with its impressive blend of nature and culture. Surrounded by majestic mountains and dotted with sparkling lakes, the region exudes a unique sense of ease and joy. Here, Alpine charm meets Mediterranean influences, reflected not only in the mild climate but also in the lifestyle of the Carinthian people.
The state capital, Klagenfurt, with its historic city centre and charming old town, is the perfect starting point for exploring the region. The lively cafés and the city’s Mediterranean flair invite visitors to linger. However, it’s the many lakes, such as Lake Wörthersee and Lake Millstatt, that make Carinthia truly special. Crystal-clear waters, framed by green hills, provide ideal conditions for watersports or simply relaxing by the shore.
For those interested in culture, Millstatt Abbey or Hochosterwitz Castle are must-sees. Carinthia is also a paradise for hikers and cyclists. The Hohe Tauern National Park, with its untouched nature, and the Nock Mountains, with their gentle peaks, offer breathtaking views. Carinthia offers all of this in an atmosphere defined by a distinctive sense of ease and an unmistakable zest for life.
The capital Klagenfurt
A visit to the provincial capital of Klagenfurt
A stroll through Klagenfurt’s old town makes it clear that Italian architects had a significant influence on the design of the historic centre. Particularly picturesque are the Renaissance buildings with their carefully restored façades. You can wander through cosy squares and shady arcaded courtyards. Away from the main streets, charming little cafés can be found in the side alleys.
In Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia, Austrian charm is beautifully combined with a Mediterranean flair. Situated right on Lake Wörth, this waterside city is a destination that appeals to both culture seekers and sports enthusiasts alike. Classic Austrian features include the Art Nouveau façades in the city centre, the diverse range of museums, and the elegant city theatre. On warm summer evenings, people gather along the shores of Lake Wörth for a glass of wine and a good meal – for instance, in the picturesque Maria Loretto Bay, with views of the last sailors of the day.
Other sights in the city of Klagenfurt
Castles and Palaces in Carinthia
Hochosterwitz Castle: Experience History
What was life like for a knight in such a castle? This question inevitably comes to mind as you gaze over the imposing walls of Hochosterwitz Castle. Surrounded by gentle hills and lush forests, it seems like something straight out of a fairytale – and is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s design for Cinderella’s castle.
Majestically perched on a 160-metre-high rock near Sankt Georgen am Längsee, this 16th-century fortress is a true gem of Carinthia. The path to the top, lined with 14 impressive gates, is an adventure in itself. Once at the summit, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking view over the Carinthian landscape, stretching as far as the Alps. For those looking to immerse themselves in the medieval world and experience history up close, this is the perfect place.
More castles and palaces in Carinthia
Art and Culture in Carinthia
Of Colourful Glass Heads and Pastel Worlds
Carinthia has produced a remarkable Pop Art artist in Kiki Kogelnik. Her works include paintings, installations, sculptures, and graphic art. She gained international recognition for her unique heads made of glass, bronze, and ceramics. During her time in New York, she was part of an artist group that included Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. As you stroll through Klagenfurt, you’ll discover the fountain “Gesang,” designed by her, in the Landhaus Park – a great spot for a moment of inspiration. Other works can be admired in the Museum of Modern Art Carinthia, one of Austria’s most significant collections of modern visual art.
Here, you will also encounter another of Carinthia’s famous artists, Maria Lassnig. Her life’s work includes countless self-portraits and pastel-coloured figures that appear fragmented as if floating in delicate hues on the canvas.
Further cultural tips in Carinthia
Nature experiences in Carinthia
Obir Stalactite Caves: A Fascination Beneath the Earth
The world underground feels like another planet: it's cool, and the humidity is high. These impressive formations began to form 200 million years ago, and they were discovered entirely by chance. Today, the Obir Stalactite Caves are considered one of Austria's most famous and awe-inspiring cave systems. They are renowned not only for their spectacular stalactite formations but also for the fascinating blend of natural wonders and human history. Experienced guides lead visitors through a network of tunnels and chambers, where colourful stalactites and striking sinter formations can be admired. The highlight is the Great Hall, an imposing space filled with towering stalagmites and stalactites.
Further nature highlights in Carinthia
Historic town centres in Carinthia
Gmünd: The Artists' Town
In the narrow streets of this medieval town, one workshop lines up after another. Artists have found a home here and appreciate the creative atmosphere. But how did it all begin? The idea of establishing an artists' town was Gmünd’s answer in 1991 to gradual depopulation and vacant houses. Nestled in the southern mountains of the Alpine divide, at the crossroads of the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, many residents left – and art quickly moved in.
They gave the vision a chance, gathered creative minds, lovingly restored old houses, and transformed them into galleries, studios, and exhibition spaces. What began small soon became a best-practice example of regional urban development, attracting more and more visitors each year. A great reason to experience the charm of Gmünd, the artists' town, for yourself.
