Klagenfurt am Wörthersee (or simply Klagenfurt) in Austria is a charming little town that harmoniously combines modern boutiques and trendy cafes with old courtyards, houses and streets. It is called the southern pearl of the country, a wonderful rose on Lake Wörthersee and even the most beautiful city in the state. Klagenfurt is an ideal place for those tourists who love historical sites. Do you know who will introduce you to the history of this city? The stone symbol of Klagenfurt is the dragon Lindwurm.
Location and summary of Klagenfurt (Austria)
The city is located in the south of the country and is the administrative center of the federal state of Carinthia. As of January 1, 2015, the population of Klagenfurt amounted to almost 98 thousand people. The city has the status of a major transport center, located at the intersection of important railway and road routes of the country. There is a small but own international airport. Klagenfurt stands on the Glan River in the alpine valley of the Drava, which is 4 km from Lake Wörther.
What can be given a description of the city? Klagenfurt in Austria is a resort that offers tourists a country from a different angle. Traveler reviews make it clear that they did not know anything about this city. And, probably, they would never know if it were not for the world-class championship in beach volleyball. "What is beach volleyball?" - you ask. “Does Austria have beaches?” - tourists who have already visited this country will think. Klargenfurt is Austria's southernmost city, where it is very warm in summer. Locals and tourists like to relax on the shore of Lake Wörthersee, where the championship was held.
History of the city
According to legend, Klagenfurt was founded by the Duke of Carinthia German von Spanheim. The first mention of the city dates back to 1193-1199, and as a settlement Forum-Klagenworth. Little is known from the history of Klagenfurt in Austria. In 1246-1252. he received city rights, after which he began to develop rapidly. Subsequently, Klagenfurt received the title of the largest city of the Carinthian Duchy, and then became its capital.
There is also a legend that the city was created by several heroes who killed the dragon in the surrounding marshes. His name was Lindwurm. Therefore, the main attraction of the city is the monument-fountain, installed in 1593.
Features of Klagenfurt
It is impossible not to fall in love with this city. Charming little Klagenfurt in Austria seemed to have come down from Christmas cards, from which it blows warmth, comfort, a real holiday. Here it is impossible to find even a thin thread that connects with crime. Locals are sociable, polite and always ready to help. A sense of calm and tranquility is literally in the air. Therefore, there is nothing to be afraid of.
However, you should not be completely careless. In Austria, alcohol is sold very cheap by European standards. Therefore, lovers of strong drinks are also many. There are drug addicts. Therefore, it is not recommended to leave your belongings unattended and carry a large amount of money with you. But you shouldn’t “wind up” yourself - these are just security measures. The crime rate in Klagenfurt is very low.
The city is famous not only for beach volleyball. Most recently, the city hockey team participated in the Austrian championship Znojmo - Klagenfurt. They lost to the Czechs with a score of 2: 1. But the match was interesting, it was watched by all hockey fans.
Overview of Klagenfurt sights in Austria
The symbol, the monument-fountain to the dragon Lindvurm, is located on New Square. But even though it is considered the main attraction of the city, there are also other interesting places in Klagenfurt. Tourists, walking along the beautiful streets, have the opportunity to enjoy the architectural objects. There are also museums in the city that deserve no less attention.
Architecture
The second most important attraction of the city is the New Town Hall. It was built in the period from 1580 to 1582. And in 1650 it was completely rebuilt. Since then, the appearance of the building has not changed.
There, on New Square, there is a monument to Maria Theresa. This is a unique bronze statue. Its peculiarity is that it is the only monument in the world on which Maria Theresa stands. On the rest, she is depicted sitting. This is due to the fullness of the empress - Maria Theresa was shy of her figure.
What else to see when being in Klagenfurt (Austria)? Landhaus Landmark is the residence of the Carinthian government. Numerous alleys and streets lined with old mansions lead from New Square to Old. Landhouse is located right in the center of Old Square. The residence was built in the period from 1574 to 1590. And earlier on this place was an old castle.
The building of the Old Town Hall looks interesting. It was built in the 17th century. Currently, the building belongs to the Orsini-Rosenberg family.
Another beautiful object on the Old Square is the House of the Golden Goose. It was built in 1489 for the emperor, who gave the fortress to the city. The building is decorated with interesting elements characteristic of 16th century architecture.
The Holy Trinity Column is a monument erected in 1860, which has its own history and religious value. Initially, it was made of wood and installed on the Square of the Holy Spirit (between the hospital and the old cemetery) in gratitude to the Almighty for getting rid of the plague. Replacement with a stone structure took place in 1863, after the liberation of Vienna from the Turks. The column acquired a triumphant image. This attraction can be found today in the Old Square. The column was moved here in 1965, when the construction of the railway station began on the Holy Spirit Square.
To the north of the Old Square, guests of the city will see the St. Aegis, built in the XIV century. This is a church with memorial plaques, on the bell tower of which an observation deck is equipped. It is also recommended to visit Domkirche, which is located three blocks south of New Square. A modest church was built two centuries after St. Aegis. Its modest, neat interior also attracts attention.
Museums
Many interesting galleries and exhibition centers are located throughout Austria. In Klagenfurt, for example, tourists can visit the following museums:
- Diocesan, where altarpieces and sculptures from regional churches are collected.
- Contemporary art - various temporary exhibitions are often held here.
- Museum of Carinthia, where you can learn about the history and culture of the region.
The city gallery periodically hosts exhibitions of talented artists. You can also go to the theater. In addition to the main function, the building also attracts tourists with its appearance - it was built in the style of art nouveau.
Other interesting places
The city has Goethe and Schille parks, as well as the Botanical Garden and the Mining Museum. It is recommended to visit Minimundus - this is a park area in whose territory the world was created in miniature at a scale of 1:25. Located in the suburbs of Klagenfurt. Here you can see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Venetian Palace of the Rains, the Osman Mosque (Istanbul), Notre Dame Cathedral, Brussels Atominum and much more.
In the immediate vicinity of the city of Klagenfurt in Austria there are about 20 castles that were built by noble citizens in the 16th century. Today, almost all of them are privately owned. Of particular note is the castle of Maria Loretto on Lake Wörthersee. It belongs to the city. Currently, large-scale events are being organized here on the equipped summer venue or in the banquet hall. There is a Catholic chapel nearby, so the place is also ideal for holding a wedding ceremony.
Rotenturn Castle is located between the Drava River and Lake Millstatter See. For many years he played the role of the feudal count of the castle. Its history began back in the XI century, as evidenced by the architectural elements of one of the towers - Red. The appearance of the castle did not presumably change from the XVII-XVIII centuries. At the same time, he passed from private hands to state power. Currently owned by Baron George Pereira-Arnstein and his wife Maria. The hotel is equipped on site.
Shopping and local cuisine
Those who like to go shopping are recommended to go to the area of the Old Town, since it is here that the largest number of various outlets are concentrated. There is City Arkaden shopping center in the center of Klagenfurt, and Südpark on the outskirts.
Every Thursday at Benediktinermarkt, a farmer's market is open, where you can buy organic products from Friuli, Slovenia and, of course, Carinthia.
As for the local cuisine, it carefully preserves the Austrian, Italian and Slovenian traditions. There are many restaurants and cafes, where tourists can taste dishes that are familiar to their taste, and try something new. Traditional dishes are dumplings served with cranberry cream, corn with mushrooms and bacon, homemade sausage, pasta with meat and spinach, various meat soup, a rustic cake with raisins and cinnamon, stew with beans and sterz - a Carinthian version of polenta.
Klagenfurt is a unique town, characterized by a quiet, calm atmosphere, thanks to which you can relax your soul and gain strength in order to safely return to work. A charming area that combines medieval simplicity with modern elegance in an amazing way will not leave anyone indifferent.