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Carinthia
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Explore Carinthia’s warm lakes, Alpine valleys, medieval castles, regional cuisine and borderland culture in southern Austria.

Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost federal province, is a land of contrasts: high mountain valleys and forested ridges in the north, warm bathing lakes and broad basin landscapes around Klagenfurt in the centre, and a cultural atmosphere shaped by centuries of contact with Slovenia and Italy. The province stretches from the Hohe Tauern and Gurktal Alps to the Karawanks and Carnic Alps, with the River Drau linking many of its principal settlements. Its position south of the main Alpine divide gives parts of Carinthia a noticeably sunnier, more continental character than western Austria.
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Klagenfurt, the provincial capital on the eastern shore of Lake Wörthersee, combines a carefully preserved Renaissance and Baroque centre with a lively university and cultural scene. Nearby Lake Wörthersee is Carinthia’s best-known resort lake, while Lake Ossiach and Lake Millstatt offer different landscapes, from the lake-and-mountain setting around Ossiach Abbey to the quieter villages and wooded slopes of the Millstätter Alpe. Villach, close to the borders with Italy and Slovenia, is another important base, known for its old town, thermal springs and position at the meeting point of several Alpine valleys.
Carinthia’s history is visible in hilltop fortresses, Roman remains, medieval churches and market towns. Hochosterwitz Castle rises above the eastern lowlands on a dramatic limestone outcrop, while the Roman settlement area on the Magdalensberg recalls the importance of the ancient kingdom of Noricum and the later Roman province. The cathedral at Gurk is one of Austria’s most significant Romanesque buildings, and Friesach retains a particularly strong medieval character, including sections of its fortifications and historic streets.
Outdoor travel is central to the province, but the experience varies by season and district. Summer brings swimming, boating, cycling and walking around the lakes; the Drau cycle route connects several parts of southern Carinthia, while the Nock Mountains offer rounded summits and extensive hiking country. In winter, ski areas such as Bad Kleinkirchheim, Nassfeld and the Katschberg region provide downhill and cross-country opportunities, although distances between resorts make it sensible to choose a base carefully. The high Tauern valleys offer more rugged alpine scenery and access to protected mountain landscapes.
Food provides another expression of Carinthia’s southern connections. Kärntner Kasnudeln, pasta parcels traditionally filled with potato, curd cheese, herbs and mint, are a regional staple, joined by lake fish, Gailtaler Almkäse cheese, smoked products and the festive sweet bread known as Reindling. Visitors will find lakeside restaurants, village inns, mountain huts and contemporary dining in Klagenfurt and Villach. Carinthia is best approached as a province of distinct valleys, lakes and mountain districts rather than a single compact resort, with a hire car useful for rural touring and public transport strongest along the main rail and valley corridors.

When is the best time to visit Carinthia?

Best: June–August · 21–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January230
February435
March940
April1345
May1860
June (best)2170
July (best)2480
August (best)2380
September1970
October1450
November840
December335

Getting to and around Carinthia

How to get there

Klagenfurt Airport is the principal airport in Carinthia, although its international services vary and many visitors use larger airports outside the province, particularly Ljubljana, Graz, Salzburg or Vienna, depending on their itinerary. Klagenfurt and Villach are connected to Austria’s main railway network, with long-distance trains serving routes through the Drau valley and toward Salzburg, Vienna and Italy. The A2 motorway approaches from Vienna and Graz, while the A10 connects the province with Salzburg; mountain roads and regional routes provide access to lake districts and smaller valleys.

Transportation

Rail is most useful between Klagenfurt, Villach, Spittal an der Drau and other principal valley towns, with buses extending into rural districts and lakeside communities. Klagenfurt and Villach have local urban transport, while services become less frequent in remote mountain areas. A car is advantageous for combining castles, villages, trailheads and several lakes, but visitors should expect winding roads, tunnels and seasonal mountain-road restrictions. Cycling is well supported along routes such as the Drau Cycle Path, and some lakes and towns can be explored effectively on foot.

Top city travel guides in Carinthia

The cities of Carinthia, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Carinthia

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Carinthia

Carinthia’s attractions range from Roman archaeology and medieval fortresses to lakeside recreation and high mountain landscapes. The Magdalensberg archaeological area and the remains associated with Virunum near Maria Saal introduce the province’s ancient Noric and Roman past, while Gurk Cathedral and Hochosterwitz Castle provide two of its most important historic visits. Friesach adds fortified streets, medieval civic architecture and a strong sense of the province’s trading history. Around the lakes, visitors can swim, paddle, cycle and walk beside Wörthersee, Ossiacher See and Millstätter See, each offering a different balance of resort life, wooded shore and mountain scenery. The Nock Mountains are suited to walking among rounded summits and open pasture, while the Hohe Tauern and southern border ranges provide more demanding alpine terrain. Villach’s thermal facilities and Klagenfurt’s museums offer alternatives in poor weather, and family-oriented attractions around the provincial capital include the miniature landscape park Minimundus. Winter adds skiing, snowboarding, cross-country routes and wellness resorts, particularly around Bad Kleinkirchheim and Nassfeld.

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Best landmarks in Carinthia

Hochosterwitz Castle is Carinthia’s most recognisable fortress, rising on a steep limestone rock east of Sankt Veit an der Glan and reached traditionally through a sequence of defensive gates. Gurk Cathedral, with its Romanesque architecture and richly historic interior, is one of the major ecclesiastical landmarks of the province and anchors the small town of Gurk in the eastern mountain country. Maria Saal’s church and the nearby Zollfeld landscape connect visible Christian heritage with the ancient political geography of Carantania and Roman Noricum. In Klagenfurt, the Renaissance character of the Neuer Platz and the Lindwurm fountain provide a civic symbol of the provincial capital, while the old centre of Villach reflects its long role as a commercial and transport town. The lake landscapes themselves are important natural landmarks: Wörthersee is known for its broad resort shoreline, Millstätter See for its wooded mountain setting, and the Nock Mountains for their smooth, rounded ridges. In the far south, the Karawanks and Carnic Alps form a dramatic border landscape shaped by geology, hiking routes and historic crossings.

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Best restaurants in Carinthia

Carinthian cooking reflects Alpine farming, lake fisheries and long-standing connections with neighbouring Slovenia and Italy. Kärntner Kasnudeln are the signature dish: pasta parcels commonly filled with potato, curd cheese, herbs and mint, although recipes vary between households and districts. Menus also feature freshwater fish, game, pork, seasonal mushrooms and hearty soups, while Gailtaler Almkäse has protected regional status and is widely encountered in mountain pastures and specialist shops. Reindling, a spiced, swirled yeast cake, is associated with festive and family cooking. Klagenfurt and Villach have the broadest choice of contemporary restaurants, cafés and international food, whereas village inns and mountain huts centre on substantial regional dishes and locally sourced products. Lakeside restaurants are especially popular in warm weather, and farmers’ markets or farm shops provide opportunities to buy cheese, cured meats, bread, honey and seasonal fruit. Austrian wine is less central here than beer, fruit spirits and non-alcoholic alpine drinks, though modern restaurants may offer selections from across the country.

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Best bars in Carinthia

Evening life in Carinthia is concentrated in Klagenfurt and Villach, with smaller towns and lake resorts offering a quieter mix of traditional inns, wine bars, cafés and seasonal terraces. Klagenfurt’s central streets support the broadest choice of bars, from relaxed places close to the old town to venues aimed at students and live-music audiences. Villach has a similarly varied but generally compact evening scene, strengthened by its sizeable regional population and cultural calendar. Around Wörthersee, Ossiacher See and Millstätter See, summer brings lakeside restaurants, hotel bars and occasional music events, although the atmosphere is more seasonal than that of a major city. In mountain districts, après-ski venues, alpine huts and hotel lounges may provide the principal night-time activity, particularly during the winter season. Nightclubs exist but are not the defining feature of the province; visitors should check current arrangements locally, as opening patterns and event programmes change more quickly than the region’s established pub culture.

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Best nightclubs in Carinthia

Evening life in Carinthia is concentrated in Klagenfurt and Villach, with smaller towns and lake resorts offering a quieter mix of traditional inns, wine bars, cafés and seasonal terraces. Klagenfurt’s central streets support the broadest choice of bars, from relaxed places close to the old town to venues aimed at students and live-music audiences. Villach has a similarly varied but generally compact evening scene, strengthened by its sizeable regional population and cultural calendar. Around Wörthersee, Ossiacher See and Millstätter See, summer brings lakeside restaurants, hotel bars and occasional music events, although the atmosphere is more seasonal than that of a major city. In mountain districts, après-ski venues, alpine huts and hotel lounges may provide the principal night-time activity, particularly during the winter season. Nightclubs exist but are not the defining feature of the province; visitors should check current arrangements locally, as opening patterns and event programmes change more quickly than the region’s established pub culture.

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Best shops in Carinthia

Shopping in Carinthia is strongest in the historic centres of Klagenfurt and Villach, where pedestrian streets combine national retailers with cafés, bookshops, smaller fashion businesses and independent specialist stores. Klagenfurt’s markets and central food shops are useful for regional produce, while Villach’s old town provides a convenient base for browsing gifts, crafts and everyday goods. Smaller market towns such as Sankt Veit an der Glan, Feldkirchen and Spittal an der Drau offer a more local high-street experience, with opening patterns that can be quieter outside business hours. Farm shops, dairies and mountain huts are the best places to look for Gailtaler Almkäse, honey, cured meats, spirits, breads and other edible souvenirs. Pottery, woodwork, woollen goods and locally made decorative objects may be found in craft shops and seasonal markets, though selection varies by district. Around the lakes, retail is largely oriented towards holiday needs and leisure wear rather than luxury shopping, making the province better suited to regional food, practical outdoor equipment and small artisan purchases than to designer retail.

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Carinthia essentials

Currency and Payment
Carinthia uses the euro (EUR), like the rest of Austria. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, transport hubs and established restaurants, while cash remains useful for small mountain huts, village cafés, market stalls and occasional rural services. Carry some euros when walking or cycling in remote districts, and do not assume that every small establishment accepts cards or that mobile coverage will be consistent in alpine valleys.
Safety
Carinthia is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate in busy centres, at bathing lakes and on public transport. The main outdoor risks are changing mountain weather, slippery paths, heat exposure, ticks, snow conditions and underestimated walking times. Follow marked routes, check local forecasts and take particular care near fast-flowing rivers and steep terrain. Drivers should be comfortable with bends, tunnels and mountain traffic, while cyclists should use lights and follow local road rules.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 reaches emergency services in Austria. For direct national services, call 133 for police, 122 for the fire service and 144 for an ambulance. Mountain emergencies can be reported on 140, and the Austrian Alpine rescue organisation coordinates assistance in the mountains; 112 can also be used where appropriate. Give a precise location, trail name, hut, road number or map reference, and do not leave an injured person alone unless remaining there creates greater danger.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked paths, close pasture gates and give grazing animals space, particularly when walking with a dog. In churches and monasteries, dress and behave respectfully, and follow photography restrictions. Austrian public transport and restaurant etiquette generally values punctuality, quiet consideration and orderly queues; service charges are usually included, but rounding up or leaving a modest tip is customary for good service. Do not swim outside designated areas without checking local signs, and avoid assuming that mountain huts, buses or shops operate late outside the main season.
Local Tips
Lakeside resorts can feel very different in summer and the quieter shoulder seasons, when walking, cycling and cultural visits become more prominent than swimming. Klagenfurt is a useful base for the eastern lakes and Zollfeld heritage, while Villach works well for the Drau valley, western lakes and southern borderlands. Reserve time for a market or farm shop to sample local cheese, bread and seasonal produce, and check whether a mountain lift or attraction is operating before making a rural day trip.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHallo[Hah-loh]
GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen[Owf Veeder-zayn]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNein[Nain]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[Bitt-eh]
Thank youDanke[Dahn-keh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[Ent-shool-dee-goong]
How are you?Wie geht's?[Vee gates?]
Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?[Goot. Oond deer?]
Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?[Shpreck-en Zee Eng-lish?]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[Ish fer-shtay-eh nikht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Speisekarte sehen, bitte[Ish mer-kte dee Shpy-ze-kar-teh zay-en, bitt-eh]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[Ish ess-eh kyan Fly-sh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst!]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte[Ish mer-kte beh-tsah-len, bitt-eh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![Hihl-feh!]
Go away!Geh weg![Gay vek!]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![Roof-en Zee dee Po-lee-tsai!]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![Roof-en Zee eye-nen Artst!]
I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen[Ish hah-beh mikh fer-lou-fen]
I'm illIch bin krank[Ish bin krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...[Ish mer-kte kow-fen...]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[Ish shau-eh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[Vee feel kos-tet es?]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[Das ist tsu toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?[Kern-en Zee den Price sen-ken?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[Vee shpate ist es?]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[Es ist ine Oor]
Half past (10)Halb (10)[Halb (10)]
MorningMorgen[Mor-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[Nach-mit-tahg]
EveningAbend[Ah-bent]
YesterdayGestern[Gehs-tern]
TodayHeute[Hoy-teh]
TomorrowMorgen[Mor-gen]
1Eins[Eins]
2Zwei[Tsvi]
3Drei[Dry]
4Vier[Fear]
5Fünf[Foonf]
6Sechs[Zex]
7Sieben[Zee-ben]
8Acht[Acht]
9Neun[Noyn]
10Zehn[Tsen]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das...?[Vo ist ine/das...?]
What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?[Vas ist dee Ah-dres-seh?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?[Kern-en Zee meer (owf der Kar-teh) tsigh-en?]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[Vahn komt der nay-sht-eh (Boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ....)[Ine Ti-ket (nahkh ....)]

History of Carinthia

Noricum and the Roman Province

Before Roman rule, the region formed part of the Celtic kingdom of Noricum, whose political centre was at the settlement on the Magdalensberg in eastern Carinthia. The Romans incorporated Noricum during the late first century BC and developed roads, settlements, trade and administration across the southern Alpine region. Virunum, on the Zollfeld plain near modern Maria Saal, became the principal Roman city of the province. Archaeological remains around Magdalensberg, Virunum and nearby sites reveal connections with the Adriatic, the Danube world and the mineral resources of the eastern Alps.

Carantania and Early Medieval Slavic Rule

During the early Middle Ages, Carinthia was a centre of the Slavic principality known as Carantania, traditionally associated with the area around the Zollfeld. Its political traditions later became connected with the Duchy of Carinthia and with the symbolic installation of its dukes at the Prince’s Stone near Maria Saal. Bavarian and Frankish influence increased from the eighth century, followed by the spread of Christianity and the development of ecclesiastical institutions. This period helped shape Carinthia’s enduring cultural links with both the German-speaking Alpine world and neighbouring Slavic regions.

Medieval Duchy and Ecclesiastical Power

Carinthia became a duchy in the tenth century and was ruled by several powerful dynasties before passing to the Habsburgs in 1335. Medieval authority was expressed through castles, fortified towns, monasteries and market centres. Gurk Cathedral, founded in the twelfth century, reflects the wealth and ambition of the medieval ecclesiastical landscape, while Friesach prospered through trade and minting under the influence of the bishops of Gurk. Fortresses such as Hochosterwitz guarded routes and estates, leaving a highly visible architectural legacy across the province.

Habsburg Carinthia and Mining

Under Habsburg rule, Carinthia remained a strategically placed Alpine territory with a mixed economy based on agriculture, forestry, trade and mining. Iron, lead and other mineral resources supported settlements and local industries, particularly in the wider mountain districts. Klagenfurt developed as an administrative and commercial centre, while Villach benefited from routes linking the Austrian lands with Italy and the Adriatic. Catholic renewal after the Reformation also left its mark in churches, monasteries and Baroque furnishings, although religious change and social tensions affected different communities unevenly.

Railways, Industry and the Modern Province

The nineteenth century brought stronger transport links, especially through railway construction, and accelerated the movement of goods and people across the Alpine valleys. Industrial activity expanded around iron, timber, engineering and other manufacturing, while towns gained new civic buildings and commercial districts. Villach became an important railway junction, and Klagenfurt strengthened its role as the provincial capital. At the same time, the lakes and mountains began to attract organised tourism, establishing a leisure economy that would grow substantially during the twentieth century.

The Carinthian Plebiscite of 1920

After the First World War, the future of parts of southern Carinthia was disputed between the new Austrian Republic and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia. A plebiscite held on 10 October 1920 in Zone A produced a majority for remaining with Austria, and the result confirmed the province’s post-war borders. The vote remains central to Carinthian political memory. Modern Carinthia also recognises its Slovenian-speaking minority, whose language and cultural heritage are particularly important in the southern districts.

Tourism, Lakes and Cross-Border Europe

After the Second World War, Carinthia developed into a major Austrian holiday region, combining lake tourism in summer with skiing and wellness in winter. Resorts around Wörthersee, Ossiacher See, Millstätter See and the mountain districts expanded their accommodation and recreational infrastructure. Since Austria joined the European Union and border controls with neighbouring Schengen states were reduced, the province’s historic position between Germanic, Slavic and Italian cultural spheres has become an increasingly practical advantage for travel, trade and cultural exchange.

Carinthia in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Carinthia

Discover Carinthia with Evendo: a 100% free app-based travel guide covering all the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and experiences.

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Explore Carinthia like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide. Plan your trip with detailed insights on attractions, landmarks, eateries, and more.

  • History of Carinthia and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
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Welcome to Carinthia, Austria - a land of stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and culinary delights. With Evendo, your journey through Carinthia will be seamless and unforgettable. Our app offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Lake Wörthersee, explore the ancient ruins of Landskron Castle, or take a serene walk through the picturesque town of Klagenfurt. Evendo provides rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Savor the local cuisine at renowned restaurants like 'Der Steirer' or 'Gasthof Jägerwirt', and dive into the vibrant nightlife at bars and nightclubs such as 'Stereo'. Whether you're planning to book hotels, tours, tickets, or unique experiences, Evendo streamlines the process, eliminating the need for multiple apps and endless searches.

Our app is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a 'Near Me' function that shows you the best spots around your current location. From historical insights to travel essentials and curated local tips, Evendo ensures you experience Carinthia like a local. Download Evendo today and transform your travel experience.

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