Wörthersee: Austria's Azure Gem

• HelloServus
  [ˈsɛɐvʊs]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [aʊ̯f ˈviːdɐzeːən]
• YesJa
  [ja]
• NoNein
  [naɪ̯n]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [ˈbɪtə]
• Thank youDanke
  [ˈdaŋ.kə]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ɛntˈʃʊldɪɡʊŋ]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [viː ɡeːt ɛs diːɐ]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [ɡuːt ʊnt diːɐ]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [ˈʃprɛçən ziː ˈɛŋlɪʃ]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ɪç fɛɐˈʃteːə nɪçt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ɪç ˈhɛtə ˈɡɛɐnə diː ˈʃpaɪ̯zəˌkaʁtə ˈbɪtə]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ɪç ˈɛsə kaɪ̯n flaɪ̯ʃ]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [pʁɔst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte
  [ɪç mœçtə bəˈʦaːlən ˈbɪtə]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [ˈhɪlfə]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [ɡeː vɛk]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [ˈʁuːfən ziː diː pɔˈliːtsaɪ̯]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [ˈʁuːfən ziː ˈaɪ̯nən ˈaʁts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ɪç ˈhaːbə mɪç fɛˈrɪʁt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ɪç bɪn kraŋk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ɪç mœçtə ˈkaʊ̯fən]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ɪç ˈʃaʊ̯ə nuːɐ]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [viː fiːl ˈkɔstət das]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [das ɪst tsuː ˈtɔʏ̯ɐ]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [ˈkœnən ziː deːn pʁaɪs ˈzɛŋkn̩]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [viː ʃpɛːt ɪst ɛs]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [ɛs ɪst aɪ̯n ʔuːɐ]
• Half past (10)Halb (10)
  [halp (zɛhn)]
• MorningMorgen
  [ˈmɔʁɡən]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [ˈnaχmɪtaːk]
• EveningAbend
  [ˈaːbənt]
• YesterdayGestern
  [ˈɡɛstɐn]
• TodayHeute
  [ˈhɔʏ̯tə]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [ˈmɔʁɡən]
• 1Eins
  [aɪ̯ns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvaɪ̯]
• 3Drei
  [dʁaɪ̯]
• 4Vier
  [fiːɐ]
• 5Fünf
  [fʏnf]
• 6Sechs
  [zɛks]
• 7Sieben
  [ziːbn̩]
• 8Acht
  [axt]
• 9Neun
  [nɔʏ̯n]
• 10Zehn
  [tseːn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ɪst aɪ̯n/deːɐ]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ɪst diː ˈadʁɛsə]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [ˈkœnən ziː miː das ˈʦaɪ̯ɡən (aʊ̯f deːɐ ˈkaʁtə)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [van kɔmt deːɐ ˈnɛçstə (bʊs)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [ˈaɪ̯nə ˈfaːɐkaʁtə (nax)]

The history of Wörthersee can be traced back to prehistoric times, with archaeological findings indicating that human settlements existed around the lake during the Neolithic period. Various artifacts, including tools and pottery, have been unearthed, providing evidence of early human activity in the region.

During the Roman Empire, the area around Wörthersee was part of the province of Noricum. The Romans recognized the strategic importance of the region and established several settlements and roads, facilitating trade and military movements. Ruins of Roman villas and roads can still be seen in the area, attesting to the Roman presence.

In the medieval period, Wörthersee became a significant location due to its proximity to important trade routes. The area saw the construction of numerous castles and fortifications, such as the Maria Wörth Church on the peninsula, which dates back to the 9th century. These structures served both defensive and administrative purposes, marking the region's importance in feudal Europe.

The 19th century marked a turning point for Wörthersee as it began to attract tourists, particularly from the Austrian and German upper classes. The arrival of the railway in 1864 made the lake more accessible, leading to the construction of grand hotels and villas along its shores. This era established Wörthersee as a premier holiday destination, a reputation that continues to this day.

The 20th century brought both challenges and growth to Wörthersee. During World War II, the region saw military activity, but it recovered quickly in the post-war years. The lake became a popular filming location, adding to its allure. Additionally, the development of water sports and recreational activities further cemented its status as a tourist haven.

Wörthersee has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its historical development. The lake is home to various festivals and events, such as the annual Ironman Austria triathlon and the Fête Blanche, a summer festival where participants dress in white. The region's architecture, from medieval churches to modern villas, reflects its diverse history and cultural evolution.

Wörthersee is located in the Carinthia region of Austria. The nearest international airport is Klagenfurt Airport, approximately 20 kilometers away. From Klagenfurt, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transportation to reach Wörthersee. The journey typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes by road. Alternatively, you can also reach Wörthersee by train, with regular services from major Austrian cities like Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg to the Wörthersee train stations such as Velden, Pörtschach, and Klagenfurt.

Wörthersee is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and trains that link the main towns around the lake. Local buses operate within the towns and connect to nearby attractions. Taxis are readily available but can be more expensive. For more flexibility, consider renting a car or a bicycle to explore the area at your own pace. Many hotels and local shops offer bike rentals. Additionally, ferries and boats operate on the lake, providing a scenic way to travel between towns along the shoreline.

The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops around Wörthersee. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments, local markets, and rural areas. ATMs are available in major towns such as Velden, Pörtschach, and Klagenfurt, so withdrawing cash is convenient.

Wörthersee is generally a safe destination for tourists. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure personal safety. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The towns around Wörthersee do not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the emergency number for police, fire, and medical services in Austria. Medical facilities and pharmacies are available in major towns around Wörthersee, such as Klagenfurt and Velden. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for outdoor activities if you plan to hike or explore nature trails. Casual and comfortable clothing is acceptable in most places, but avoid wearing swimwear away from the beaches. Religion: Do respect local customs. When visiting churches, dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses or trains. Don’t forget to give up your seat to elderly passengers if needed. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüß Gott' or 'Hallo.' A handshake is common during formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and traditional Austrian dishes. Don’t forget to tip in restaurants, typically around 10% of the bill.

To experience Wörthersee like a local, visit the local weekly markets in towns like Velden and Pörtschach where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the region’s history and culture. Don't miss out on trying the local wines and the famous Carinthian cuisine. For a unique experience, take a leisurely boat tour on the lake, or explore the scenic hiking and cycling trails around the area.