Klagenfurt and Wörthersee Travel Guide: Discover Austria’s Southern Gem

Tucked away in Austria’s Carinthia region, near the Slovenian and Italian borders, Klagenfurt and Wörthersee offer one of the country’s most beautiful summer getaways. With Mediterranean flair, warm alpine sunshine, and turquoise lake waters, this area combines Austrian culture, beach life, and mountain adventures in one incredible destination.
 

Whether you’re lounging on a beach at Lake Wörthersee, exploring historic Klagenfurt’s Old Town, or hiking the nearby peaks, this guide will show you everything you need to enjoy a memorable journey through Austria’s south.

📍 Where Are Klagenfurt and Wörthersee?

Location: State of Carinthia (Kärnten), southern Austria

Nearest Major City: Graz (2 hours), Vienna (3.5 hours)

Wörthersee Towns: Klagenfurt, Velden, Pörtschach, Maria Wörth

🚆 How to Get There

✈️ By Air:

Klagenfurt Airport (KLU): Domestic & European flights

Other options: Graz Airport, Ljubljana Airport (Slovenia)

🚆 By Train:

Direct trains from Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz to Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof

Local trains connect Klagenfurt to Velden, Pörtschach, and Villach

🚗 By Car:

Scenic drives along A2 Südautobahn or B83 road

Well-connected highways make it easy to explore the lake towns

🏙️ Things to Do in Klagenfurt

1. Explore Klagenfurt’s Old Town

Renaissance courtyards, colorful buildings, and romantic arcades

Don’t miss the Neuer Platz with the famous Lindwurm Fountain, the symbol of Klagenfurt

2. Minimundus – The World in Miniature

A family-friendly park with over 150 miniature landmarks from around the globe

Includes Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Taj Mahal, and more

3. Klagenfurt Cathedral & City Galleries

Visit the 16th-century cathedral and explore Carinthia’s modern and classical art scene

Museum Moderner Kunst Kärnten (MMKK) is a contemporary favorite

4. Klagenfurt City Theater

One of Austria’s finest regional theaters offering plays, operas, and concerts

Elegant baroque-style building near the heart of the city

🏖️ Top Attractions at Wörthersee

5. Swimming and Sunbathing

Best beaches: Strandbad Klagenfurt, Strandbad Pörtschach, and Strandbad Velden

Clean, warm waters and beach clubs with bars and music in summer

Water temperature reaches up to 27°C (80°F) in July-August

6. Boat Cruises on Lake Wörthersee

Lake tours by Wörthersee Schifffahrt stop at Velden, Maria Wörth, and more

Sunset cruises and private charter options available

Romantic way to experience the lake’s turquoise charm

7. Pyramidenkogel Viewing Tower

Tallest wooden observation tower in the world (100+ meters)

Panoramic views over the entire Wörthersee region and Alps

Glass slide for thrill seekers!

🏔️ Outdoor Adventures & Nature

8. Hiking and Biking Trails

Popular hikes: Rauschelesee Loop, Pyramidenkogel, and Wörthersee Rundwanderweg

Cycling paths circle the lake and extend into nearby valleys

Bike rentals available in all major lake towns

9. Water Sports & Adventure Parks

Paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, and water skiing

Forest Adventure Park in Velden for ziplining and treetop fun

Diving and sailing schools operate from June to September

🛍️ Shopping and Local Culture

10. Markets and Boutiques in Klagenfurt

Thursdays: Traditional farmers' market at Benediktinerplatz

Local products: honey, cheese, schnapps, and handicrafts

Chic boutiques in Alter Platz for Austrian fashion and design

11. Cultural Festivals and Events

Ironman Austria (June/July): One of the world’s top triathlon events

Klagenfurt Literature Days and Wörthersee Classics Festival

Carinthian Summer Music Festival in nearby Ossiach

🍽️ Where to Eat in Klagenfurt & Around the Lake

Regional Cuisine to Try:

Kärntner Kasnudeln: Pasta pockets stuffed with cheese and mint

Reindling: Spiced sweet bread with cinnamon and raisins

Zander (pike-perch) and other lake fish specialties

Pumpkin seed oil and Alpine cheeses

Top Restaurants:

Maria Loretto (Klagenfurt): Lakeside dining with Austrian-Mediterranean flair

Seespitz Restaurant Velden: Fine dining with a view of the lake

Gourmet-Restaurant Hubert Wallner (Dellach): Michelin-starred and stylish

Gasthaus im Landhaushof: Traditional dishes in a rustic setting

🏨 Where to Stay in Klagenfurt and Wörthersee

Luxury Hotels:

Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden: 5-star castle hotel with lake views and a spa

Hotel Werzer’s Pörtschach: Beach resort with private lakeside access

Mid-range:

Hotel Sandwirth (Klagenfurt): Elegant, central boutique stay

Seepark Hotel (Klagenfurt): Modern, near the lake and Minimundus

Budget & Family:

Youth Hostel Klagenfurt

Family-run guesthouses and Ferienwohnungen (holiday apartments) around the lake

🚴 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Klagenfurt & Wörthersee East

Morning: Explore Klagenfurt Old Town and Lindwurm Fountain

Midday: Lunch at Alter Platz + Visit Minimundus

Afternoon: Relax at Strandbad Klagenfurt or take a boat ride

Evening: Dinner at Maria Loretto Restaurant

Day 2 – Velden & Pyramidenkogel

Morning: Travel to Velden by train or car, walk the lakeside promenade

Midday: Lunch with a lake view in Velden

Afternoon: Visit Pyramidenkogel Tower and enjoy scenic views

Optional: Hike or cycle a section of the Wörthersee trail

📸 Best Instagram Spots

Lindwurm Fountain in Klagenfurt’s main square

Panoramic deck at Pyramidenkogel

Sunset at Velden am Wörthersee marina

Swimming piers in Pörtschach

Historic Maria Wörth Church on a peninsula

📅 When to Visit

💡 Travel Tips

Language: German (English widely spoken)

Currency: Euro (€)

Swimming gear & water shoes are a must in summer

Bring hiking shoes if you plan to explore the mountains

Book lakefront hotels early in July and August

🌍 Why Visit Klagenfurt and Wörthersee?

Klagenfurt and Wörthersee perfectly blend historic charm, beachside relaxation, and Alpine adventure. Whether you're here to wander cobbled streets, dive into a sun-warmed lake, or gaze across the Carinthian Alps from a mountaintop, this region offers an unforgettable taste of southern Austria’s vibrant soul.

It’s the ideal destination for couples, families, and solo travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and leisure—all in one postcard-perfect setting.