Klagenfurt city
Klagenfurt is located on the left bank of the Wörthersee Lake around 450m above sea-level. The city, which spreads along 120 km², is the capital of the Land of Carinthia as well as the largest city in Carinthia with 100 000 inhabitants. Klagenfurt contains an international airport, a University, a big football stadium, the Land’s government head office, the administrative district of Klagenfurt-Land and the Diocese of Gurk. Many prestigious buildings are situated in the old town of Klagenfurt along with the national emblem, the "Dragon”.
About Klagenfurt
The first traces of life in the region of Klagenfurt were discovered go back to 4000 and 2000 BC. Herzog Hermann, considered to be the founder of the city of Klagenfurt as we know it, initiated its construction in the XII th century with the Klagenfurt market in the flooded areas of the Glan. Between 1192 and 1199, Klagenfurt obtains a toll right, as cited for the first time in a document preserved at the Saint-Paul abbey, "in foro Chlagenuurt". The rising of Klagenfurt to the rank of capital of Carinthia begun when, in 1518, the Emperor Maximilian I ceded nominal land parts to the Estates, the nobility of the Duchy. After the city suffered fires, invasions and so on, they rebuilt the fortifications and brought about an economic renaissance and the political and cultural ascendancy of Klagenfurt. Many buildings that were erected at the time are still visited nowadays.
Amongst the many must-sees, there is the Cathedral of Klagenfurt, the Basilica of Saint Egid, the Heiligengeistkirche, the Viktring abbey, the Parish church of Saint Lorenzen, the Landhaus Palace, the old City Hall, the new City Hall, the archives of the Land of Carinthia and the national Jubilee theater. Numerous statues, fountains and sculptures deserve to be seen: the Dragon Fountain (der Lindwurmbrunnen) facing the statue of Maria Theresa of Austria, the "Wörtherseemandl" (the small man of Wörthersee), the "Steinerner Fischer" (the stone fisher) and the sculptures at the Europapark. Museums as the "Rudolfinum", the Musuem of the Land of Carinthia, the local gallery of Klagenfurt, the Museum of Modern Art of Carinthia, the Mine Museum, Robert Musil’s home, the composer Gustav Mahler’s cabin and many exhibitions and collections are to be visited. The Botanical Garden at the feet of the Krezbergl pass, the Europapark of 22 hectars and the more should be a part of your itinerary too.
Since 2008, Klagenfurt is named "Klagenfurt am Wörthersee" after decision of the local council confirmed by the Gorvenment of the Land of Carinthia. In 2008, the Wörthersee Lake Stadium opened its doors to three games of the European football cup and is currently the official stadium of the Carinthia football team. Outside football, hockey, basketball and rowing are the main high-level practiced sports in Klagenfurt. Numerous sports events, but also cultural events and festivals are held on floating stages on the Wörthersee Lake, at the local theater of Klagenfurt and other places in the city.
Want to visit Klagenfurt?
We recommend visitors to book a guided tour with alocal tourist guide for a visit of the city of Klagenfurt. Accompanied with a competent and highly motivated guide, visitors save a lot of time during their tour of the tourist attractions and benefit from its knowledge; you will not miss a bit of the history of Klagenfurt and will get a load of anecdotes! If you want to book a guided tour or if you are interested in a tourist itinerary in Klagenfurt, Carinthia Bus‘team gladly makes available the services of a guide, please submit us your request via email at
, and will be delighted to advise you back!
Pictures of Klagenfurt
For a better overview of Klagenfurt, Carinthia Bus’ team worked with the tourist guide agency AHRE Austria Guide in order to provide you with pictures taken here and there in the city. In case you want to use or publish one of our pictures, we will be happy to send you a higher quality version of the pictures: however, in compensation we would ask you to add a link to our website. Those pictures along with many others taken in Austria can be forward for free –in exchange of a link to our website- by asking us at . For further information about our picture archives of Carinthia and the using conditions, please visit Photographic archives of AHRE Austria Guide.
Klagenfurt City Hall
Klagenfurt miscellaneous
Do you need a bigger version of our pictures for a publication? We swap printable versions of our pictures with a link to our website. Write us at!
Bus rental in Klagenfurt
The bus rental platform Carinthia Bus is at your disposal for the renting of minibuses and buses for any kind of transfer and trip to Klagenfurt: we could drive you from different manifestations in Klagenfurt to the Wörthersee Lake for example. Howerver, you can also book sightseeing tours in Carinthia and tourist itineraries all across Carinthia. Whatever the type of vehicle you need, do not hesitate to contact us via emai or call+43 6991 952 49 34 if you wish to rent a bus in Carinthia!
Tourist attractions in Carinthia
Klagenfurt
The regional capital of Carinthia hosts many tourist attractions such as the famous "Dragon". More information...
The Wörthersee Lake
The biggest lake in Carinthia presents numerous recreational and cultural activities. More information...
Minimundus
An amusement park close to the Wörthersee Lake which contains miniature buildings from all over the world. More information...
The Landskron Castle
Fascinating castle socked into a mountain inhabited by a colony of free monkeys. You can attend a falconry show or eat at a gastronomic restaurant. More information...
The Hochosterwitz Castle
Impregnable fortress enjoying a dazzling view and having a panoramic lift. More information...
The Obir Grottoes
Exciting shuttle transfer to this mysterious underground paradise. More information...
The Klopein Lake
The warmest waters in Austria, it is the perfect destinations if you are planning a relaxing break. Various activities are at hand for the whole family. More information...
Saint-Paul Abbey
Impressive Benedictine abbey dating from the Middle-Age mainly designed in baroque style and exhibiting rich and varied artistic treasures. More information...
