AUSTRIA

Klagenfurt. The Rose of the Wörthersee

Klagenfurt, the capital of Austria's southernmost state, Carinthia, with its numerous parks and small villas, seems more like a resort town rather than a bustling business center. Framed by mountain ranges to the north and south, Carinthia has deservedly become one of Austria's most popular vacation spots. There is good reason for this: Carinthia, and especially Klagenfurt, are always in season - whether you're looking for sports, culture, shopping, walks in the old city, or simply some relaxation. The range of things to do is virtually inexhaustible -there's literally something for everyone.


Renaissance, Castles and Sidewalk cafés

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Italian architects laid the foundation for the city's southern aura, one that has prevailed to this day. Many of the romantic courtyards and arcades (some fifty throughout the city!) may be viewed during a walk through Klagenfurt; they have been restored and now accommodate coffee-houses, restaurants, souvenir shops, art galleries, and, during the summer, sidewalk cafés. A shopping excursion through Klagenfurt's old city center thus turns out to be an atmospheric and relaxing experience. During August, the city offers a wonderful summer festival called Altstadtzauber (The Magic of the Old City) in the center of Klagenfurt - among many other attractions, it also contains a large flea market.

A chain of twenty-three castles encircles Klagenfurt like a pearl necklace. Many of these historic buildings are such a short distance from Klagenfurt or, indeed, within the city limits, that one may simply "drop in," as it were. Some of them offer cultural performances, others feature restaurants with fine cuisine, and still others, such as Mageregg Castle, with remnants of a sixteenth-century moat, make their animal sanctuaries accessible to visitors. You may also rent a bike and explore the beauties of Maria Loretto and the view of the lake which it overlooks. A visit to Hochosterwitz Fortress, dating from the ninth century and at a somewhat greater distance from Klagenfurt, should be planned in advance - this beautiful and well-preserved castle, perched high above a rocky hill, dominates the nearby landscape, and deserves at least an entire afternoon. Not too far off is beautiful twelfth-century Gurk Cathedral, which is located in one of Corinthia's most idyllic valleys.

A visitor to Klagenfurt should definitely pay his respects to Klagenfurt's landmark fountain, the Lindwurmbrunnen - depicting a dragon of legend who has obviously been tamed by the people of Klagenfurt. Transformed into a stone landmark in the center of the town, it now spits water rather than fire. Another "must-see" is the hall of coat of arms (Wappensaal) in Klagenfurt's Landhaus - where one may admire the splendid and astonishing trompe l'oeil portrait of Charles V.