Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Austria / Carinthia
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| | | Take a break in Klagenfurt |  | Why go on holiday to Klagenfurt?
An 800-year-old city with a pleasant climate, the capital of the Austrian province of Carinthia deserves to be explored if you are driving around the lakes in the region.
It's a sleepy city with historic buildings and hidden courtyards that were designed by Italian architects. Its beauty has earned it the title of the Renaissance Jewel at Lake Worthersee. The city boasts daily farmers' markets, designer label boutiques, shops, typical Austrian inns and elegant restaurants – enough to keep any visitor happy on a short city break.
How much will it cost?
Styrian Spirit offers low cost flights from London, with prices starting at around £67pp. Prices for a double room are around £50 for a night.
When should I go?
The best time to visit is between April and September. July and August are the hottest months when temperatures reach a maximum of around 24C/25C. You can always retreat to the lake for cooling breezes. Winters are cold, and below freezing in January and February.
Who is it for?
Families hoping to keep their kids happy on a city break holiday; skiers, or those on a driving tour of Austria's south west Carinthia region.
What are the must-sees?
Free daily guided walks of the city are available from the tourist office in Neuer Platz (New Square) during July and August. It's worth considering if you are short on time. The square itself is dominated by the Dragon Fountain, the city's emblem. Legend has it that the beast resided in a swamp devouring cattle and virgins. Markets and festivals are held in the square.
Alter Platz (Old Square) is the oldest part of the city. Highlights include the 16th century Landhaus, which is open to visitors between April 1 and September 31. The interior walls are covered in art work but look up at the ceiling which has a gallery painted on it to give the illusion it's vaulted.
For a snapshot of the city's history, visit the Landesmuseum which traces Carinthia's history since Roman times. One oddity is the fossilised rhinoceros head, which apparently inspired the Dragon Fountain. There are a couple of other fairly unremarkable museums but if you're tired of exhibits, wander towards the Botanical Gardens. There are hiking trails behind the adjacent Kreuzbergl Church.
If you are interested in castles and manor houses, you're in luck. There are 23 well-preserved stately homes and castles in and around the city, some of which are open to visitors. Go on one of the guided castle tours on offer.
Families can take their kids to the miniature model village of Minimundus featuring replicas of iconic world landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and the Taj Mahal. There's also the Reptile Zoo offering spine-tingling encounters with spikes, snakes and crocodiles. Activities also abound from golf, tennis, squash and horse riding in summer to skiing, ice skating and sleigh rides in the winter.
If you want to relax, there is a private beach at Strandbad on the lake with cabins, wooden piers, shaded spots plus nude sunbathing decks. There's also a space for hiring rowing boats, pedal boats and motor boats.
What will I spend?
Coffee is around 70p to £2, small beer is £1, a 36-exposure film is about £5 and a city centre bus ticket is about 75p.
Any festivals?
Silvester Carnival in the old city centre is marked by the arrival of thousands of visitors from Germany, Italy and Slovenia who celebrate the arrival of the New Year with mulled wine and trumpet music.
In June, the city hosts Roman Week with performances, tours and workshops celebrating ancient Roman and Greek history led by the Landesmuseum.
Between June and August, an open-air stage is created above Worthersee Lake and becomes the setting for a varied programme of summer concerts, dance and musicals.
In August, there's additional family fun with Old Town Magic, a colourful street celebrating lasting two days that attracts around 100,000 visitors to the city's historic centre. Expect acrobatics, juggling, comedy, music and culinary feasts.
The Ursula Market in October is renowned for its cosy atmosphere and roasted chestnuts while there are also Easter and Christmas markets too.
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| | Fact File : Carinthia |
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| | | Klagenfurt | | Did you know?
Lake Worthersee is Carinthia's largest lake, measuring 1.6 km wide and 17km long.
Language
German.
Visas
Visas are not required by the vast majority of nationalities, including those from the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Travellers from the EU and Switzerland may stay as long as they like, though if they are taking up residency they should register with the local police within five days of arrival.
Getting there
Styrian Spirit offers flights four times a week from London Luton Airport.
Flying time from London
Two hours 15 mins.
Getting around
Walking is easy and there are guided tours available.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Coffee is around 70p to £2, small beer is £1, a 36-exposure film is about £5 and a city centre bus ticket is about 75p.
Weather
In July and August, temperatures hover around 25C. April-September is the best time to visit, unless you want to go skiing. Temperatures in January dip well below freezing.
Time difference
GMT/UTC + 1
International dialling code from the UK
00 43 area 463
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Opening hours
Banks are open 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, except Thursday when they close at 5:30pm. Operating hours for shops are from 8 or 9am up to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
On Saturdays some close by noontime.
Restaurants serve lunch from noon to 2pm, and dinner from 6pm to 10pm.
The Post Office is open Monday to Friday, beginning business at 8am, closing for a two-hour lunch break beginning noontime, then staying open until 6pm.
Health - Before you go
Be aware of the dangers of hypothermia if you're intending to 'climb every mountain'.
Health - When you are there
In Austria, British citizens only need to show a British passport to take advantage of reciprocal health agreements. If you're visiting other European countries it is worth getting a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which has replaced the E111 form. Check your insurance covers you if on a skiing or climbing holiday.
Warnings
If you're trekking at high altitudes or in a cool, wet environment, be prepared: take waterproof clothing even if the weather looks fine to stop yourself being at risk from hypothermia.
Emergency
Police - tel 133; Ambulance - tel 144 (out of hours - 141).
Customs
Say Gruss Gott (hello) when you enter a store or somewhere and say Tshus (goodbye) when leaving.
Tipping
As for tips, the standard is usually 10 percent or just rounding up the bill, Give 10% to 15% of the cost to taxi drivers, and some kind of tip to porters, bellboys and theatre and cloakroom attendants.
Tourist office
Austrian National Tourist Office, 14 Cork St, London W1X 1PF. Tel. 020 7629 0461
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| | Available rental properties in Carinthia |
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| |  | | Apartment Thurnhofstrasse, Hermagor
A modern, self-catering apartment in the picturesque town of Hermargor, only 10 minutes away from the Nassfeld ski arena, one of Austria's ten biggest skiing areas.
|  | | Austria holiday chalet
This beautiful cottage style house sleeps up to six people. It is based over two floors,kitchen lounge,dining room, with tv,dvd, dining room
|  | | Haus Birch Apartments /Rooms.
Modern apartment house with beautiful mountain views. Nassfeld, ski arena easily accessable, Weissensee, 15 minutes away, ice-skating in winter. Summe
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