Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Austria / Carinthia
 |  | Destination Guide : 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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