Klagenfurt
Austria
Why Klagenfurt is a great destination
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee blends sunlit lake life with Renaissance calm—a low-crowd, high-reward city where culture, nature and everyday authenticity come easy and great value follows.
- Atmosphere: Mediterranean-meets-Alpine ease—Renaissance courtyards, Austria’s oldest pedestrian zone and the Lindwurm Fountain in the Altstadt; in summer the city flows along the Lendkanal to the Strandbad, while winter leans into pure Gemütlichkeit in cosy cafés.
- Authenticity: Trade packed “must‑see” scrums for real local rituals—mid‑morning Spritzer and Brettljause at Benediktinermarkt, a sunset amble by Maria Loretto, or a relaxed cycle from the Old Town to the lake in minutes.
- Culture & neighbourhoods: Refined meets creative—stately Landhaushof and hidden Innenhöfe, student‑charged Lendhafen pop‑ups, and easy green escapes on the Kreuzbergl; climb St. Egid’s tower for rooftops‑to‑Wörthersee views.
- Value & ease: More breathing room and friendlier prices than headline hotspots; compact, safe and bike‑friendly, with short queues for Wörthersee boat trips and year‑round appeal—from summer swims to Advent markets on Neuer Platz.
Who should go to Klagenfurt?
With its languid Mediterranean elegance meeting Alpine soul, Klagenfurt suits travellers who favour relaxed lake life paired with a refined Renaissance old town. It’s ideal for slow travellers, scenery lovers, and anyone who values cafés, courtyards and easy access to nature. Expect a safe, compact, good‑value base that feels more local than Austria’s headline cities.
- History lovers: Wander the Renaissance Altstadt with arcaded courtyards, the Landhaus and Lindwurm fountain, and soak up a literary legacy from Musil to Bachmann.
- Scenery seekers: Ride up Pyramidenkogel for 360° views, stroll Kreuzbergl lookouts, and catch golden‑hour sunsets over the turquoise Wörthersee at Maria Loretto.
- Active travellers: Cycle the Lendkanal to Strandbad, swim or paddleboard, hike the Sattnitz/Kreuzbergl, or tackle sections of the 55 km Wörthersee trail.
- Foodies: Graze the Benediktinermarkt’s Alpine‑Adriatic stalls, linger over coffee and cake in hidden courtyards, and toast the evening with a white Spritzer by the lake.
- City‑breakers: Compact, safe and walkable, Klagenfurt offers café culture and lakeside chill without the bustle or prices of Vienna or Salzburg.
- Culture vultures: Tap into university‑driven energy with festivals (World Bodypainting, Bachmann Prize), galleries, theatre, and atmospheric Advent markets.
Who should go to Klagenfurt?
With its languid Mediterranean elegance meeting Alpine soul, Klagenfurt suits travellers who favour relaxed lake life paired with a refined Renaissance old town. It’s ideal for slow travellers, scenery lovers, and anyone who values cafés, courtyards and easy access to nature. Expect a safe, compact, good‑value base that feels more local than Austria’s headline cities.
- History lovers: Wander the Renaissance Altstadt with arcaded courtyards, the Landhaus and Lindwurm fountain, and soak up a literary legacy from Musil to Bachmann.
- Scenery seekers: Ride up Pyramidenkogel for 360° views, stroll Kreuzbergl lookouts, and catch golden‑hour sunsets over the turquoise Wörthersee at Maria Loretto.
- Active travellers: Cycle the Lendkanal to Strandbad, swim or paddleboard, hike the Sattnitz/Kreuzbergl, or tackle sections of the 55 km Wörthersee trail.
- Foodies: Graze the Benediktinermarkt’s Alpine‑Adriatic stalls, linger over coffee and cake in hidden courtyards, and toast the evening with a white Spritzer by the lake.
- City‑breakers: Compact, safe and walkable, Klagenfurt offers café culture and lakeside chill without the bustle or prices of Vienna or Salzburg.
- Culture vultures: Tap into university‑driven energy with festivals (World Bodypainting, Bachmann Prize), galleries, theatre, and atmospheric Advent markets.
Top things to do in Klagenfurt
Here are the unmissable highlights of Klagenfurt am Wörthersee. Use this short list to catch the city’s essential vibe and best views in a day or two.
- Walk the Lendkanal from the Altstadt to Strandbad Klagenfurt for a quintessential lake-bound stroll.
- Explore Alter Platz and the hidden Renaissance courtyards (Innenhöfe) for Mediterranean elegance in the Alps.
- Visit Benediktinermarkt on a Saturday morning for Alpe-Adria flavours and a convivial Spritzer with locals.
- Take the lift up the Pyramidenkogel tower for a 360-degree panorama of the Wörthersee and Karawanken.
- Hike the Kreuzbergl to the Zillhöhe viewpoint and observatory for tranquil city-and-lake vistas at sunset.
Experience Klagenfurt differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Top things to do in Klagenfurt
Here are the unmissable highlights of Klagenfurt am Wörthersee. Use this short list to catch the city’s essential vibe and best views in a day or two.
- Walk the Lendkanal from the Altstadt to Strandbad Klagenfurt for a quintessential lake-bound stroll.
- Explore Alter Platz and the hidden Renaissance courtyards (Innenhöfe) for Mediterranean elegance in the Alps.
- Visit Benediktinermarkt on a Saturday morning for Alpe-Adria flavours and a convivial Spritzer with locals.
- Take the lift up the Pyramidenkogel tower for a 360-degree panorama of the Wörthersee and Karawanken.
- Hike the Kreuzbergl to the Zillhöhe viewpoint and observatory for tranquil city-and-lake vistas at sunset.
Experience Klagenfurt differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
3-day Klagenfurt itinerary
Day 1: Renaissance lanes to lakeside ease
Ease into Klagenfurt’s languid, Alpe‑Adria rhythm in the compact Old Town before following the water’s pull along the Lendkanal to the lake. Move slowly, linger in courtyards, and switch to two wheels when the city’s energy drifts toward the Wörthersee.
- Morning: Meander the Old Town: Alter Platz, Neuer Platz with the Lindwurm, and hidden Renaissance courtyards (push open those big wooden doors). Climb the St. Egid church tower for a 360° city‑to‑lake panorama, then settle into a coffee and cake. Tip: greet with Grüß Gott or Servus, and don’t rush café service.
- Midday: Browse and snack at Benediktinermarkt (Thu & Sat are best): graze an Alpe‑Adria Brettljause, olives, cheeses, or a warm Carinthian dish; join locals for a Spritzer. If it rains, duck into the covered market hall and people‑watch.
- Afternoon: Hire bikes and glide 4 km along the Lendkanal to the Strandbad and Europapark; swim and sun in summer, or stroll the canal and Lendspitz nature reserve in the cooler months. Family fallback if the weather turns: Minimundus just by Europapark.
- Evening: Catch golden hour at the Maria Loretto peninsula with lake views and dinner by the water. Summer: bring a light layer—the breeze can pick up; Advent season: head back to the Old Town for the Christmas markets on Neuer Platz and Domplatz.
Day 2: Big views and south‑shore perspectives
Today is about the grand panorama and seeing the lake from different angles. Start high on the Pyramidenkogel, then slow down on the water and quiet south shore.
- Morning: Drive or bus to the Pyramidenkogel tower for a 360° sweep over the Wörthersee and Karawanken; go early for clearer air. Check the live webcam before leaving, and pack a windproof layer; take the slide down if you’re game.
- Midday: Drop to the Maria Wörth peninsula for a church‑crowned lunch stop or lakeside snack. Hop on a Wörthersee boat for a leg of the journey (timings vary by season); the Wörthersee Plus Card often gives discounts on tower, boats, and the St. Egid tower.
- Afternoon: Follow the quieter south‑shore road, pausing at small public access points for calm views back toward Klagenfurt; in harvest season, aim for a hillside Buschenschank for a glass and a plate with a view. Non‑drivers can return to Klagenfurt by boat or bus and unwind in Europapark.
- Evening: Explore the emerging Lendhafen scene near the canal—pop‑ups, small bars, and cultural events give a youthful note to the city’s elegance. Alternative: check the theatre or concert listings; book ahead at weekends.
Day 3: Local mountain, campus vibe, and on‑the‑water scenes
Blend forested viewpoints with the city’s university energy, then see the shoreline from the lake itself. This day flexes well with the seasons—crisp winter clarity, golden autumn light, or long summer evenings.
- Morning: Walk from the centre into the Kreuzbergl woods to the Zillhöhe viewpoint for textbook lake‑and‑mountain views; continue to the Schweizerhaus for a mid‑morning pause. Clear‑air tip: mornings often have the best long‑range visibility; in winter, carry traction if paths are icy.
- Midday: Circle the university quarter and Lakeside Science & Technology Park for a casual lunch among students and researchers, then stroll the lakeside promenade. In warm weather, pack swim gear; sun protection is essential due to lake glare.
- Afternoon: Board a Wörthersee Schifffahrt cruise from the eastern bay—aim for a segment featuring Maria Wörth and, time‑allowing, Velden for shifting vistas from the water (look for the historic Thalia in season). Off‑season alternative: drive or hike up the Ulrichsberg for a broad basin panorama.
- Evening: Return to the Old Town for an apéritif on Alter Platz and an unhurried dinner; finish with dessert at a traditional café. Night owls can sample student‑friendly bars or a lakeside cocktail; Sundays are quieter, so plan restaurant bookings accordingly.
Tips that work all year:
- Rent bikes to “plug in” to local life; everything important is within easy cycling range.
- Check webcams and forecasts before viewpoints; conditions change quickly.
- The pace is deliberately slow—enjoy the linger, especially over a Spritzer at sunset.
Share Klagenfurt with friends and start planning your trip together.
Food and drink in Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt’s food culture blends Alpine comfort with Mediterranean ease at the Alpe‑Adria crossroads. Think unhurried coffees and cake in the Altstadt, sociable Saturdays at the Benediktinermarkt, and lakeside aperitifs that drift into sunset.
- Kärntner Kasnudeln – hand‑crimped pasta parcels filled with curd cheese (Topfen), potato and mint, finished with browned butter and chives. Found in traditional Gasthäuser and cosy cafés.
- Wörthersee Reinanke or Saibling – delicate lake whitefish/char, pan‑fried or lightly smoked with lemon and herbs for clean, fresh flavours. Best at lakeside restaurants and summer lidos.
- Kärntner Reindling – spiral sweet bread with cinnamon, raisins and nuts, enjoyed for breakfast, dessert or with afternoon coffee. A favourite in local bakeries and classic coffee houses.
- Spritzer culture – chilled white wine with sparkling water; swap in a local beer or a piney Zirbenschnaps to finish. Peak vibes at terrace bars by the Lendkanal and market stands at the Benediktinermarkt.
Eat like a local: Discover Klagenfurt top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Food and drink in Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt’s food culture blends Alpine comfort with Mediterranean ease at the Alpe‑Adria crossroads. Think unhurried coffees and cake in the Altstadt, sociable Saturdays at the Benediktinermarkt, and lakeside aperitifs that drift into sunset.
- Kärntner Kasnudeln – hand‑crimped pasta parcels filled with curd cheese (Topfen), potato and mint, finished with browned butter and chives. Found in traditional Gasthäuser and cosy cafés.
- Wörthersee Reinanke or Saibling – delicate lake whitefish/char, pan‑fried or lightly smoked with lemon and herbs for clean, fresh flavours. Best at lakeside restaurants and summer lidos.
- Kärntner Reindling – spiral sweet bread with cinnamon, raisins and nuts, enjoyed for breakfast, dessert or with afternoon coffee. A favourite in local bakeries and classic coffee houses.
- Spritzer culture – chilled white wine with sparkling water; swap in a local beer or a piney Zirbenschnaps to finish. Peak vibes at terrace bars by the Lendkanal and market stands at the Benediktinermarkt.
Eat like a local: Discover Klagenfurt top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Klagenfurt
Choosing the right area in Klagenfurt shapes your trip—do you want lakeside leisure, Renaissance streets, or leafy calm? Pick a neighbourhood that matches your pace; each area offers a distinct feel and daily rhythm.
- Altstadt (Innere Stadt) — Renaissance courtyards and café-lined squares (Alter/Neuer Platz); best for history lovers, flâneurs, and Christmas market proximity, all within easy walking.
- Lendkanal & Lendhafen — Creative waterfront with pop-up bars and events; youthful, bike-friendly and budget-conscious, ideal for light nightlife and quick access to the lake.
- Wörthersee East Bay (Strandbad/Europapark & Maria Loretto) — Lakeside lawns, sunsets and swimming; a resorty summer buzz perfect for families, swimmers and anyone prioritising lake access near the centre.
- Kreuzbergl — Leafy hillside with trails and viewpoints; quiet, residential and nature-forward, suiting walkers, runners and those seeking a peaceful base close to town.
Find places to stay in Klagenfurt on Booking.com
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Klagenfurt
Choosing the right area in Klagenfurt shapes your trip—do you want lakeside leisure, Renaissance streets, or leafy calm? Pick a neighbourhood that matches your pace; each area offers a distinct feel and daily rhythm.
- Altstadt (Innere Stadt) — Renaissance courtyards and café-lined squares (Alter/Neuer Platz); best for history lovers, flâneurs, and Christmas market proximity, all within easy walking.
- Lendkanal & Lendhafen — Creative waterfront with pop-up bars and events; youthful, bike-friendly and budget-conscious, ideal for light nightlife and quick access to the lake.
- Wörthersee East Bay (Strandbad/Europapark & Maria Loretto) — Lakeside lawns, sunsets and swimming; a resorty summer buzz perfect for families, swimmers and anyone prioritising lake access near the centre.
- Kreuzbergl — Leafy hillside with trails and viewpoints; quiet, residential and nature-forward, suiting walkers, runners and those seeking a peaceful base close to town.
Find places to stay in Klagenfurt on Booking.com
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Explore other great dupe destinations based on your interest
Good to know before you go to Klagenfurt
Travel to Klagenfurt is straightforward: the compact centre, clear transport, and lakeside orientation make navigation easy. A few planning details around costs, seasons, and getting around will help you make the most of your time.
- Affordability: Klagenfurt is moderately priced—budget for €12–20 for a main course, €3.50–4.50 for coffee, and mid‑range rooms at €110–160 per night (lakeside in summer €170–250; budget options €60–90).
- Transport: The centre is flat and walkable, with reliable city buses, excellent cycle paths, Wörthersee boats for hops to Pörtschach/Maria Wörth/Velden, and easy regional trains/buses for day trips (a car only useful for remote south‑shore spots or mountain valleys).
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood (especially in tourism and among younger locals), with some Italian and Slovene commonly heard.
- Safety & comfort: It’s one of Austria’s safest cities and very family/solo‑traveller friendly—just use routine caution for petty theft at markets, festivals and busy lidos, and pack sun protection for long lake days.
- Crowds: Crowds peak in late June–August (especially sunny weekends and big events), while May–June and September–October are pleasantly quiet with clear views, and winter is calm apart from Advent market evenings.
Good to know before you go to Klagenfurt
Travel to Klagenfurt is straightforward: the compact centre, clear transport, and lakeside orientation make navigation easy. A few planning details around costs, seasons, and getting around will help you make the most of your time.
- Affordability: Klagenfurt is moderately priced—budget for €12–20 for a main course, €3.50–4.50 for coffee, and mid‑range rooms at €110–160 per night (lakeside in summer €170–250; budget options €60–90).
- Transport: The centre is flat and walkable, with reliable city buses, excellent cycle paths, Wörthersee boats for hops to Pörtschach/Maria Wörth/Velden, and easy regional trains/buses for day trips (a car only useful for remote south‑shore spots or mountain valleys).
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood (especially in tourism and among younger locals), with some Italian and Slovene commonly heard.
- Safety & comfort: It’s one of Austria’s safest cities and very family/solo‑traveller friendly—just use routine caution for petty theft at markets, festivals and busy lidos, and pack sun protection for long lake days.
- Crowds: Crowds peak in late June–August (especially sunny weekends and big events), while May–June and September–October are pleasantly quiet with clear views, and winter is calm apart from Advent market evenings.
Best time to go to Klagenfurt
Seasonality in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee swings between a lively, lake-centred summer and a quieter, cosier winter, with crystal-clear views and gentle energy in the shoulder months. Plan around the lake if you want buzz, or the Old Town cafés and markets if you prefer calm.
- Shoulder Seasons (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Mild to warm, clear air and fewer crowds; relaxed, outdoorsy vibe ideal for cycling, hiking and courtyard cafés.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, lake at swimming temps, busy lidos and festivals; vibrant, resort-like atmosphere along the Wörthersee.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Cold and tranquil; cosy cafés and Advent markets in the Altstadt, snow-capped mountain backdrop, slower local rhythm.
Best time to go to Klagenfurt
Seasonality in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee swings between a lively, lake-centred summer and a quieter, cosier winter, with crystal-clear views and gentle energy in the shoulder months. Plan around the lake if you want buzz, or the Old Town cafés and markets if you prefer calm.
- Shoulder Seasons (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Mild to warm, clear air and fewer crowds; relaxed, outdoorsy vibe ideal for cycling, hiking and courtyard cafés.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, lake at swimming temps, busy lidos and festivals; vibrant, resort-like atmosphere along the Wörthersee.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Cold and tranquil; cosy cafés and Advent markets in the Altstadt, snow-capped mountain backdrop, slower local rhythm.
Share Klagenfurt with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Klagenfurt
By Air
- Klagenfurt Airport (KLU): ~3–5 km from the centre (10–15 minutes by taxi; local bus available). Limited scheduled/seasonal flights—check current routes.
- Ljubljana (LJU): ~65 km (≈1 h by car via the Karawanken Tunnel). Public transport via Villach: ≈1 h 45–2 h by train/bus.
- Graz (GRZ): ~140 km (≈1 h 30 by car). S-Bahn to Graz Hbf, then Railjet to Klagenfurt (≈45 minutes); total public transport ≈1–1 h 30.
- Salzburg (SZG): ~220 km (≈2 h 30 by car); train via Villach ≈2 h 45–3 h.
- Vienna (VIE): ~320 km (≈3 h 30–4 h by car); rail via Vienna Hbf and the Koralmbahn ≈3 h 30 total.
- Trieste (TRS): ~180 km (≈2 h 15–2 h 30 by car); rail via Udine/Villach ≈3 h 30–4 h 30.
- Venice (VCE): ~250 km (≈3–3 h 30 by car); rail via Udine/Villach ≈4–5 h.
- Munich (MUC): ~320 km (≈4–4 h 30 by car); rail via Salzburg/Villach ≈4 h 30–5 h 30.
By Train
- Main station: Klagenfurt Hbf (Hauptbahnhof), with local buses outside.
- Vienna – Klagenfurt: Railjet via Graz and the Koralmbahn ≈3:00–3:15 (hourly).
- Graz – Klagenfurt: Koralmbahn ≈45 minutes (every 30–60 minutes).
- Salzburg – Klagenfurt: ≈2:30–3:00 (usually change at Villach).
- Innsbruck – Klagenfurt: ≈4:30–5:15 (via Salzburg/Villach).
- Munich – Klagenfurt: ≈4:45–5:30 (via Salzburg/Villach).
- Ljubljana – Klagenfurt: ≈2:00 (via Villach; several services daily).
- Udine/Trieste/Venice – Klagenfurt: ≈3:30–5:00 (via Tarvisio/Udine and Villach).
- Villach – Klagenfurt: 35–40 minutes, frequent regional trains.
By Bus
- Long-distance operators (e.g., FlixBus) serve Klagenfurt, typically stopping at/near Klagenfurt Hbf or the central bus stops (Heiligengeistplatz).
- Indicative times: Vienna ≈4:30–5:30; Graz ≈1:45–2:15; Salzburg ≈3:00–3:30; Ljubljana ≈1:30–1:50; Venice ≈4:30–5:30 (routes and frequencies vary by season).
By Car
- Main routes: A2 Süd Autobahn (Vienna–Graz–Klagenfurt–Villach–Italy), A10 Tauern Autobahn (Salzburg–Villach), A11 Karawanken Autobahn (to Slovenia), S37 (to St. Veit).
- Approximate driving times: Vienna 3:30–4:00; Graz 1:20–1:40; Salzburg 2:30–3:00; Villach 0:30–0:40; Ljubljana 1:00–1:15; Trieste 2:15–2:30; Venice 3:00–3:30; Munich 4:00–4:30.
- Tolls: Austrian motorway vignette required; Karawanken Tunnel has an extra toll; Slovenia also requires a vignette.
- Winter: Snow tyres mandatory in wintry conditions (1 Nov–15 Apr); carry chains if conditions demand.
Get to Klagenfurt: Compare smart flight options with Skyscanner
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Have a great tip for Klagenfurt or another alternative to popular destinations?
Share your thoughts on Klagenfurt or suggest another authentic alternative to popular destinations. Your tips help others rediscover their love of travelling - while giving popular destinations a little room to breathe.
Book your trip
Find the best Klagenfurt hotels
Browse top-rated stays and deals on Booking.com
Compare cheap flights to Klagenfurt
Search live fares and save with Skyscanner
Browse Klagenfurt tours & experiences
Skip-the-line tickets and research activities on GetYourGuide
Discover Klagenfurt’s top restaurants
Find authentic dining spots with Tripadvisor reviews
Please help us keep all core features free to use by using these affiliate links!