Bustling city square in Klagenfurt at dusk, fountain, palm trees, outdoor seating and illuminated Baroque facades.

Klagenfurt in Summer
A holiday between lake, old town, and Alpe-Adria flair

Fancy enjoying culture with all your senses, conquering mountains and jumping into a turquoise lake? Klagenfurt has got it all!

Located on the turquoise Lake Wörthersee, the small city of Klagenfurt is sometimes called the "Renaissance Gem". Italian master builders have left their mark on the 800-year-old city with excellently restored palaces, courtyards and squares.

At Neuer Platz, the heart of the old town, stands the iconic Lindwurm Fountain. From here, winding streets lead to Alter Platz and cultural attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art Carinthia, the Carinthia Museum and the Botanical Garden.

Beyond the city centre, urban life blends seamlessly with nature. Cycling along Lake Wörthersee, hiking in Carinthia's rolling hills and swimming in turquoise-green waters are all part of the summer experience. Attractions such as Minimundus, together with popular excursions to the Pyramidenkogel observation tower and cruises on Lake Wörthersee, add to the appeal of this destination between city and lake.

Quick facts
Population:approx. 106,000 (as of 2026)
Province:Carinthia
Area:120.1km²
Altitude:446m
Favourite viewpoint:Pyramidenkogel (100m)
Local mountain: Kreuzbergl (517m)

Local's tip

Visit Austria's oldest pedestrian zone between Kramergasse and Wienergasse, opened in 1961.

Meet Klagenfurt

Top highlights

Tours

Top events

Food and drink in Klagenfurt at Lake Wörthersee

Recipes

Unique places to stay

Holiday by train and bus

Without a car - local mobility

Klagenfurt offers numerous ways of being mobile without a car. For short distances within the city, rent a bicycle at one of ten Nextbike stations via their app. If you plan to venture further afield, you can rent both bicycles and e-bikes at stations throughout the region.

Get the Wörthersee Plus Card to use regional "S-Bahn" trains and buses free of charge and explore Lake Wörthersee or the nearby mountains.

If arriving by train, the local shuttle service will take you straight to your accommodation.

Guest cards for Klagenfurt and Carinthia

The Kärnten Card allows you to visit more than 100 points of interest within the province of Carinthia, including mountain railways, panoramic roads and museums.

With the free Wörthersee Plus Card, you'll get discounts and free admission at a number of attractions within the Wörthersee region and Klagenfurt.

You'll receive your guest card upon check-in at your accommodation.

FAQs

Located in the south of Austria, Klagenfurt is the provincial capital of Carinthia, which borders Italy. The small city sits on the banks of Lake Wörthersee, allowing visitors to combine an urban holiday with day trips into the mountains.

  • The Lindwurm fountain in the centre of central square Neuer Platz (New Square) is the city's most famous landmark.

  • Minimundus adventure park showcases models of famous buildings from around the world on a scale of 1:25.

  • Pyramidenkogel observation tower offers spectacular views over Lake Wörthersee and the Alps.

  • A magnificent Renaissance building, the Landhaus houses the Carinthian Provincial Museum and the impressive Hall of Arms.

  • The Maria Theresa Monument honouring the Habsburg monarch can be found on Neuer Platz (New Square).

  • The Carinthia Museum of Modern Art offers changing exhibitions of modern art.

In summer, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee offers a wide range of activities that combine city life with nature. Lake Wörthersee is ideal for swimming at its lidos and enjoying water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and sailing. Hiking trails lead into the surrounding hills and mountains, while a well-developed network of cycle paths connects the city with the lakeshore and the wider region.

With a history spanning more than 800 years, Klagenfurt was shaped by Italian master builders and is renowned for its beautifully restored Renaissance architecture. Elegant palaces, arcaded courtyards and picturesque squares give the city its distinctive character and make it one of Austria's most important Renaissance centres.

  • the postcard was invented in Klagenfurt? In 1869, Dr Emanuel Alexander Herrmann published an article in the newspaper Neue Freie Presse proposing a new form of correspondence by post. The idea appealed to the then Director General of the Post, and shortly afterwards the first post or correspondence card was created.

  • Klagenfurt celebrated in April 2018 the 500th anniversary of Emperor Maximilian I gifting the city to the provincial estates?

  • the Kasnudel once held great importance? According to popular tradition, every Carinthian girl had to master its preparation, for “a girl who cannot krendln will not find a husband.” Krendln refers to the art of crimping the edges to seal the dumplings filled with curd cheese, potatoes and herbs.

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