Things To Do In Villach
Villach, Austria, nestled between the Alps and the Karawanken Mountains, offers a plethora of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for skiing, hiking, and water-based pursuits. The town boasts spectacular skiing opportunities with its snow-covered mountains and slopes. Hikers can explore the grandeur of the Karawanken Mountains through scenic routes. Additionally, Villach features multiple lakes, providing opportunities for swimming and boating.
Visitors keen on immersing themselves in the town’s rich culture and history can explore its museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks. Villach’s allure lies in its breathtaking scenery, diverse cultural offerings, and abundant outdoor activities.
Lake Ossiach is a popular tourist destination, offering swimming and relaxation opportunities against the backdrop of Villach’s stunning surroundings. Its crystal-clear waters and serene beaches provide an idyllic setting for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Beyond its historical and architectural charm, Villach caters to adventure seekers with a range of outdoor recreational activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The region’s picturesque landscapes and nature trails offer memorable experiences for hikers and cyclists alike.
With attractions like the Gerlitzen Alpe and Dobratsch Mountain providing panoramic views, and serene spots like the Lavanttal Valley Trail and Lurnfelder Wasserfall offering tranquility, Villach promises a diverse range of activities to suit every traveler’s preferences throughout the year.
Explore the Villach Main Square
The Villach Main Square (Hauptplatz) is the heart of the city, where you can admire the beautiful architecture, visit the Parish Church of St. Jakob, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market and festivals. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings, some dating back to the 16th century, that house shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Parish Church of St. Jakob is a Gothic masterpiece with a 94-meter-high tower that offers a panoramic view of the city. The square is also the venue for many events throughout the year, such as the Villach Carnival, the Villach Fair, and the Villach Christmas Market.
Take a scenic drive along the Villach Alpine Road
The Villach Alpine Road (Villacher Alpenstrasse) is a 16-km toll road that offers spectacular views of the alpine mountains, valleys, and lakes. You can drive, bike, or hike along the road, which has 11 viewpoints, each with a different perspective of the landscape. You can also stop at the viewing platform, the Dobratsch Nature Park, and the Landskron Castle along the way. The viewing platform is a glass structure that extends over the edge of the mountain, giving you a thrilling sensation of being suspended in the air. The Dobratsch Nature Park is a protected area that hosts a variety of flora and fauna, as well as geological features such as the Dobratsch landslide. The Landskron Castle is a medieval fortress that overlooks the Lake Ossiach and the city of Villach. It also houses a falconry center and a restaurant.
Visit the Monkey Mountain
The Monkey Mountain (Affenberg Zoo) is a unique wildlife park where you can see over 150 Japanese macaques roaming freely in their natural habitat. You can walk along a 4-km trail that takes you through the forest and the meadows, where the monkeys live and interact with each other. You can also learn about their behavior, social structure, and conservation efforts from the guides and the information boards. The Monkey Mountain is a great place to experience the fascinating world of these intelligent and curious animals.
See the Carinthia Relief Model
The Carinthia Relief Model (Kärnten Relief) is a 180-square-meter scale model of the state of Carinthia, featuring its topography, landmarks, and infrastructure. You can see the details of the mountains, rivers, lakes, towns, roads, and railways, as well as the borders with the neighboring countries. You can also enjoy interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations about the region, its history, culture, and economy. The Carinthia Relief Model is a fun and educational way to discover the diversity and beauty of Carinthia.
Visit the Museum of the City of Villach and Finkenstein Castle
The Museum of the City of Villach (Stadtmuseum Villach) and Finkenstein Castle (Burg Finkenstein) are two places where you can learn about the history, culture, and art of Villach and its surroundings. The Museum of the City of Villach is located in a former monastery and displays exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the present day. You can see archaeological artifacts, historical documents, paintings, sculptures, and costumes that tell the story of Villach and its people. The Finkenstein Castle is a ruin of a medieval castle that stands on a rocky hill above the Lake Faak. It was once a stronghold of the Counts of Ortenburg and later a residence of the Habsburgs. Today, it hosts concerts and events in the summer, as well as a museum that showcases the history and legends of the castle.
Enjoy a day at the Lake Ossiach
The Lake Ossiach (Ossiacher See) is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Carinthia. You can swim, boat, fish, or relax on the shore, or explore the nearby attractions such as the Ossiach Abbey, the Adventure Park Ossiacher See, and the Gerlitzen Alpine Resort. The Ossiach Abbey is a Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 11th century and features a Romanesque basilica, a baroque library, and a museum. The Adventure Park Ossiacher See is a fun park that offers various activities such as climbing, zip-lining, archery, and mini golf. The Gerlitzen Alpine Resort is a ski and hiking area that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Shop and dine at the ATRIO Villach
The ATRIO Villach is a modern shopping mall that offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. You can find everything from fashion, beauty, and electronics to books, toys, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy a meal or a snack at one of the many cafes, bistros, and restaurants that serve local and international cuisine. You can also experience the theme of “shopping senza confini”, which means “shopping without borders”, as the mall is located at the intersection of three countries: Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. You can easily access the mall by car, bus, or train, and enjoy a day of shopping and fun.
Hike
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of nature in Villach is to go hiking. There are many trails and routes to choose from, depending on your level of fitness and preference. One of the most popular destinations for hikers is the Dobratsch, a 2166-meter-high mountain that offers spectacular views of the Carinthian lakes, more than 300 mountain summits, and even the Adriatic Sea on a clear day.
The Dobratsch is also home to the Dobratsch Nature Park, a model region for nature-based tourism, sustainable development, conservation, nature education, and growing regional value generation. The nature park covers 7250 hectares of land, and was established in 2002, when the former ski area on the mountain was demolished and restored to nature. The nature park aims to protect the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the drinking water for the surrounding communities.
The Dobratsch Nature Park offers various activities for visitors, such as ski touring, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching. Instead of artificial snow and technology, the nature park invites you to relax and appreciate nature in its purest form. The Dobratsch circle hiking trail connects the four natural park settlements of Arnoldstein, Bad Bleiberg, Nötsch im Gailtal, and Villach. The trail is divided into four daily stages, and takes you through the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of the region. Along the way, you can enjoy some stunning viewpoints, such as the Rote Wand’s Sky Walk observation platform, the chamois and summit vista at the Rosstratte, and the modern information point at the 10er hut.
The Dobratsch is not only a scenic attraction, but also a vital source of drinking water for the four natural park settlements. The mountain is a habitat for everyone, and therefore it is especially protected. The Dobratsch was declared as Carinthia’s first nature reserve in 1942, and remains a precious natural treasure to this day.
Cycling
Another great way to explore the Villach – Faaker See – Ossiacher See region is by bike. Whether you are a recreational cyclist or a professional racer, you will find plenty of options to suit your taste and skill. The region is easy to navigate and fascinating to discover on two wheels. And don’t forget to take breaks and admire the scenery along the way.
If you want to enjoy the countryside at your own pace, you can cycle on the relaxed routes in and around Villach. Some of the most scenic routes are those that follow the rivers and lakes, such as the Drau Cycle Path or the Ossiacher See Cycle Path. These paths are mostly flat and paved, and offer beautiful views of the water and the mountains.
If you want to experience more of Carinthia, you can take on the challenge of the Carinthia Lake Loop, a 400-kilometer cycle trip that takes you around 20 of the most stunning Carinthian lakes. This route is suitable for more experienced cyclists, as it involves some hills and curves. However, the reward is worth the effort, as you will see some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes in Austria.
You don’t have to worry about getting around, as there are many mobility options available for cyclists in the region. For example, you can use the bike buses, which are free with the Erlebnis CARD, to transport your bike to different locations. You can also use many trains, as well as the Ossiacher See Schifffahrt, a boat service that operates on the lake. These options allow you to combine cycling with other modes of transport, and make your trip more flexible and enjoyable.
Bathe At Maibachl Thermal Springs
If you are looking for some relaxation and wellness, you should visit the Maibachl thermal springs. This is a natural mineral spring that provides a pleasant invitation to spend time outside, with temperatures averaging around 28 ° C. Maibachl, located at the foot of the Dobratsch mountain, consists of two spring pools that have evolved over time. The name says it all: Maibachl (or “May Stream”) is a natural phenomenon that occurs after heavy rain or snow melt, so it is not always bubbling. Spring is the ideal season for Maibachl, as the snow on top of the Dobratsch melts with the arrival of mild weather.
Maibachl is one of several thermal springs in the area, which have been known for their healing properties since Roman and Celtic times. The most famous of these is Warmbad, a spa resort that offers various facilities and treatments for guests. However, unlike Warmbad, Maibachl is open to the public and free of charge. The only catch is that Maibachl is not always available. The warm thermal pools are a natural treasure, and depend on the weather conditions. After strong rains or snow, which can happen at any time of the year, expect the pools to overflow.
Maibachl is a unique and special place, where you can relax in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The water is rich in minerals and has a soothing effect on the skin and muscles. The atmosphere is calm and friendly, as people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy the warm water together. Maibachl is a hidden gem in Villach, and a must-see for anyone who loves nature and wellness.
Golf
If you are a golf enthusiast, you will love playing at the Golf Club Finkenstein, one of the greatest 19-hole golf courses in the area. Located just 10 minutes from Villach, the club offers a stunning panorama of the Alps from each hole. You can enjoy the views of the Dobratsch and Mittagskogel mountains, as well as the lovely pond environment, while playing on the well-maintained course.
The 18-hole panoramic course provides a challenge, relaxation, and pleasure for golfers of all levels, whether they are elite players or beginners. With a little height difference, the course has a square character that is open and welcoming. This means that you can complete the round on foot in a relaxed and comfortable manner. On the longer holes, the generously proportioned fairways give a fair target for the driver, and putting on the Penn-A4 (bent grass) greens is a great delight.
The course, which has a par of 72 and lengths ranging from 5,190 m (red) to 6,373 m (white), is suitable for both a leisurely game with friends and international championships. The club also has a 9-hole academy course, a driving range, a putting green, a chipping green, a pitching green, and a practice bunker. You can also take advantage of the professional golf lessons, the pro shop, the restaurant, and the hotel on site.
To play at the Golf Club Finkenstein, you need to have a valid membership card of a recognized golf club and a handicap of 45 or less. You can book your tee time online or by phone. The green fee for 18 holes ranges from € 55 to € 75, depending on the season and the day of the week. You can also rent a golf cart, a trolley, or a set of clubs for an additional fee.
