Klagenfurt, the most southerly state capital of Austria with a population of 92,000, nestles in an enchantingly picturesque landscape, surrounded by green meadows, high mountain peaks and the warmest Alpine lake in Europe, the Wörthersee.
The city is over 800 years old, steeped in ancient traditions at the crossroads of three cultures, displaying the centuries-old distinctive features of the Alps-Adriatic region. Boasting a diversity of roles, it is not only a modern economic hub and university city, but also a centre of sport and culture.
With the economic focus on trade and tourism, many international corporations have been happy to establish a base in the Carinthian capital: Philips exports home and personal care appliances all over the world, Pago has grown into a global player from its roots as an old-established local firm, and the automotive component supplier Magna is building an electronics plant. With the Lakeside Science & Technology Park – the largest of its kind in Austria – the university and a high-tech specialised college of higher education, Klagenfurt is also a top venue for IT development in the Alps-Adriatic region.
The distinctive charm and beauty of Klagenfurt has many facets. Italian architects played a key role in defining the character of the 800-year-old city centre with Renaissance buildings, colonnaded courtyards and squares which have been superbly restored. In a symbiosis of past and present, the historic centre with its modern boutiques, shops and bars teems with life. The year is crammed with occasions to celebrate, starting with the New Year’s Eve carnival, ending with the stylish Christmas market – the finest in the Alps-Adriatic region – and events in-between including the Easter market, the Carinthian valleys festival, the international 'Smart' car meeting, the old town magic festival, and countless other artistic, cultural and sporting events.
In the birthplace of Ingeborg Bachmann and Robert Musil, culture is huge. At the end of June each year, Klagenfurt becomes a literary focal point for the German language with the readings for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize. Galleries, museums, a four-category theatre and the atmospheric lakeside stage host cultural events throughout the year.
Klagenfurt is also Austria’s events capital, having won the coveted Event Award twice. Here sport is at the forefront. The Beach Volleyball Grand Slam event invariably attracts over 100,000 spectators and the sand arena by the Wörthersee hums with activity. Every year more than 2,000 athletes come for the Carinthian Ironman Austria triathlon event. And in winter the Big Air snowboarding world cup holds events at the only inner-city ski centre in Austria.
Official links
FC Kärnten
Klagenfurt Tourism
City of Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt Airport
Klagenfurt Public Transport
