Klagenfurt-Land: Culture, Views and Landscape

From Roman traces and Gothic architecture to landscape trails, Klagenfurt-Land reveals its many sides. Cultural destinations, panoramic experiences and trails with clearly described terrain each offer a distinct focus. When planning, consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay: history and architecture, outdoor activities or views across the landscape.

Cultural history and distinctive buildings

The Roman city on Magdalensberg is one of the largest archaeological sites in the Eastern Alps. Its size makes it a notable destination for anyone interested in the history of ancient cities. Maria Saal offers a different historical focus: the present-day cathedral was built between 1430 and 1459. The parish church is a Late Gothic hall church with stepped aisles and a distinctive twin-tower façade visible from far away. The cathedral is open for prayer or quiet contemplation daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Carinthian Open-Air Museum in Maria Saal showcases rural house and farmstead styles from various parts of Carinthia. With 38 museum exhibits spanning six centuries, it brings different periods together in one collection; it is considered the oldest museum of its kind in Austria. A country-style inn on the grounds serves refreshments. In Karnburg, the parish church of St. Peter and Paul offers another historical point of interest, with several Roman spolia and an oath hand.

Ferlach is also closely associated with a traditional craft: the town has been known for the exceptional skill of its gunsmiths since the 16th century. Ferlach Castle’s Gunsmith and Hunting Museum explores the history of this craft. Its themes include historical weapons, local and international wildlife, the significance of hunting and hunting trophies.

Keutschach Lake Valley: lake, moor and trails

Lake Keutschach lies in the Keutschach Lake Valley in Klagenfurt-Land district. SUP courses for beginners and advanced paddlers are offered on the calm, sheltered lake. For those who prefer walking, the ten-kilometre Keutschach Lake Valley Natura Trail offers another way to experience the landscape: the route is very flat and passes through terrain shaped by the Drava Glacier.

A second hiking option has a different landscape focus. The Keutschach circular hiking trail passes through the Moorau, a Ramsar site. This gives you concrete differences to consider when choosing a route: the Natura Trail is defined by its length and very flat terrain, while the circular trail focuses on the route through the moorland.

Gorge, views and active experiences

The highlights of a hike through Tscheppaschlucht Gorge are Tschauko Waterfall, with its rock arch, and the Devil’s Bridge. The Tscheppaschlucht Forest Ropes Course offers a different kind of experience in the same setting, with eight courses of varying difficulty. There are also two Flying Fox ziplines, each 300 metres long, described as Austria’s longest Flying Fox course.

The Pyramidenkogel offers another way to take in the landscape from above: it is the world’s tallest wooden observation tower. Visitors can reach viewing levels up to 71 metres high by panoramic lift or by climbing 441 steps. The Pyramidenkogel also features a covered 120-metre adventure slide, described as the highest in Europe. Here, views and another specifically named attraction go hand in hand.

When choosing a hotel, it may help to first decide which visits matter most to you: culture and architectural history, trails through varied landscapes, or views and activities. A Rosental steam train runs from Weizelsdorf towards Ferlach. If you would like to include this journey in your plans, check the timetable for your preferred date.

Discover more destinations

Sankt Bartlmä, Schiefling Am See, Maria Rain, Klagenfurt Am Wörthersee, Moosburg in Kärnten, Krumpendorf, Sekull, Sankt Martin Am Techelsberg, Keutschach Am See, Windisch Bleiberg, Reifnitz, Pischeldorf, Köttmannsdorf, Grafenstein, Feistritz Im Rosental, Ludmannsdorf, Raunach, Plaschischen, Pörtschach Am Wörther See, Ebenthal In Kärnten, Radsberg, Maria Wörth, Ferlach, Sankt Margareten Im Rosental, Plescherken, Techelsberg Am Wörther See, Töpriach, Auen, Treffelsdorf, Lipizach, Lukowitz, Ottmanach, Höflein, Sekirn, Poggersdorf, Wurdach, Maria Saal

For the main travel overview: Carinthia.