Discover Völkermarkt: town history and culture

Völkermarkt tells its history through clearly defined periods: a local history museum, a Gothic-style parish church, historic building façades and the town wall path each offer a different perspective. There are also views of the Völkermarkt Reservoir and the Jaunfeld, as well as cultural and leisure activities.

Museum and architectural history

The Völkermarkt District Local History Museum documents the Carinthian defensive battles, from their beginning in November 1918 to the referendum on 10 October 1920. It also displays Hallstatt-period, Celtic, Roman and early Christian finds, as well as Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque art treasures. Its collection ranges from early archaeological finds to art from various periods; the political history of the early 20th century is also part of the museum’s focus.

The Völkermarkt parish church has a Gothic stepped choir dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Its west portal was built as early as 1240–1247. Another landmark of architectural history is the Old Town Hall: this Late Gothic building was completed in its present form in 1499. Kirchgasse features a continuous row of historic buildings with remarkable Biedermeier and Baroque façades. Together, these buildings and streets invite visitors to look out for different architectural styles and dates as they explore.

Town wall, Drava and cultural cycle route

From the town wall path, you can see how the elevated terrain above the Drava was used strategically. The old little gate in the town wall provided pedestrians with the shortest route to the river. The Völkermarkt Cultural Cycle Route takes in further historically and art-historically important sites: it includes 11 churches and has three large information boards and 23 additional information panels. Völkermarkt is also a good starting point for the Drava Cycle Path.

Park, culture and events

Bürgerlust Park is on a plateau about 100 metres south of the main square. It offers views of the Völkermarkt Reservoir and the Jaunfeld. From June to September, the Völkermarkt Cultural Brunch takes place in the park; since 2021, it has been a regular fixture on the town’s events calendar. Individual event dates may vary.

The County of Heunburg is also part of the history of the Jauntal: after the Migration Period, it was the region’s centre of power. Since 2011, Heunburg Theatre has offered a varied programme for adults and children. Völkermarkt’s markets are held every Wednesday and Friday. The “Wine & more” wine festival is also held annually; dates and programme may vary. This means regular weekly events can be distinguished from cultural events and other occasions for which specific dates are important.

Reservoir and leisure activities

Fishing is permitted in areas 11 and 13 of the Völkermarkt Reservoir. Along the left bank of the Drava, area boundaries, access roads and fishing spots are marked; fishing is subject to permit requirements. Other leisure activities include the Völkermarkt adventure swimming pool, with solar-heated pools, a current channel, a relaxation pool with massage jets, a water mushroom and a waterslide. Seasonal opening times may vary. The indoor ice rink offers ice hockey, curling and public skating; the availability of individual sessions may also vary. The Völkermarkt rowing centre is in the Völkermarkt Reservoir bay, right on the bank of the Drava.

For your trip, you can choose from a range of options: architectural history and museum collections, cultural events, the Drava Cycle Path, or leisure activities by the water and in town. If you are planning to attend a particular event or visit the swimming pool during the season, check the latest dates or opening hours in advance.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Wasserhofen, Neuhaus, Ruden, Miklauzhof, Diex, Sankt Kanzian Am Klopeiner See, Seelach, Sankt Primus, Koprein Petzen, Kleindiex, Gösselsdorf, Gallizien, Eberndorf, Bleiburg, Sankt Michael Ob Bleiburg, Hart, Völkermarkt, Rammersdorf, Sittersdorf, Weißeneggerberg, Kühnsdorf, Lind, Feistritz Ob Bleiburg, Oberseidendorf, Unterburg Am Klopeiner See, Wölfnitz, Bad Eisenkappel, Globasnitz, Trögern, Klopein, Untergreutschach, Steinerberg.

Go to the main travel overview: Carinthia.