Völkermarkt – Culture, History and Cycling

Völkermarkt combines striking architectural history with cultural-history cycling tours and seasonal cultural activities. To plan your stay, you can choose between exploring the town’s history, taking a specific cycling tour, or attending events and enjoying leisure activities.

Architectural History and Regional History

The Old Town Hall stands at Unterer Hauptplatz 22 and was completed in its present form in 1499. The Late Gothic building has an arcaded walkway on the ground floor. St. Mary Magdalene’s parish church was built between 1240 and 1247 in the fortified town as an independent collegiate church. These are two distinct historical landmarks: the church dates from the 13th century, while the town hall took on its present form towards the end of the 15th century.

The round tower is the surviving tower of Völkermarkt’s former town castle. Today’s Münzgasse also has a connection to the town’s history: under Duke Bernhard (1202–1256), a mint was established there, where silver coins were struck in the “Friesach style.” The town-wall path shows how Völkermarkt’s elevated terrain above the Drava was used strategically.

The Völkermarkt District Heritage Museum is devoted to the region’s history. It focuses in particular on the events of the Carinthian defensive struggle and the 1920 Carinthian plebiscite. A visit to the museum complements the town’s buildings and historic sites with topics from more recent regional history.

Cultural-History Cycling Tours

The Völkermarkt Cultural Cycle Route is a cultural-history cycling tour around Völkermarkt. The route is just under 40 kilometres long, starts at the main square and returns to Völkermarkt. Along the way, it passes, among other things, eleven churches, seven castle ruins and castles, a burial ground from the Celtic and Hallstatt periods, and settlements from the Neolithic period. Its length and stops give the tour a distinctly cultural-history focus.

Völkermarkt is also a good starting point for the Drava Cycle Route. The Cultural Cycle Route offers a specific tour just under 40 kilometres long, with historical and archaeological stops; on the Drava Cycle Route, Völkermarkt is primarily a starting point. This lets you plan your cycling stay around the type of tour you prefer.

The Drava, Leisure and Seasonal Activities

The Völkermarkt Reservoir is the Drava, artificially dammed to create a reservoir. Its banks are mostly reinforced with embankments and are predominantly covered with willows and alders. Fishing is permitted at the reservoir in fishing districts 11 and 13. The district boundaries, access roads and fishing spots are marked along the left bank of the Drava. Before fishing, check the required permits and local regulations.

Bürgerlustpark is a place for locals and visitors to relax and hosts many cultural events. The Völkermarkt Cultural Brunch takes place there from June to September; since 2021, it has been a regular fixture in the town’s events calendar. Check the specific event dates before visiting.

Heunburg Theatre offers a varied programme for all ages. The summer programme at Heunburg runs from July to September; it is worth checking the specific dates here too. Völkermarkt Adventure Swimming Pool has solar-heated pools, a current channel, a relaxation pool with massage jets, a water slide, a beach volleyball court and a children’s playground. As opening times are seasonal and facilities may change, check current operating hours and what is on offer before you go.

Völkermarkt’s markets take place every Wednesday and Friday. If you’re planning a visit to a market, it’s best to check the schedule locally, as it may change.

Discover more destinations: Wölfnitz, Koprein Petzen, Trögern, Lind, Rammersdorf, Diex, Miklauzhof, Bleiburg

Back to the main travel overview: Völkermarkt.