Day 1 in Villach

Welcome to Villach, a historic town located on the southern border of Austria. Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Villach is the 7th largest city in Austria situated in the center of the Carinthian lake district. The town is quite small and very walkable with plenty to see and do. Straddling the River Drau and connected by several bridges, Villach`s old town center is one of the most beautiful in the region. A perfect place to begin exploring is the long Main Square (Hauptplatz), which cuts across the middle of the old town and is linked by the main bridge over the Drau at its northern end with the parish church at its southern end. As you explore the streets in town, take in the colorful buildings and funny statues all around. Stop in one of the bustling cafes located here, take in the atmosphere and watch the world go by.

Afterward, wander the area to discover the old merchant homes, quaint boutique shops and galleries and the many fine old churches of Villach. Considered one of the most impressive is the Holy Cross Church (Heililgenkreuzkirche), a beautiful coral pink building built in the 18th-century with ornate twin towers, it`s is beautiful both inside and out. Highlights of the church include the wonderful frescoes in the vaults.

Another Villach church worth noting is the Parish Church of St. Jakob (Stadtpfarrkirche St. Jakob), a 14th-century Gothic church with a narrow choir and a 300-ft. tower linked to the main building by an arched gateway. Interior highlights include the beautiful Baroque canopied altar from 1740 with its large, early 16th-century Gothic crucifix, and a huge fresco of St. Christopher also from 1740. Make sure to climb the 239 steps of the church tower for a look at the panoramic views over the town.

Some other noticeable sites located in this town are the Museum der Stadt Villach, where you can learn about the history - it was almost destroyed by a few earthquakes, fires and was heavily bombed during WWII, probably due to the strategic location. On top of a hill is Landskron Castle, dating back to the early 14th century, the ruins of the castle are located on a rock cone of the Ossiach Tauern range.

Finish your day with a relaxing dinner in town followed by a stroll through the streets at night. Admire the Church of St Jakob illuminated at night, everywhere you look light covers the city streets making it look fairy-tale like.

Day 2 in Villach

Wake up early today to begin your exploration of the area by taking a drive. One of the best ways to see the Villacher Alpes up close is via the Villach Alpine Road. This fantastic 10-mile toll road stretches and winds its way from Villach high up to the 7,100-ft Rosstratte, with views from the Julian alps all the way to the Karawanken mountains and the Carinthian lake plateau. There are panoramic views in many directions, and the best viewing spots are marked.

Once you arrive at the top, you`ll be welcomed with fantastic hiking trails of all lengths spread out across the beautiful landscape. Chairlifts are available to take walkers farther up to Dobratsch (7,106 ft.), where an hour or two climb will take you to the top, and visit the two small pilgrimage churches located here. There are a number of hiking paths found here as well.

After an active day of outdoor adventure, spend some time relaxing at the warmbad Villach: Karnten Therme. You`ll find this famous spa just on the southern outskirts of Villach sitting at an elevation of 1,600-ft. It is close to the city center, with frequent trains from the Villach HBH going to the Villach Warmbad Bahnhof which is right next to the thermal. The facility is state-of-the-art and includes a large thermal swimming pool (noted for its healing powers) with a treatment complex, an open-air pool with a sauna, as well as a fun pool. It`s the perfect way to sit back and relax and re-energize.

End your day with a relaxing walk along river drau, enjoying the clean water and relaxing vibe it gives off. Stop in one of the charming restaurants in the area to enjoy some delicious Carinithian cuisine before heading back to your hotel for a restful night sleep.

Day 3 in Villach

Villach is a good center from which to explore the beautiful Carinthian lake district and the mountain area around it. Just on the northern edge of Villach is the fantastic castle of Landskron which is surrounded by stunning woodlands and high up in an elevated position over 2,600-ft. above sea level. The castle first appears in history in the 800`s but appeared to become more prominent in the 14th century when Landskron was purchased by the Habsburg rulers. The castle is in fantastic condition for its age and you can enjoy walking around the walls and grounds and also take in the excellent views across to Lake Ossiach. Finish your visit with lunch at the castle`s restaurant on-site.

Close by this area you will find the Monkey Mountain (Affenberg Zoo). This is a fun attraction, especially with kids, to learn more about these fascinating creatures. The zoo is home to some 164 Japanese macaques, each of them roam freely around their huge, tree-lined enclosures, and to interact with visitors. In addition to seeing these animals up close, you`ll also get to witness them raising their babies, as well swimming and interacting in amongst their habitat. We recommend an informative guided tour led by an expert. These tours are offered daily and generally last 45 minutes.

Other animal-related fun includes the Rosegg Zoo, with its collections of exotic and domestic creatures, plus fun activities and an adventure playground, along with a historic home and café.

If you are visiting in the summer months, you will want to make a visit to Faaker See (Lake Faaker), one of the fifth largest lakes in the state of Carinthia, located just 4 miles southeast of Villach. The lake is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise color, which drain into the River Gail. It is a perfect spot for sunbathing due to its average summer temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also the perfect spot for canoeing and kayaking, s well as for fishing, sailing and windsurfing. You`ll also many activities to enjoy around the lake, such as climbing, horseback riding, and cycling.

As evening approaches, we recommend exploring one of the several charming resort areas around the lake. There are a number of restaurants these towns to choose from when you’re ready to stop for dinner.

Additional Days in Villach

Should you be able to spend additional days in the area we recommend taking a trip to Lake Ossiach (Ossiacher See) a fantastic lake in the area worth visiting for its exceptional natural beauty. It is located 6 miles from Villach and is the third largest lake in Carinthia. The lake is surrounded by mountainous peaks and wooded hillsides, including the Ossiacher Tauern in the south, this warm lake has been a popular holiday spot, thanks in part to its many quaint lakeside villages and fund water sports such as waterskiing, sailing and windsurfing. It`s also a perfect spot to explore on foot with several hiking and biking trails to enjoy.

On the southern bank of Lake Ossiach lies Ossiach, the largest village in the area and home to the Benedictine abbey that was built in the 11th-century and rebuilt in the 16th-century. The village is also perfect to stroll through to enjoy. In the summer, Ossiach is home to a popular two-week long Carinthian Summer music festival held in August each year.

Another option is a fun day trip to the historic city of Salzburg and the stunning Hohensalzburg Castle and the Salzburger Dom cathedral. Old Town Graz is another easy getaway. Be sure to admire the beautiful old Schlossberg clock tower in the village of Halstatt, popular for its tranquil setting on the Hallstatter Sea.

Your Last Day in Villach

Depart your hotel for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in Villach in the beautiful state of Carinthia and in the heart of the county`s mountainous south.