tourist info villach

12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Villach

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Villach, the second largest town in the state of Carinthia, lies near the frontiers of Italy and Slovenia in the heart of Austria's mountainous southern region. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery - the Villacher Alpe to the west and the Karawanken chain to the south, together with the Julian Alps to the south - the town's top tourist attractions draw many visitors, whether they're on their way to the Carinthian lakes or stopping to visit the region's popular thermal springs.

Villach is certainly an old town. In fact, there was already a bridge and fortified camp here in Roman times and by 1007, the town had passed into the control of the Bishops of Bamberg, Villach eventually becoming part of Austria in 1759.

Its location makes it the perfect spot from which to explore the spectacular Alpe-Adria area. This region is a must-visit when in Austria, and has been designated as an important bioregion encompassing parts of Austria, Italy, and Slovenia. It also serves as an excellent base for winter sports enthusiasts wanting to explore the many top ski resorts in the area. These include Gerlitzen , which, thanks to its modern lifts (Gerlitzen Kanzelbahn), is also busy during the summer months for adventures including biking, hiking, and paragliding.

Villach's proximity to Klagenfurt Airport , just a 30-minute drive away - or an hour by train - is also a benefit, whether you're arriving for the winter ski season or plan on exploring the area. The region's many hiking and biking trails are fun to explore in spring, summer, or fall.

For ideas on how to plan your vacation, read through our list of the top things to do in Villach, Austria.

See also: Where to Stay in Villach

1. Explore Villach Main Square

2. parish church of st. jakob, 3. see villach on a walking tour of its old churches, 4. make the trek to monkey mountain (affenberg zoo), 5. enjoy a bird's-eye view at the carinthia relief model, 6. visit the museum of the city of villach and finkenstein castle, 7. the villach alpine road and the dobratsch, 8. unwind in warmbad villach: kärnten therme, 9. enjoy water activities on lake faak, 10. explore lake ossiach, 11. the village of ossiach, 12. taf-timer in villach, where to stay in villach for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in villach, villach, austria - climate chart.

Straddling the River Drau and connected by several bridges, Villach's old town center is one of the most picturesque in southern Austria. A good way to begin your Villach adventure - and certainly a great way to get your bearings, taking notes of places to visit later - is exploring the long Main Square (Hauptplatz). This attractive historic square cuts across the middle of the old town and is linked by the main bridge over the Drau at its northern end.

Highlights include the city's parish church at the southern end of the square, and the Trinity Column from 1739 stands in the middle of this public space. The square also boasts a number of fine old merchant's homes, some with attractive old courtyards. Among the most interesting are the Alte Post and the 16th-century Paracelsus Hof .

The Main Square is also a popular place for shopping expeditions. Here, you'll find a wide variety of fine boutique stores and galleries, along with some of the leading big brands in fashion. Afterwards, grab a table and sit back and watch the world go by in one of the many pleasant cafés and restaurants located here, some of which offer patio seating.

Location: Hauptplatz, Old Town, Villach, Austria

Just a three-minute stroll from the Hauptplatz, the historic Parish Church of St. Jakob (Stadtpfarrkirche St. Jakob) makes for an easy first stop on your Villach travel itinerary. This three-aisled, 14th-century Gothic hall church is notable for its narrow choir and 95-meter-tall tower linked to the main building by an arched gateway. A highlight of your visit should be making the climb up the tower's 239 steps for the excellent views over the old town.

Interior highlights include the splendid Baroque canopied altar from 1740 with its large early-16th-century Gothic crucifix. There's also a huge fresco of St. Christopher, also from 1740, that's worth seeing. The church's oldest artifacts include a stone pulpit from 1555 and, in the baptistery, a Gothic font and choir stalls from 1464.

Address: Oberer Kirchenpl. 9, 9500 Villach, Austria

Exploring Villach's many fine old churches is a great way to get to know the layout of the city. Of its numerous other old places of worship, one of the most impressive is the Holy Cross Church (Heiligenkreuzkirche). Located just a 10-minute walk east of the Church of St. Jakob , this elegant building certainly stands out for its coral pink exterior.

Constructed in the 18th century, it's also popular among photographers and selfie-takers for its ornate twin towers. Be sure to check out the church's interior, too. Highlights of its attractive interior include the excellent frescoes in the vaults, which were added in the 1960s.

The Parish Church of St. Martin (Pfarrkirche Villach St. Martin) is also worth seeing. Head back to the Hauptplatz and keep going west (it's just an extra 10-minute walk) and you'll be rewarded with a view of one of Austria's most attractive Baroque high altars. Of special note is its Late Gothic Madonna. If you've got time, squeeze in a visit to the Parish Church of St. Kreuz (Kirche Zum Heiligen Kreuz). This fine 18th-century structure boasts an unusual three-story façade with twin towers, and is notable for its richly decorated altars and pulpit.

A great diversion for those traveling with kids is Monkey Mountain, or Affenberg Zoo (Affenberg Landskron). Located just a few minutes' drive outside Villach, this fun family attraction can be enjoyed as part of an informative guided tour, led by experts, on the care of these fascinating creatures.

All told, the zoo is home to some 164 Japanese macaques, each of them free to roam around their huge, tree-lined enclosures, and to interact with visitors. In addition to seeing these gentle animals up close, you'll also see them raising their babies, as well as swimming and diving (weather permitting).

Tours are offered daily and generally last 45 minutes. For those wanting a more immersive experience, consider taking a private tour, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday care of the monkeys, as well as a chance to feed them.

Other animal-related things to do in Villach include paying a visit to Rosegg Zoo .This fun attraction includes a collection of exotic and domestic creatures, plus fun activities such as a labyrinth and an adventure playground, along with a historic home and café. Also worth catching are the birds of prey demonstrations held at Adler Arena Burg Landskron ; these thrilling 45-minute displays are even more spectacular given the setting in the grounds of an old castle.

Address: 9523 Landskron, Villach, Austria

Official site: www.affenberg.com/en/

Located in the Schillerpark at the south end of Villach along Peraustrasse, the spectacular Carinthia Relief Model (Relief von Kärnten) is a must-see attraction for model lovers, along with those interested in the region's topography.

Built in 1913 and famous as the largest plastic relief model of a landscape in Europe, this huge 180-square-meter model of the state of Carinthia, laid out in scales of 1:5,000 and 1:10,000, is so big, it has been given its own dedicated building. The highlight of a visit is undoubtedly the opportunity to experience a stunning 3D bird's-eye view of this mountainous region in all its splendor, which includes an impressive light show.

Address: Peraustraße, Schillerpark 9500 Villach, Austria

Founded in 1873, the Museum of the City of Villach (Museum der Stadt Villach) is one of the largest and oldest municipal museums in Austria. It boasts a large collection of regional artwork and artifacts from prehistoric to modern times. Highlights include its collection of rare gold and silver coins, as well as its fun tour of the reconstructed battlements along a section of the old town walls.

Other old battlements worth exploring are those of Finkenstein Castle (Altfinkenstein), a 12th-century castle overlooking nearby Lake Faak, which is located an easy 20-minute drive to the south of Villach. Now largely ruins, this old fortress serves as a spectacular backdrop for the Burgarena , a 1,150-seat amphitheater used for concerts and theatrical performances.

Address: Widmanngasse 38, 9500 Villach, Austria

The best way to see the Villacher Alpes up close is via the Villach Alpine Road. This spectacular 17-kilometer toll road winds its way from Villach high up to the 2,166-meter Dobratsch, the region's highest peak and a popular natural park and tourist attraction. Along with the dramatic panoramic views of Villach, the road leads to the 1,732-meter Rosstratte , with its views from the Julian Alps all the way to the Karawanken mountains and the Carinthian lake plateau.

From here, a number of excellent hiking trails of various lengths spread out across the landscape. A highlight for kids is the mountaintop adventure playground with its fun observation towers, tunnels, climbing area, and slides. Chairlifts are available to take walkers farther up the Dobratsch. From here, an hour or two climb (depending on how often you stop to admire the views) will take you to the summit, where you can visit the two small pilgrimage churches located here.

Address: Villacher Alpenstraße 11, 9500 Villach, Austria

Official site: www.villacher-alpenstrasse.at/va/en/index

Just three kilometers from Villach, on the old town's southern outskirts, lies the famous spa of Warmbad Villach. Sitting at an elevation of 501 meters, the spa's warm mineral springs are noted for their treatment of rheumatism, circulatory disorders, and nervous diseases.

The newest and most luxurious of Warmbad's spas is the Kärnten Therme spa, a stunning state-of-the-art facility that includes a large thermal swimming pool with a treatment complex, an open-air pool with a sauna, a fun pool with numerous leisure facilities and slides, as well as a thermal pool.

Address: Kadischenallee 25, 9504 Warmbad-Villach, Austria

Official site: www.kaerntentherme.com/en/

Lake Faak (Faaker See) is an easy drive seven kilometers southeast of Villach. Located at the foot of the 2,143-meter-tall Mittagskogel, the lake measures 2.6 kilometers long and 1.7 kilometers wide and is notable for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, which drain into the River Gail. It's a favorite spot for sunbathing due to its average summer temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius.

Motor boats aren't allowed on this pretty little lake, ensuring its popularity for canoeing and kayaking, as well as for fishing, sailing, and windsurfing. Other popular activities around the lake include horseback riding, climbing, and walking, as well as cycling (a variety of bike tours are available). A number of quaint resorts, hotels, and restaurants are dotted around the lake, as well as numerous camping and picnicking spots.

Lake Ossiach (Ossiacher See) is another wonderful stretch of water worth visiting and is famous for its outstanding natural beauty. Located just 10 kilometers northeast of Villach, the lake is 11 kilometers long and one kilometer wide and reaches depths of up to 47 meters, making it the third largest lake in Carinthia after the Wörther See and the Millstätter See.

Surrounded by wooded hillsides and mountainous peaks, including the Ossiacher Tauern in the south, this warm lake has long been a popular holiday spot, thanks in part to its many quaint lakeside villages with facilities for water sports such as rowing, waterskiing, sailing, and windsurfing. It's also a delightful area to explore on foot, and is well served by numerous well-marked hiking and biking trails.

Opposite the small village of Ossiach, on the north side of the Ossiacher See, is Bodensdorf . This family resort with parks and many sports facilities and home to traditional festivals and events for kids.

On the southern bank of Lake Ossiach (Ossiacher See) lies Ossiach, the largest village in the area and home to an 11th-century Benedictine abbey (Stift Ossiach) that was rebuilt in the 16th century. The former Abbey Church of the Assumption is now the local parish church, and was remodeled in Baroque style in the 18th century. Highlights include its superb stucco decoration and wall and ceiling paintings from 1750, as well as the Late Gothic winged altar in the northwest chapel depicting the Madonna with Child.

In addition to the old village and beautiful Lake Ossiach , the other big draw is the popular two-week long Carinthian Summer music festival held each August with its many operatic, choral, orchestral, and chamber concerts set in one of the most picture-perfect settings imaginable.

Address: Ossiach 1, 9570 Ossiach, Austria

Although not particularly well-known outside of Europe for its automotive industry, Austria has had its successes in this field over the decades. A good place to learn more about the country's automotive history is TAF-TIMER in Villach, a vintage car museum with a particular focus on European autos and motor bikes of the 1950s.

Highlights include perfectly preserved examples of German- and Austrian-made machines, including such rarities as the Bavarian made Goggomobil, the Messerschmitt bubble car, and rare Porsche vehicles, as well as mopeds and motorbikes from once-famous Austrian manufacturer Puch.

Address: Draupromenade 12, A-9500 Villach, Austria

Official site: www.automuseum-villach.at/english

We recommend these convenient hotels in Villach near attractions like the old town and the city's beautiful churches:

• Hotel Warmbaderhof : This luxury thermal spa hotel is located in a parkland setting on the outskirts of town and features a medical spa with multiple thermal pools, a hot tub, sauna, and pastry café.
• Vocco Villach : Popular for its mid-range pricing, river views, and contemporary decor, this hotel is located across a bridge from the old town and features Nespresso coffee machines in its rooms and suites.
• Hotel Goldenes Lamm : Featuring affordable rates, this great hotel is just steps from the old town and features comfortable beds and family rooms.
• Kramer Hotel : This hotel features budget-friendly rates, a great central location, friendly service, and free parking.

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Fun Day Trips: A visit to the historic city of Salzburg is a great addition to any Austrian day-trip itinerary, and should take in such top tourist attractions as the stunning Hohensalzburg Castle and the Salzburger Dom cathedral. Old Town Graz is another easy getaway (be sure to check out the magnificent old Schlossberg clock tower), as is the village of Halstatt , popular for its idyllic setting on the Hallstätter Sea.

Oh, Vienna! : No Austrian travel itinerary is complete without a visit to the nation's capital of Vienna . In addition to its spectacular setting on the Danube river, this popular tourist destination is home to many magnificent palaces, including the huge Hofburg and the elegant Schönbrunn Palace .

Austria Vacation Ideas : The lovely city of Innsbruck is another Austrian travel destination worth considering as a base. In addition to its popularity among skiers and snowboarders, this attractive city is home to many historic palaces, museums, and churches. Linz, the capital of Upper Austria , is also worth visiting and contains numerous well-preserved examples of medieval architecture. And for outdoor enthusiasts, Kitzbühel is one of the best known (and busiest) ski resorts in Austria .

More on Austria

Villach , an Austrian town in the region of Carinthia , is a very popular tourist destination for active holidaymakers. The possibilities for outdoor activities such as hiking , mountain biking and skiing in a spectacular natural setting are almost endless.

The town itself is certainly not the most attractive in Austria, but it is lively and well-equipped, so it is well suited as a base for exploring the surrounding area at all times of the year.

When to go to Villach

Villach is a lively tourist resort in all seasons of the year and there is no better time to visit.

A summer holiday in Villach is above all about greenery, walking, mountain biking and swimming in the lake. In winter, Villach is an ideal destination for skiing, bathing in a heated swimming pool with a view of the mountains or the lake and peeking at the Christmas markets, which are smaller than those in Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck but not without charm. Spring and autumn are two ideal seasons for hiking.

Keep in mind that Villach hosts the Carinthischen Sommer , one of Austria’s most prestigious music festivals, from mid-July to the end of August. The festival days are a peak season for tourism in Villach, so if you plan to come here during the festival, it is a good idea to book well in advance.

Things to do in and around Villach

Are you passing through Villach and want to make a stop in the town or are you planning a holiday in the area? Here are the most interesting sights in and around the town centre.

Things to do in the historic centre

The main attraction in the centre of Villach is the St. Jakob Church , an interesting late Gothic building that dominates the old part of town. Inside, you can admire frescoes, a richly decorated ceiling and a rococo altar; for a splendid panoramic view of the town, climb to the top of the bell tower.

The town museum is dedicated to local history, archaeology and medieval art, while the Relief Von Kärten museum, just outside the town, will show you a scale reproduction of the Carinthian region with all its tourist attractions.

Villach’s most original museum is the Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum where you can admire more than 250 vintage cars including the legendary Fiat Topolino and the BMW Isetta.

The bronze statue of the jester, which stands along the river, is the symbol of Villacher Fasching , the town carnival whose origins date back to the end of the 19th century and which is still much loved by the ‘locals’.

Natural attractions

What draws tourists to Villach is certainly the beautiful natural scenery in which the town is embedded and the numerous opportunities for outdoor sports.

Just a few kilometres from the town centre are the two lakes of the Villach region, Lake Faaker and Lake Ossiacher , the former to the east and the latter to the northeast. They are ideal for an afternoon or an entire holiday of pure relaxation, sunbathing in one of the bathing establishments, renting a boat or taking a vigorous swim.

Against the backdrop of the Ossiacher See towers the magnificent Gerlitzen mountain , which reaches a height of 1900 metres; in winter it is a very popular ski resort.

For mountain bikers and hikers, we recommend Dobratsch , an area about 12 km from Villach with numerous hiking and biking trails; in winter, it is a popular destination for cross-country skiers.

Family-friendly attractions

The most popular attractions around Villach for children are Adler Flugschau and Affenberg, two parks dedicated to animals that are difficult to see in everyday life.

Adler Flugschau is a care and breeding centre for birds of prey housed in the former castle of Burg Landskron, a hamlet to the north-east of the centre. Here your children can admire 20 different species of birds including griffon vultures, hawks, owls and golden eagles and watch a 40-minute show in which these magnificent specimens engage in hunting actions.

On the slopes of Landskron is Affenberg , the monkey mountain, where on the initiative of a private individual 150 Japanese macaques were brought in and now live free here. They are friendly and curious animals, so keep your rucksacks tightly closed or they might steal something from you!

Drava cycle path

The town of Villach is located along one of Europe’s most attractive cycle paths, the Drau cycle path (in German Drauradweg ). This is a cycling route along the Drau River that starts at its source in Toblach in the province of Bolzano and ends in the town of Maribor in Slovenia.

More than 300 km long, the Drava cycle path crosses three countries (Italy, Austria, Slovenia): for cycling enthusiasts it is an experience not to be missed.

You arrive in Villach at the end of the 39 km fourth stage starting in Spittal, a fairly easy and well-marked section. The fifth stage starts in Villach and finishes in Ferlach after 51 km.

Villach Alpine Road

If you are not the sporty type, you can admire Carinthia’s beautiful mountain panorama from the comfort of your car: take the Villacher Alp enstrasse, one of the five most important mountain roads in Austria.

It is a beautiful 16.5-kilometre mountain road with seven hairpin bends, 116 curves and a maximum height of 1,200 metres, along which you can enjoy breathtakingly beautiful panoramic views of the town of Villach, Villach, the Julian Alps and the Karawanken. The road is open all year round; a ticket must be paid to drive it.

The route starts in the district of Villach-Möltschach and ends in Rosstratte , from where you can admire the Dobratsch peak.

Where to stay in Villach

The Villach region is well developed touristically, so there is a good choice of hotels and inns to suit all budgets.

You can choose to sleep in the centre of Villach, but many tourists prefer to move a little outside the town to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the mountains, perhaps choosing a hotel with lake view rooms . There is also a good choice of hotels with a sauna and swimming pool .

Recommended hotels in Villach

How to get to villach.

To get to Villach from Vienna, allow three and a half hours by car. There is also good news for those who find travelling by train fascinating: Villach is on Austria’s main train routes, with direct trains from several cities including Vienna , Salzburg , Lienz and Klagenfurt .

Villach Weather

What's the weather at Villach? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Villach for the next few days.

Where is located Villach

Location around.

• Airport transfers
• Airport parking

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By train
• 2.3 By plane
• 3 Get around
• 7.1 Street food
• 7.3 Mid-range
• 7.4 Splurge
• 9 Stay safe
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge

Villach is a town in the Carinthia province of Austria . It has about 60,000 inhabitants. Villach is the second-largest city of Carinthia and a railway gateway to most parts of Austria as well as the Italian border.

Understand [ edit ]

Its carnival is broadcast on public television throughout Austria.

It's quite old, with roots back in Roman times (when the city was called Santicum ). The city was heavily bombed in World War II , destroying many parts of the city.

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

Villach is a railway hub for Austria, so trains converge from most other big cities including Vienna , Graz , Klagenfurt , Salzburg , Linz , Innsbruck and Bregenz . There are also direct connections to Munich , Zurich , Venice , Ljubljana , Zagreb and Belgrade . Several sleeper trains stop en route to destinations such as Florence , Milan , Munich, Rome , Stuttgart , and Zurich. However, Villach is a mid-point for these journeys, so departure times are after midnight.

Optima Express runs a car-train between Villach and Edirne in western Turkey two or three times a week April-November, taking 33 hours. Departure days vary. This train enables motorists to take their own cars to Turkey while avoiding the tricky, tiring roads through the Balkans, and it's also open for passengers without cars. It's one of the cheaper ways to retrace the old Orient Express in the modern day.

By car [ edit ]

If you are coming from north, take the A10 Tauernautobahn. If you are coming from east (Graz,Vienna) take the A2 Südautobahn. If you are planning to go from Slovenia, take the A11 Karawankenautobahn. If you are arriving from Italy also take the A2 Südautobahn. The motorway around Villach has two exits at Faakersee which takes you to the centre of the city and Ossiachersee which takes you to the north of the city.

By plane [ edit ]

If you are travelling by plane, 46.642778 14.337222 2 Klagenfurt Airport ( KLU  IATA ) is the nearest airport, with regular flights from destinations including Alicante , Brussels , Dublin , Frankfurt , London Stansted , Munich , and Rotterdam . The drive is approximately 40 km along the A2 Südautobahn. By train, the S-Bahn line S1 runs hourly between Villach's main station and Klagenfurt Annabichl station, a 5-10 minute walk to the airport terminal. The ride is just under one hour. The airport in Ljubljana is further away (about 100km) but serves a larger number of airlines and destinations.

Get around [ edit ]

It's a quite small town, so it is easy to get around on foot. Taxis can be found near the railway station and in the centre of the city near Hauptplatz. Federal buses go to the surrounding area from the local Busbahnhof (busterminal, a few minutes away from the railway station). Local busline no.10 (operated by a company called Kowatsch ) goes around the historic city centre. Getting around by car can be tiring since parking space is rare during weekdays and traffic jams at business hours are very common. During weekdays parking fees are charged in most areas around the centre of the city.

See [ edit ]

• 46.6424 13.8962 3 Falconry in Landskron Castle , Schlossbergweg 30 , ☏ +43 4242 42888 , [email protected] . Open April 29 - October 3; hours vary by season . A section of the castle is now the home of several birds of prey. They can be seen in their cages, but even better is to see them fly, which is possible two or three times a day, according to the season and to the weather. The demonstrations last about 40 minutes and guests can enjoy watching eagles, hawks, kites, and owls fly just above their heads. Adults €16, children €8, €13 reduced, €40 families . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.6132 13.8456 4 Parish Church of Villach-St. Jacob , Kirchenplatz 8 , ☏ +43 4242 24066 , [email protected] . The church of St. Jakob (the parish church of Villach) has an impressive bell tower, 94 metres high. It is the tallest in Carinthia and its present appearance and height dates back to 1847. Visitors can climb the 239 steps to the top and enjoy the wonderful view. The form of the church building today dates back to about the 14th century, when it was reconstructed following an earthquake, though some features were destroyed once again in 1944. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.68713 13.83506 5 Museum of Doll Art ( Elli Riehl Puppenwelt ), Buchholzer Straße 4 , ☏ +43 4248 2395 , [email protected] . Open May - October . Collectors and doll lovers of dolls will be overwhelmed by this museum. They show porcelain, vinyl and wooden dolls made by famous artists. Some of these dolls are manufactured in the own studio. In the basement premises they exhibit all different kinds of craftswork like glass objects, pottery, flowers and certainly a great variety of special dolls. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.5926 13.711 6 Villacher Alpenstraße . This almost 20 km alpine road takes you up to Dobratsch mountain and ends on 1.732 m. Who wants to visit the top still has a bit of climbing to do! The top of Mount Dobratsch is at 2.167 m high. ( updated Jan 2021 )
• 46.60996 13.84689 7 Relief von Kärnten ( Relief of Carinthia ), Schillerpark , ☏ +43 4242 205 3500 , [email protected] . May-Oct: Tu-Su 10:00-16:30 . Walk around a precisely detailed three-dimensional model of the entire state of Carinthia. Audio, light and video effects explain the geology and history of the region, such as the formation of the Alps, and development of Roman roads into the modern transportation system. Adults €4, reduced €3, children free . ( updated Jan 2023 )

Do [ edit ]

• Cross Country Skiing . Cross-country skiing is possible on Dobratsch and all major ski resorts around Villach. ( updated Jan 2021 )
• Ice-Skating . Ice-skating is possible on Faakersee, Ossiachersee and Vassacher See though this depends heavily on the weather in winter whether lakes are frozen or not. ( updated Jan 2021 )
• Villacher Kirchtag . Every year (usually the first week in august) the city celebrates Villacher Kirchtag with a big amusement park. The city can get very crowded in this week with as many as 50,000 visitors, especially from Italy. ( updated Jan 2021 )
• Jazz Over Villach . A jazz festival in the middle of July located on Gernottenhöhe in Judendorf. ( updated Jan 2021 )
• 46.5522 13.876 2 Kanzianiberg . One of the best natural climbing walls in Austria. There are hundreds of colour-coded climbing routes at all levels, and on sunny days the vista is stunning. The maximum height difference is approx. 60 m. Kanzianiberg can be accessed by bus or bicycle (30 min from Villach) or car (15 min). ( updated Jan 2021 )
• 46.5637 13.8511 3 Golfclub Schloss Finkenstein , Schlossrainweg 8 ( Finkenstein, 10 minute drive from Villach ), ☏ +43 4257 29201 , [email protected] . One of the best 19-hole golf places in the area with stunning views from every hole. ( updated Jan 2021 )
• 46.5883 13.8265 5 ThermenResort Warmbad-Villach , Kadischenallee 22-24 ( Warmbad; S4 or S5 trains from Villach main station ), ☏ +43 4242 3001 2750 . A large spa resort, featuring the heated pools of Villach. Here, there are slides, vortex pools, and hot tubs for you to enjoy. Or, you can relax on the chairs outside of the pool. The resort complex includes hotels, restaurants, and wellness services. The Thermal Urquellbecken features an indoor thermal pool with natural bubbles and a pebble floor. The KärntenTherme offers indoor and outdoor thermal pools, and a separate sauna area with traditional infusions, rest areas, and a whirlpool with a view of the nearby mountains. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Buy [ edit ]

If you want to go shopping stick to the Hauptplatz and the centre area of the city. A bit outside of Villach (along Mariagailerstrasse ) you will find an area with many shopping malls. These malls are far apart, so it's better to go by car or bus there. Buses to Mariagailerstrasse go from the local Busbahnhof (a bus terminal) which is located a few minutes away from the central railway station. In 2007 a huge shopping centre (atrio) was opened. It has about 80 shops!

Eat [ edit ]

Street food [ edit ].

• 46.615268 13.847675 1 Bratwurstkönig , Draulände 5 . ( updated Sep 2022 )

Budget [ edit ]

All these are in the city centre:

• 46.610352 13.84836 2 Café Bar Paragraf , Peraustr.18 , ☏ +43 664 99 226 786 . M-F 08:00-22:00 . Menu includes local dishes and weekly lunch specials. Also open for coffee in the morning, and drinks in the evening. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.614581 13.842347 3 INTERSPAR-Restaurant , Ringmauergasse 9 , ☏ +43 4242 29202850 . M-F 08:00-19:00, Sa 08:00-18:00 . Cafeteria-style restaurant, part of the Interspar supermarket. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.615146 13.851456 4 Stauber's Stadtschenke , Nikolaigasse 14 , ☏ +43 4242 22 767 . M-F 10:00-23:00, Sa 17:00-23:00 . Cozy tavern in a house dating back to 1879, serving regional dishes with local ingredients. Offers a weekly lunch special that includes a vegetarian option. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.610177 13.843742 5 Onkel Kebap , Italiener Str. 19 , ☏ +43 699 11723245 . 10:00-23:00 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.61289 13.841138 6 Pizzeria Arin , Tiroler Str. 2a , ☏ +43 4242 52770 . M-F 10:00-22:00, Sa Su 11:00-22:00 . Kebab, pizza and pide shop. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.61176 13.839406 7 Sakura , Völkendorfer Str. 6 , ☏ +43 4242 52410 . 11:00-14:30 and 17:00-22:00; closed Tu . Japanese restaurant,with sushi and a buffet option. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 46.616342 13.849176 8 Villacher Brauhof , Bahnhofsstraße 8 ( near the Hauptbahnhof ), ☏ +43 4242 24 222 . Tu-Sa 10:30-23:00 (Kitchen until 21:00) . The brewery serves traditional Carinthian food for lunch or dinner with locally sourced ingredients, paired with their own varieties of beer. Try the Kasnudln or the Bierführerbrot (dark bread piled with cold meats, cheese and radish). Several vegetarian dishes are also available. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.596841 13.822524 9 Gasthof "Genottenhöhe" , [email protected] . Genottehöhe Straße 40, Tel.379 18 - serves traditional Carinthia food and is located on a hill in Judendorf.  
• 46.613431 13.844349 10 Burger Boutique Villach , Widmanngasse 32a . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 46.611939 13.844946 11 Galeria Gastro OG , Postgasse 6 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 46.6171 13.8603 12 Koloini Konditorei , Ossiacher Zeile 72 ( near the Hauptbahnhof ), ☏ +43 4242 413 22 . 24 hours daily . Once a coffee house, they now focus on cake production by special order. But you don't need to plan ahead to try a Villacher Torte or Carinthian Cheesecake; you can buy an entire small or large cake from their 24-hour Torten-Automat (cake machine). ( updated Jan 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 46.615121 13.849738 13 Lagana , Europapl. 2 ( in the voco Villach Hotel, near the Hauptbahnhof ), ☏ +43 4242 22522 . M-Sa 10:00-00:00, Su 14:00-22:00, kitchen open Tu-F 11:30-13:30 and Tu-Sa 18:00-21:00 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.604713 13.869974 14 Frierss Feines Haus , Gewerbezeile 2b , ☏ +43 4242 3040 45 , [email protected] . M-Sa 07:30-23:00, kitchen until 21:30 . ( updated Jan 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

If you want to go out in the evening go for Hauptplatz and the numerous small avenues that start there. You'll find various small pubs and cafes such as

• 46.6016 13.877 1 Turmstüberl , Anton Tuder Straße 2 , ☏ +43 4242 37875 . A small, atmospheric pub where the locals go. If you are travelling in a group you should book a table in advance.  
• 46.6135 13.8481 2 Lücke , Freihausgasse 5 , ☏ +43 670 2022640 . Tu-Sa 18:00-04:00 . An atmospheric pub. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.615 13.8453 3 Stern , Kaiser Josef Platz 5 , ☏ +43 4242 24 7 55 . Tu-Th 10:00-22:00, F 10:00-2:00, Sa 18:00-2:00 . Cocktail bar and restaurant. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.6144 13.8458 4 Flaschl , Seilergasse 1 ( Hauptplatz ). A lively pub.  
• 46.612 13.846 5 Parkcafe , Moritschstraße 2 , ☏ +43 4242 27055 , [email protected] . M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa Su 8:30-13:30 . Stylish cafe with Italian snacks, baked goods, and breakfast. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Villach, like most Austrian cities, is safe to wander around. There will be occasional drunk people during festivities, but police visibility is evident. It is advisable to take precautionary measures when traveling, similarly to traveling to other European cities.

Sleep [ edit ]

Villach has a large variety of both low and high-budget hotels. Some addresses are:

• 46.6158 13.8333 1 Jugend- und Familiengästehaus Villach ( Youth and Family Hostel ), St. Martiner Straße 13A , ☏ +43 4242 56368 , [email protected] . Hostelling International hostel with 4- or 5-bed en suite dorm rooms. Amenities in the hostel include a sauna, climbing hall, and fitness room. Also offers packed meals to-go, and shuttle bus services for groups of skiers. Dorm B&B €29 for members . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.6147 13.8476 2 Hotel Goldenes Lamm , Hauptplatz 1 , ☏ +43 4242 24105 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Double room B&B €107 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.6183 13.8599 3 B&B Hotel Villach , Gaswerkstraße 22 , ☏ +43 4242 381660 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Comfortable, straightforward hotel with air conditioning, free parking, and friendly staff. Double B&B from €66 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.6107 13.8432 4 Hotel Kramer , Italiener Str. 14 , ☏ +43 4242 24953 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Features free parking and a sauna. Double room from €94 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.6137 13.846 5 Palais 26 , Hauptplatz 26 , ☏ +43 4242 26101 , [email protected] . Check-in: 11:00 , check-out: 15:00 . Scenic, old hotel (built in the 16th century) in the centre of the city with spacious, renovated rooms. Double from €115 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.5877 13.8268 6 Thermenhotel Karawankenhof , Kadischenallee 27 ( Warmbad; S4 or S5 trains from Villach main station ), ☏ +43 4242 3001 2099 , [email protected] . Modern family-friendly hotel. Part of the resort area at Warmbad; hotel guests have indoor access to the thermal spa and pools. Double B&B from €142 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 46.61523 13.84992 7 voco Villach , Europaplatz 1-2 ( near the Hauptbahnhof ), ☏ +43 4242 22522 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Part of the IHG brand, a stylish hotel overlooking the river, featuring fitness, spa and business services. Direct access to the congress centre located next door. Double B&B from €128 . ( updated Jan 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

Local area code is 4242.

Cafeteria nikolai Nikolaigasse 16 (about 10min away from central square), Tel. 22511, an internet cafe which serves food and drinks.

Go next [ edit ]

• 46.56556 13.78409 2 Schütt located in the south of mountain Dobratsch , an area with huge stone rocks, which are parts of Dobratsch itself after an earthquake back in the 14th century caused half of the mountain to fall into the surrounding area.
• 46.6933 13.9158 3 Gerlitzen is a mountain and small ski resort located half an hour from Villach. The skiing is nothing special but Gerlitzen offers some of the best vistas in Austria . On clear days almost the whole of Carinthia can be seen from this mountain top. You can either drive up (take care in winter) or take the cable car. From the parking space/cable car station it's an hour's walk to the summit. The cable car station at the mountain's base at 46.6594 13.9015 4 Annenheim can be reached by bus or train, including S-Bahn line S2 from the Villach main station.
• The Soca/Isonzo valley in Slovenia is about an hour's drive from Villach over the Predil mountain pass via Italy . Its deep limestone gorges offer a spectacular scenery and its emerald-coloured rivers are famed for some of the best kayaking and white water rafting in Europe. Since the Soca valley is actually easier to reach from Villach and Klagenfurt than Ljubljana (Slovenia's capital) it's well worth a day trip if you're hanging around Carinthia for longer. Head for the town Bovec , the touristic centre of the Soca valley.

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Drau town with an Alps-Adriatic feel

Villach is situated in the three-country region of Carinthia, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia.

No matter whether you want to spend your holiday in town, visiting cultural attractions or shopping, on an active cycling trip (Drau Cycle Path!) or in natural surroundings in the mountains or on one of the lakes around Villach, the Drau town can offer it all.

This includes a variety of destinations, such as Landskron Castle with its eagle show and monkey mountain. The course of the year is also marked by exciting events and cultural highlights: from the Villach Carnival and Austria’s largest traditional folklore event, the Villacher Kirchtag, to the Küchenkult culinary festival and the Alpe-Adria Bike Festival.

If you are looking for a relaxed stay with plenty of recreation, then Warmbad-Villach will be perfect for you. Here you will find the KärntenTherme spa , the pool above the original thermal spring, a first-class hotel, and health and therapy centres. In Warmbad you can also experience a unique spectacle of nature: the “Maibachl”, a thermal spring right in the middle of the forest, which bubbles up mainly, but not only, when the snow melts. The water, which is at 28 degrees, is caught in two natural pools which are an inviting spot for swimming and relaxing.

Winter sports lovers are drawn to the Gerlitzen Alpe or the Dreiländereck. The Dobratsch Nature Park is an inviting area for ski touring, snowshoe hiking and tobogganing. And ice skating fans in Villach don’t have to wait for the lakes or ponds to freeze over: at the Villach Advent Market in the town centre you can take a twirl on a romantically-lit skating rink.

All accommodations in Villach!

Tourismusinformation Villach-Stadt Bahnhofstraße 3 9500 Villach Tel. +43 4242 3 999 3 [email protected]   Villach

Home » Travel Guides » Austria » 15 Best Things to Do in Villach (Austria)

15 Best Things to Do in Villach (Austria)

Villach has roots spanning back to the Neolithic period and also traces of Roman influence with remains being unearthed of many Roman Artefacts.

It has since been an important town in the state of Carinthia and is the seventh largest city in Austria .

Located in Southern Austria, Villach is only a short drive from the borders of both Slovenia and Italy and is surrounded by encapsulating countryside, sparkling lakes and beautiful Alpine mountain ranges; all of this makes it an idyllic destination with a great variety of outdoor activities connected with the natural world.

Lets explore the best things to do in Villach :

1. Villacher Alpenstrasse

This eminent alpine road stretches for over 16km and boasts some of the most fantastic scenery in Southern Austria.

The road is a toll road and tickets are available at the starting point in Villach – As of 2016, the price for a single car day trip is 16.00 Euro.

The scenery and landscapes you can experience during this amazing drive make the cost worthwhile.

There is also a viewing platform to stop at and see the fantastic mountain countryside surrounding Villach and many parking points so you can stop and take advantage of the hiking trails in the region.

2. Landskron Castle

Just on the northern edge of Villach is the outstanding castle of Landskron which is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and high up in an elevated position over 800m above sea level.

The castle first appears in history records 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 amazing condition for its age and you can enjoy walking around the walls and grounds, and also take in the fabulous views across to Lake Ossiach.

There is also a restaurant and café within the main structure and toilet facilities.

There is also a display of falcons and birds but that is described in a later point.

3. Naturpark Dobratsch

The Dobratsch Nature Park is located on the Villach Alpine Road and offers a variety of activities and sights to engage in, all set in the wonderful surroundings of the alpine mountains.

You can explore forests, rivers, mountain pastures and the different habitats this landscape has created for alpine animals.

Furthermore there are several information displays about the geology and birdlife of the Dobratsch and there is over 120 types of birds, 1000+ species of butterfly and even caves holding bats and creepy crawlies.

The Dobratsch is a nature-lover’s paradise, and generally a great place to explore the outdoors.

4. Lake Faak

One of the four main lakes listed in this article, Lake Faak has an area of 2.2km and is the fifth largest in the state of Carinthia.

The lakes water is a brilliant shade of turquoise and is well known for how clear it is, making it popular with swimmers.

If you enjoy fishing then you can look forward to catching Whitefish, Carp, Pike, Wels and Zander among other types.

The annual European Bike Week is also held at Lake Faak and is an extremely interesting event to spectate at.

5. Villach Main Square

The river Drave which runs centrally through Villach is right next to the beautiful main square and is a great place to walk along.

The Main Square itself is called the Hauptplatz and is located roughly 10 minutes’ walk from the train station.

With a long stretch of pedestrianised surface, the square is a fine place to explore get into the heart of Villach.

Old architecture is in abundance with buildings like the picturesque Alte post, and the trinity column stands proud as the squares centrepiece.

6. Lake Silbersee

Another of the many lakes in the greater Villach area, Lake Silbersee is actually an artificial lake that was constructed in the 1970’s during the construction of the Sud Autobahn.

The maximum depth of the lake is only 7m and the surface area covers only 21 acres, this makes it an ideal body of water for swimming and bathing in.

Owing to its smaller size than the other Lakes near Villach, in the winter months Silbersee freezes over and is an extremely popular place for ice-skating.

7. Lake Aichwaldsee

This quiet and inviting lake lies close to the much larger Lake Faak but has just as much to offer.

In contrast to the clear turquoise waters of Lake Faak, the waters of Aichwaldsee are quite murky and dark but the quality of the water is still first rate.

What makes this small lake so attractive is the surrounding conservation area which is truly stunning and features many forests, walking paths and greenery.

8. Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum

Just outside the town of Villach, this enchanting museum brings you something different than the standard displays of artefacts and historical items – Instead you are treated to an impeccable showroom full of old iconic cars, motorbikes and appliances from the 50s, 60s and 70s!

The collection is in mint condition and all the vehicles and appliances look fabulous; the cars include a BMW Bubble car, a Fiat 850 and even a Trabi which has been dubbed one of the worst cars ever built by some! Spread over two floors, the museum is a real gem and it is a perfect place to visit for any car enthusiast.

9. Kärnten Therme Water Park

Located in the smaller district of Warmbad-Villach, this extensive water park draws many visitors and is an extremely fun place to spend the day.

The park has both indoor and outdoor sections and features water slides, a crazy river where you use floats, a stylish sports pool for lane swimming and competitions, a spa and lounge area to relax in after your exercises and a kids area.

The modern and eye-catching architecture also give the Kärnten Water Park an appealing and inviting atmosphere to compliment to array of activities available.

10. Stadtpfarrturm (Villach St. Jakob)

This Roman Catholic Church which is located on the main square in Villach has seen many different design variations since its earliest recorded construction in the 1100’s.

Surviving various fires and damaging incidents during its history, the church boasts the tallest bell tower in Carinthia and has a Romanesque style.

The interior is extremely ornate and has a patterned pink/white ceiling and some great paintings and an opulent altar.

One of the main draws is the view from the top of the bell tower – You can ascend the many stairs in the tower and be rewarded with 360 degree views of Villach and the mountain countryside.

11. Lake Ossiach

This is the largest of the lakes surrounding Villach and also the third largest in the state of Carinthia with a surface area of 10.38km.

The lake features several quiet natural shorelines to relax on, the magnificent backdrop of alpine mountains, a host of water sports to try your hand at and combines the best of the Mediterranean and alpine climates.

As one of the premier tourist destinations in the region, the lake has a wide variety of eateries, hotels and establishments scattered among the five main towns that border its waters.

12. Museum of the City of Villach

Dating back to the 1800’s this is one of the largest (and oldest) municipal museums in Austria and has a very large collection of both prehistoric artefacts and regional displays of Carinthia.

One of the main highlights of the museum is the battlements of the old town walls that have been reconstructed, and the extensive rare coin collection.

13. Falconry display at Landskron Castle

Aside from the fabulous views and building you can see at Landskron Castle, there is a selection of birds of prey on display and also a falconry show to watch.

The show is in German, so unless you can speak the language don’t expect to learn a great deal, however the actual physical acts with the birds are fantastic and more than make up for this.

Watch the Falcons, Owls and Eagles catch their food in mid-air and perform feats of aerobatics all under the watchful eye of their trainers.

One thing to note is that parking fills up quickly so ensure you research the show times beforehand and plan in advance.

14. Maibachl hot spring

This natural phenomenon does not happen all the time and is dependent on the weather conditions and climate in the area – Generally this hot pool will appear in the spring months but has been known to last all year.

When the conditions are right, the underground reservoir overflows and pushes the water upwards to form the Maibachl.

Imagine immersing yourself in the warm waters and feeling the warmth rush through your body and wash away your aches and pains – The clear calm waters of the Maibachl are simply sublime and you should definitely make the effort to see if the pool is there during your visit.

15. Kanzianiberg rock climbing

Ever have the urge to simply climb up a rock face and see what’s waiting for you at the top? Or do you love adrenaline fuelled sports where you pit yourself against nature using your own strength and wits? If so then the natural Kanzianiberg rock face will be right up your street.

This is Carinthia’s largest and most popular natural rock-climbing area and features a staggering amount of different routes and crags to try your hand at.

The routes cater for all levels of experience and there are experts to give you guidance and coaching on this 60m high marvel of nature.

15 Best Things to Do in Villach (Austria):

• Villacher Alpenstrasse
• Landskron Castle
• Naturpark Dobratsch
• Villach Main Square
• Lake Silbersee
• Lake Aichwaldsee
• Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum
• Kärnten Therme Water Park
• Stadtpfarrturm (Villach St. Jakob)
• Lake Ossiach
• Museum of the City of Villach
• Falconry display at Landskron Castle
• Maibachl hot spring
• Kanzianiberg rock climbing

Must-see attractions in Villach

Stadtpfarrkirche St Jakob

The Stadtpfarrkirche St Jakob dominates the old town and has frescoes, a stuccoed ceiling and a vast rococo altar in gold leaf, bedecked with fresh…

Adler Arena

Situated between Villach and the Ossiacher See, the castle ruins of Burg Landskron are home to the impressive Adler Arena, where a 40-minute spectacle…

Relief Von Kärnten

Relief Von Kärnten is a huge relief model of Carinthia housed in Schillerpark, south of the old town. It covers 182 sq metres and depicts the province at…

Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum

Located 3km outside town, the Villach Automobile Museum focuses on icons of everyday motoring such as the Fiat Topolino, BMW Isetta and some 250 others…

St Nikolai-Kirche

The neo-Gothic church of St Nikolai might not have any real medieval cred, but what it lacks in age it makes up for in charm with its rustic Tyrolean…

Stadtpfarrturm

Climb Carinthia's highest church tower for bird's eye views of Villach and its dramatic alpine surroundings.

Museum der Stadt Villach

This museum covers local history, archaeology and medieval art; it also hosts occasionally interesting special exhibitions.

Top Things to Do in Villach, Austria

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What travellers are saying

• Villach Alpine Road
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12 Best Tourist Attractions & Things To Do In Villach

Are you looking for a vacation destination that offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and adventure? Look no further than Villach, Austria. As the second largest town in Carinthia, Villach has a lot to offer for travelers of all interests.

For those who love the outdoors, Villach provides endless opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports in its surrounding mountainous terrain.

History buffs can explore the town’s rich Roman past and numerous old churches, museums, and castles.

And adventure seekers can interact with exotic animals at the local zoo or enjoy a bird’s-eye view at the Carinthia Relief Model.

With so much to see and do, Villach is a must-visit destination that promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Tourist Attractions & Things To Do In Villach

1. explore villach main square.

You’re in for a treat as we explore Villach’s Main Square – a historic and vibrant hub that’s perfect for getting your bearings and immersing yourself in the town’s old-world charm.

This square is the heart of Villach, with its impressive architecture and lively atmosphere. You’ll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore, making it a great spot to start your adventure in Villach.

The Main Square is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Parish Church of St. Jakob, which boasts a 95-meter-tall tower and is a notable example of Gothic architecture.

Take a stroll around the square and admire the beautiful buildings, or sit and people-watch while enjoying a coffee or a refreshing drink.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, the Main Square is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for things to do in Villach.

2. Parish Church of St. Jakob

If you’re a fan of historic Gothic architecture, you’ll want to make sure to visit the Parish Church of St. Jakob while exploring Villach’s old town center.

This notable three-aisled, 14th-century hall church boasts a 95-meter-tall tower, making it hard to miss. Its intricate stonework and beautiful stained glass windows are sure to impress.

The Parish Church of St. Jakob is just one of several old churches worth seeing in Villach. Its rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

So, be sure to add it to your list of tourist attractions when planning your trip to Villach.

3. See Villach on a Walking Tour of its Old Churches

Take a stroll through Villach’s old town center and explore its historic churches. The Parish Church of St. Jakob is a must-see, with its impressive Gothic architecture and towering 95-meter-tall tower. But don’t stop there!

Villach has numerous other old churches worth seeing, including the Holy Cross Church and the Parish Church of St. Martin. While walking through the charming Old Town, take note of the beautiful facades and intricate details of these historic churches.

You can even join a guided walking tour to learn more about their rich history and significance in the community. Whether you’re a history buff or simply appreciate stunning architecture, exploring Villach’s old churches is a must-do activity.

4. Make the Trek to Monkey Mountain (Affenberg Zoo)

Don’t miss out on the chance to visit Monkey Mountain (Affenberg Zoo) – get up close and personal with Japanese macaques and enjoy a fun family adventure!

Located just outside Villach, Monkey Mountain is a unique attraction that allows visitors to interact with over 150 macaques that roam free in a 20-hectare forest.

You can take a guided tour to learn more about the monkeys’ behavior and feeding habits or explore the park on your own.

The monkeys are friendly and curious, often approaching visitors for a closer look. This makes for a fun and exciting experience that kids and adults alike will love.

Monkey Mountain is one of the top Villach attractions and is definitely worth a visit for animal lovers and families looking for a unique adventure.

5. Enjoy a Bird’s-Eye View at the Carinthia Relief Model

Get ready to be amazed by the stunning Carinthia Relief Model and experience a bird’s-eye view of the region like never before!

Located in Villach, this must-see tourist attraction is a large-scale model of the Carinthian region, complete with mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers. The model is incredibly detailed and accurate, allowing visitors to gain a unique perspective of the area.

The Carinthia Relief Model is an excellent way to get a sense of the region’s topography and geography. It’s a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The model is interactive, and visitors can explore the region from different angles and viewpoints.

Whether you’re a history buff, a geography enthusiast, or just looking for a unique way to experience Villach, the Carinthia Relief Model is an attraction you won’t want to miss.

So, be sure to add it to your list of must-see tourist attractions and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the area like never before!

6. Visit the Museum of the City of Villach and Finkenstein Castle

You’ll love exploring the rich history of Villach by visiting the Museum of the City. This large municipal museum is one of the oldest in Austria and features an extensive collection of regional artwork and artifacts.

You can learn about the town’s Roman roots and its evolution into a bustling center for trade and culture. The exhibits cover everything from the town’s famous Carnival tradition to its industrial heritage, including its once-thriving textiles and metalworking industries.

You can also learn about the many famous people who’ve called Villach home over the centuries.

After you’ve explored the Museum of the City, be sure to check out Finkenstein Castle. This 12th-century castle overlooks nearby Lake Faak and serves as a spectacular backdrop for the Burgarena, a summer theater festival that draws visitors from all over the region.

You can tour the castle’s impressive ramparts and towers and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Finkenstein Castle is also a great place to learn about the region’s feudal past and the role that castles played in its history.

7. The Villach Alpine Road and the Dobratsch

If you’re looking for a breathtaking drive with stunning views of the mountains, take a ride on the Villach Alpine Road and experience the beauty of the Dobratsch.

This 17-kilometer toll road winds its way from Villach high up to the 2,166-meter Dobratsch, the highest peak in the area and a popular natural park and tourist attraction.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Julian Alps, the Karawanken mountains, and the town of Villach itself.

The Villach Alpine Road is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The road is open from late April until early November, and visitors can stop at various viewpoints and rest areas to take in the stunning scenery.

Once you reach the top, you can explore the Dobratsch nature park on foot or by bike, or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular views.

Don’t forget to bring your camera – the Villach Alpine Road and the Dobratsch are sure to provide you with plenty of photo opportunities.

8. Unwind in Warmbad Villach: Kärnten Therme

After enjoying the scenic drive along the Villach Alpine Road and taking in the breathtaking views from the Dobratsch, it’s time to unwind and relax at the Kärnten Therme in Warmbad Villach.

This famous spa, located just three kilometers from Villach, is known for its warm mineral springs and state-of-the-art facilities.

At Kärnten Therme, you can soak in the large thermal swimming pool and indulge in the treatment complex, which includes massages, saunas, and other spa services.

You can also enjoy the open-air pool with a sauna and the fun pool with numerous leisure facilities and slides.

Whether you’re looking to destress or reinvigorate yourself, Kärnten Therme is the perfect place to unwind and take in the natural beauty of Villach.

9. Enjoy Water Activities on Lake Faak

Get ready to dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Lake Faak and enjoy a variety of water activities.

Located near Villach, this pretty little lake is a popular spot for sunbathing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and windsurfing. Motor boats aren’t allowed on the lake, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Lake Faak’s crystal-clear waters drain into the River Gail, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the lake’s calm waters or take advantage of the wind for an exciting windsurfing experience.

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a relaxing day on the water, Lake Faak is the perfect destination for a summer day trip from Villach.

10. Explore Lake Ossiach

Now that you’ve had your fill of sunbathing and water activities on Lake Faak, it’s time to explore Lake Ossiach. This stunning lake is surrounded by wooded hillsides and mountainous peaks, making it a popular holiday spot for visitors to Villach.

Aside from its natural beauty, Lake Ossiach offers plenty of attractions for tourists. You can visit the quaint lakeside villages that offer facilities for water sports such as rowing, waterskiing, sailing, and windsurfing.

You can also take a relaxing boat ride to fully appreciate the lake’s serene atmosphere. Whatever you choose to do, Lake Ossiach is definitely a must-see attraction that you shouldn’t miss while in Villach.

11. The Village of Ossiach

Let’s explore the charming village of Ossiach and discover its hidden gems. Located just a short drive away from Villach, the village of Ossiach is situated on the shores of the picturesque Ossiacher See.

This stunning lake is a popular tourist attraction, and for good reason. With crystal-clear waters and surrounded by stunning mountains, the lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and other water sports.

The village itself is also worth exploring, with its quaint streets and historic buildings. The Ossiach Abbey is a must-see attraction, with its beautiful baroque architecture and stunning artwork.

The abbey also hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year, making it a great destination for music lovers.

Other attractions in the village include the Stiftsmuseum Ossiach, which features a collection of religious art, and the Ossiach Summer Festival, which offers a variety of cultural events and performances.

Whether you’re interested in history, music, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, the village of Ossiach is a great destination for any traveler visiting Villach.

12. TAF-TIMER in Villach

If you’re a vintage car enthusiast, you won’t want to miss TAF-TIMER in Villach, one of the top tourist attractions in the area.

This museum has an impressive collection of European autos and motorbikes from the 1950s, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of automobiles.

The museum is located in Villach and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

TAF-TIMER is one of the best things to do in Villach, especially if you’re interested in classic cars and motorcycles.

The museum’s collection is well-curated and includes some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1950s.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, you’ll appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these vintage vehicles.

Where to stay in Villach

If you’re wondering where to stay in Villach, you may want to consider Boutique Hotel Goldenes Lamm. This charming hotel is located in the heart of the old town and offers cozy rooms. It also has a restaurant serving delicious Austrian cuisine.

Another great option is Thermenhotel Karawankenhof. This hotel is just a short drive away from Warmbad Villach and offers access to its own thermal spa.

Alternatively, Voco Villach is a modern hotel located near the train station. It offers comfortable rooms and a fitness center.

Boutique Hotel Goldenes Lamm

Experience the elegance and comfort of Boutique Hotel Goldenes Lamm in the heart of historic Villach. This hotel offers a range of amenities that will leave you feeling revitalized, including free wifi, free breakfast, and a sauna.

Located near Rathaus Villach, Kirche Zum Heiligen Kreuz, and Das Maibachl, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring the many tourist attractions in Villach.

This hotel offers guests multiple languages spoken by staff, free parking, and secured parking.

Additionally, the on-site restaurant and lounge, as well as the sauna, make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring the town’s many attractions.

Book your stay at Boutique Hotel Goldenes Lamm and experience the best that Villach has to offer.

Thermenhotel Karawankenhof

You’ll love staying at Thermenhotel Karawankenhof, located in Villach, Austria. The hotel features excellent amenities such as a thermal pool, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a minibar.

It is in close proximity to popular landmarks such as Evangelische Kirche Im Stadtpark and Kirche Zum Heiligen Kreuz.

The hotel is also near ATRIO Villach, Das Maibachl, and Fitness- und Gesundheitsparcours Warmbad-Villach, which are all great attractions to visit during your stay.

The hotel features a fitness center, sauna, and a business center with meeting rooms and conference facilities. If you’re traveling with pets, they are allowed to stay at the hotel.

The hotel’s restaurant, Schnitzel Welt, serves local schnitzel favorites and is a great dining option. The hotel’s thermal pool is a highlight for guests, but some reviewers complain that it can be noisy and crowded.

Additionally, some guests had difficulties with parking and overnight parked cars. However, overall, guests agree that Thermenhotel Karawankenhof is a great choice for a stay in Villach, a town with many great tourist attractions to explore.

Voco Villach

If you’re looking for a comfortable stay in the heart of Villach, the Voco Villach hotel is a great option to consider. This hotel, which was previously a Holiday Inn, has been rebranded as VOCO but has maintained its high standard.

Located in the city center, the Voco Villach is conveniently situated for exploring Villach’s top tourist attractions, including the Main Square, the Parish Church of St. Jakob, and the Carinthia Relief Model.

The hotel offers a variety of room types, and some rooms even have a view of the river. While the hotel’s room design might not be to everyone’s taste, with frosted glass cubicles for the toilet and shower, reviewers have praised the hotel for its modern and stylish rooms, comfortable beds, great location, and excellent breakfast.

The hotel also offers wellness/fitness facilities, underground parking, and is connected to the conference center, making it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers.

So, there you have it! You’ve just discovered the best tourist attractions and things to do in Villach, Austria.

From exploring the old churches and castles to hiking and skiing in the beautiful mountainous terrain, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this scenic destination.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous vacation, Villach is the perfect place to visit.

So, pack your bags, book your stay at one of the many accommodation options available, and get ready to experience all that this charming town has to offer.

You won’t be disappointed!

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Villach

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Other Top Attractions around Villach

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• Villach Alpine Road
• Naturpark Dobratsch
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• Automuseum TAF-TIMER
• Villach-St. Jakob
• Das Maibachl
• Fitness- und Gesundheitsparcours Warmbad-Villach
• Burgherrenrunde
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World Bank suspends Tanzania tourism funding after claims of killings and evictions

Plan to expand Ruaha national park has been beset by allegations of abuse, leading bank to withhold final $50m of $150m budget

The World Bank has suspended financing intended to develop tourism in southern Tanzania after allegations of killings, rape and forced evictions.

The bank began investigating last year after being accused of enabling abuses around Ruaha national park, which was due to double in size as part of a World Bank-supported programme .

“The World Bank is deeply concerned about the allegations of abuse and injustice related to the Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth (Regrow) project in Tanzania,” said a World Bank spokesperson.

“We have recently received information that suggests breaches of our policies in the implementation of the Regrow project. We have therefore decided to suspend further disbursement of funds with immediate effect.”

Tanzania was due to receive a further $50m, having already received $100m of the funding. Developments include building roads, viewing areas and visitor centres, and investing in wildlife monitoring and increased security.

The Guardian reported in September 2023 that the US-based thinktank the Oakland Institute had documented a range of abuses by Tanzanian rangers against villagers accused of encroaching on the national park, including the killing of cattle herders and fishers, the confiscation of livestock and the rape of women.

The Oakland Institute welcomed the “long overdue” decision, which came a year after the World Bank was first informed of potential violations of its own policies on safeguarding in April 2023.

Anuradha Mittal, the thinktank’s executive director, said: “It sends a resounding message to the Tanzanian government that there are consequences for its rampant rights abuses taking place across the country to boost tourism. The days of impunity are finally coming to an end.”

The Oakland Institute said that despite the World Bank announcing an investigation, the Tanzanian government moved forward in October with plans to redraw the boundaries of the national park, which would result in 21,000 people facing eviction.

The institute said their research shows other abuses have also continued, including the killing of a 21-year-old cattle herder in October and seizure and sale of thousands of cattle this year.

“The government’s plan to expand the park cannot go forward against the will of local communities, who will lose everything from such an expansion,” said Mittal. “In addition to preventing forced evictions, the bank must focus on how to remedy the harms caused to the villagers who have lost loved ones to ranger violence or had their lives devastated by livelihood restrictions.”

The Tanzanian government had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

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World Bank suspends Tanzania tourism fund over abuse allegations

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Russian attack injures six people in Ukraine's Kharkiv, governor says

Russian missiles damaged residential buildings and injured six people in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, early on Wednesday, Governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram.

The United States on Wednesday called on all armed forces in Sudan to immediately cease attacks in al-Fashir, North Darfur, as Sudan's army battles the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for control of the vast north African country.

Top Things to Do in Villach, Austria

Things to do in villach, explore popular experiences, tours in and around villach.

Villach Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide

14 Day Tour of Central Europe and The Balkans

Old town tour in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee

In-depth private tour through every corner of Klagenfurt

Klagenfurt - Private Walking Tour

Klagenfurt Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

Guided castle bike tour in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee

Klagenfurt Private Walking Tour

Herzensjagd durch Klagenfurt (virtuelle Schnitzeljagd)

Lindwurmjagd durch Klagenfurt (Schnitzeljagd mit Handy)

Top attractions in villach.

Other Top Attractions around Villach

What travellers are saying

• Villach Alpine Road
• Naturpark Dobratsch
• ATRIO Villach
• Automuseum TAF-TIMER
• Villach-St. Jakob
• Das Maibachl
• Fitness- und Gesundheitsparcours Warmbad-Villach
• Burgherrenrunde
• Vassacher See

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Amsterdam’s Latest Effort to Fight Excessive Tourism: No New Hotels

The city wants no more than 20 million hotel stays annually. The measure is one of multiple efforts to control the flow of visitors.

By Claire Moses

Amsterdam has been searching for any way to rein in the number of tourists that visit the city every year.

In March of last year, the city launched an ad campaign specifically targeted at British men between 18 and 35, urging them to “stay away.”

In July, the Dutch capital announced it would bar cruise ships from docking in the city center .

The city has also long tried to control the crowds in its red-light district, where rowdy groups of tourists often cause disruptions to local residents. It has added stricter rules about smoking marijuana . It has banned new tourist shops. And still, the people keep coming.

Now, the city — which is as well known for its canals and 17th century art as for its legal sex industry and easy access to marijuana — has taken one more step to further restrict the explosive growth of tourists: It is banning hotels from being built.

“Amsterdam is saying ‘no’ to new hotels,” the City Council said in a statement. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” it added.

Amsterdam, which added that it was seeking to keep hotel stays by tourists to under 20 million per year, saw its highest number of visitors before the pandemic in 2019, when there were 25.2 million hotel stays, according to the city’s data.

Last year, that number was exceeded by tourists staying over in Amsterdam, not including stays in short-term rentals like Airbnbs and cruise ships. And the measure also does not take into account daily visitors who do not stay the night.

The ban on new hotels, while sending a clear message about the city’s aim to reduce the number of visitors, is also largely symbolic. The city’s policy on hotel construction was already strict, and there had been only three proposals since 2017 that met Amsterdam’s requirements, according to the city. New hotels that had been approved or were in development — 26 in total — would be allowed to proceed for now.

Under the new rules, a new hotel can only open if another one closes. It also isn’t allowed to add more rooms than were available, according to the city.

“The effect won’t be very big,” said Ko Koens, a professor of new urban tourism at Inholland University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He also said that in the long run, the capping of hotels could make them more expensive to stay at.

While this ban alone would not make a huge dent in the number of visitors to the city, Mr. Koens said, taken together with other initiatives it could make Amsterdam a less appealing place to visit. But, he said, “For now, visitors don’t seem to mind.”

In total, Amsterdam has nearly 42,000 hotel rooms that can accommodate more than 92,000 people, according to Statistics Netherlands, a governmental institution that compiles data about the country. (In total, the Netherlands has more than 150,000 hotel rooms.)

Amsterdam’s initiatives to rein in tourism have been largely focused on its crowded city center. But as long as Amsterdam’s airport, Schiphol, continues to be a major European hub, it won’t be easy to keep visitors away from the city.

“There are no simple solutions,” Mr. Koens said. “It’s super complex.”

Amsterdam also announced this week it would start cutting the number of river cruises allowed to dock in its waters. In 2023, that number was 2,125. In 2028, the city wants it to be halved, with no more than 1,150. The city predicts that effort could reduce the number of visitors that come into town by 271,000. This proposal, the city said, is to improve the quality of life for residents and to reduce emissions and crowds.

“The balance in the city needs to improve,” Hester van Buren, a deputy mayor who focuses on the city’s port, said in a statement.

Amsterdam isn’t the only major European destination that has been struggling to get a grip on the growing number of tourists. Venice announced it would charge day-tripping visitors 5 euros ($5.33) to enter the iconic streets of its city center on weekends and some holidays from April 25 through mid-July, its busiest season.

Amsterdam, currently in a busy touristic time because of its famous blooming tulips, has not announced a similar measure, but it is likely there will be more efforts and experiments designed to limit visitors — like the hotel ban.

“Without such a stop, Amsterdam’s center would become one big hotel,” Mr. Koens said. “You don’t want that either.”

Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focused on coverage of breaking and trending news. More about Claire Moses

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