Some suggested attractions to visit in Carinthia

• Terra Mystica in Bad Bleiberg – This is a 3 km long underground mining experience created in 1989. Visitors slide down a chute and then ride in a mine wagon where the underground world, work and life of miners are explained in an interesting way.
• Friesach – During the summer, the annual mediaeval festival ‘Spectaculum’ is held in Friesach. Visitors are entertained by clowns and fire eaters. Candle makers, flower girls, shoemakers and other craftsmen show off their skills. Beggar soups, old breads and suckling pig can be purchased and musicians and minstrels provide the entertainment. Highpoint of the festival is the ‘prince wedding’ during which a couple actually marry.
• Porsche Museum in Gmuend – The first Porsche car was built in Gmuend by professor Ferdinand Porsche and between 1944 and 1950 the manufacturing plant for Porsche cars was situated here. In the 1980’s a museum was opened where visitors can admire Porsche’s world famous designs as well as other designs – such as Volkswagen and Steyr. Highlight of the exhibition is a wooden model of the famous Porsche 356 which was the very first Porsche car.
• Basilica of Heiligenblut – The basilica is one of the oldest and most beautiful gothic style churches in Carinthia. Originally built in the 13th Century, the church has undergone several reconstructions and enlargements and underwent comprehensive reconstruction between 1909 and 1911. The church has several treasures to see – such as the late gothic wing altar (1520) the 16th century fresco of Saint Christopher on the outside wall and the 13 metre high tabernacle. The church is also famous for the view of the Grossglockner mountain which rises behind it.
• Hochosterwitz Castle – Situated on a high rock east of St Veit, the castle has a unique fortress-way with 14 gates to go through before visitors reach the castle itself. The castle has an interesting knight exhibition to see and visitors shouldn’t miss the beautiful arcade yard and church which are situated below the stronghold.
• Klagenfurt old town – The winged dragon ‘Lindwurm’ is located in the new square in Klagenfurt and represents the landmark of Carinthia’s capital. The Lindwurm is said to have lived in the swampy area around Klagenfurt and its conqueror can be seen opposite it in the square. Other attractions include the cathedral built in 1580 with its magnificent stucco decoration as well as the Klagenfurter Landhaus with its impressive hall of coats of arms. In the regional museum visitors can obtain information about Carinthia’s historical and natural background.
• Fortress Landskron – The ruins of the castle are located in a dominating position on a cliff above Villach. Originally built around the 14th century and further developed in the 16th century, the castle was destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century. Renovation work started in the middle of the 20th century. An ape park and an eagle flight show rank among the highlights of the castle. On Tuesday evenings you can enjoy a mediaeval banquet – you have a knife to cut food and that’s it, and you will be waited on by squires and wenches.
• Warmbad Villach – The wellness, health and holiday resort of Villach offers sunny weather, natural environment and numerous modern sporting facilities. The healthy water of the regional thermal spring is well know and visitors can also take a relaxing bath in the thermal spring itself where relief can be obtained from a variety of ailments including rheumatism, other muscular problems and stress. The warm thermal spring offers lots of attractions for visitors
• Woerthersee – Luxury, celebrities, movies, parties, fun and entertainment – it’s all here – it is almost impossible to get bored. In the summer the beaches, boat rentals and sports facilities provide the action. In winter you can cross country ski, ice skate, hike or go on a sleigh ride. South west of Woerthersee is the castle Rosegg where visitors will find a big garden maze, a deer park and waxworks. In the ‘minimundus’ park to the east of Woerthersee the largest and most beautiful buildings of the world are shown in mini-format.
• Finkenstein – The summer festival here in the castle arena has a variety of concerts with international artists and pop artists. The arena holds 1,000 people and at a heightof 880 metres has fantastic views of Lake Faak