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Photo: Tourism Region Klagenfurt

NEED TO KNOW IN 2026

With the opening of the Koralmbahn in December 2025, a new era of mobility and regional development begins for Klagenfurt. The high-speed rail line connects Klagenfurt with Graz in just around 45 minutes, creating a completely new axis between Carinthia and Styria. Klagenfurt benefits from its central location as a transport hub: the city becomes significantly more attractive to commuters, businesses, and tourists. New opportunities arise in the economy, education, and culture – for example, through closer cooperation with Styrian institutions or the influx of young professionals. Tourism also benefits, as visitors can travel faster and more comfortably.

The Koralmbahn is thus much more than an infrastructure project – it shapes Klagenfurt’s future as a connected, dynamic city in the heart of the Alpine Adriatic region.

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Photo: Tourism Region Klagenfurt

DID YOU KNOW?

Less well known is that Klagenfurt has an underground tunnel system, parts of which date back to the Middle Ages. Beneath the old town, there are numerous cellars, passageways, and vaults that were once used as storage, escape routes, or even beer cellars. Some sections are still accessible today, offering fascinating insights into the city’s history. Equally remarkable: Klagenfurt was the first city in Europe with a fully solar-heated residential area – the ‘SolarCity’ on Südring. And although Klagenfurt is located on Lake Wörthersee, the city border touches the lake itself only along a narrow strip – access to the water was deliberately kept open to everyone in the 19th century.

A hidden gem rich in history and forward-thinking spirit!

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Photo: Tourism Region Klagenfurt

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA IN 2026

The Klagenfurt Quest is an innovative team-building activity in which teams explore the city in a playful yet challenging way. Equipped with tablets or smartphones, they navigate through the old town, along the Lend Canal, and all the way to Lake Wörthersee, solving exciting tasks, puzzles, and creative challenges.

Whether it’s a selfie with the Lindwurm, a quiz on the city’s history, or a sporty mini-challenge by the water, each station promotes team spirit, communication, and creativity. Optional elements such as local snacks or encounters with artists can also be included. The mix of physical activity, culture, and fun makes the Klagenfurt Quest the perfect activity for companies, seminar groups, or conference participants. At the end, there is a small awards ceremony with local surprises. This unique combination of team-building and city experience is sure to be remembered – modern, motivating, and typically Klagenfurt.

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Photo: Tourism Region Klagenfurt

PERFECT GIFT

The perfect souvenir from Klagenfurt combines regional charm and memories. Especially popular are products featuring the Lindwurm, the city’s landmark – for example, as a miniature figurine, magnet, or mug.

Another typical gift is culinary specialities from Carinthia: pumpkin seed oil, Lavant Valley apple juice, Carinthian honey, or handmade chocolates from local artisans. Handicrafts from the old town – such as ceramics, wood carvings, or traditional costume jewellery – also make an authentic gift. For those looking for something special, a small piece of Lake Wörthersee is a great choice: for instance, in the form of jewellery with turquoise stones or stylised lake motifs. Such a souvenir not only brings joy but also preserves the memory of Klagenfurt’s unique atmosphere.

TOP 5 EVENTS IN 2025

1. Klagenfurt Festival — a major cultural festival in the old town with international music, theatre, performance & literature.

2. Big Air Klagenfurt — World Cup freestyle in ski and snowboard, spectacular kicker at the Wörthersee Stadium.

3. IRONMAN

4. Municipal Fair — trade fair at Messe Klagenfurt with more than 200 exhibitors and over 7,000 visitors. Topics: municipal supply, infrastructure, tools, and innovations for communities.

5. Car-free Wörthersee — A day when parts of the lakeside road and surrounding areas are made car-free, featuring music, street food, activities for pedestrians and cyclists, making the lake around Klagenfurt a new experience.

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Photo: Tourism Region Klagenfurt

KLAGENFURT'S FEATURES

NATURAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the Alps and the turquoise Wörthersee. The mild climate, numerous forests, and recreational areas such as Europapark or Kreuzbergl make the city particularly livable. These natural conditions promote tourism and the quality of leisure activities.

Culturally, Klagenfurt offers a rich heritage: the old town with its Renaissance buildings, the city theatre, museums, and events such as the Carinthian Summer Concerts or the Minimundus exhibition reflect a diverse cultural scene. In addition, the proximity to Italy and Slovenia shapes the regional identity and multilingualism. These natural and cultural factors significantly contribute to Klagenfurt’s economic, social, and tourist importance, making the city an attractive place to live.

GENERAL AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

Klagenfurt offers a well-developed public and general infrastructure, enabling a high level of quality of life and mobility. The dense network of bus connections ensures fast, environmentally friendly transportation within the city and to surrounding communities. Educational and healthcare facilities are modern and easily accessible – from kindergartens and schools to the state hospital.

Public squares, parks, and sports facilities provide space for leisure, recreation, and community activities. Klagenfurt station, as a transport hub, connects the region with national and international destinations. A special improvement is the launch of the Koralmbahn from December 14, 2025, which will significantly increase the local and long-distance transport services. The airport also contributes to good connectivity. The continuous expansion of digital infrastructure additionally creates important conditions for the economy, education, and administration.

The city is investing sustainably in the maintenance and further development of these structures to meet future demands and ensure a livable environment for all generations.

TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee offers an excellent tourist infrastructure that ideally combines relaxation, culture, and active holidays. Numerous hotels, guesthouses, and holiday apartments in various categories ensure comfortable accommodations for every requirement.

The Wörthersee, with its beaches, water sports facilities, and promenades, is a central highlight. The old town delights with historic buildings, cafés, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Cultural institutions such as the city theatre, museums, and event venues offer a diverse program throughout the year.

Cycling and hiking trails, including the Wörthersee Circular Trail, allow for active recreation in nature. Public transport, bicycle rentals, and a well-developed road network ensure easy mobility. The nearby airport and train station also guarantee convenient access. Klagenfurt impresses with a coherent overall package that captivates guests from both home and abroad.

MEETINGS INFRASTRUCTURE

Klagenfurt offers a modern and versatile infrastructure for meetings, conferences, and events of all kinds. The Messe Klagenfurt, with its flexibly usable halls and conference rooms, serves as a central venue for national and international events. Additionally, numerous seminar hotels, the concert hall, Lakeside Park, the Droneberger event location, the university, and the city theatre are available as attractive venues. Modern technology, professional event services, and good accessibility – via train, highway, and the nearby airport – make Klagenfurt an ideal conference destination.

Even smaller, exclusive events find a suitable setting in historic buildings or near the lake. Numerous restaurants, bars, and leisure activities offer perfect opportunities for networking and supporting programs. The combination of professional infrastructure and high quality of life makes Klagenfurt a popular location for business events in the heart of Europe.

MEETINGS BUZZ

The marketing buzz of Klagenfurt focuses on an emotional and versatile appeal that cleverly combines the city, the lake, and culture. With the slogan ‘Klagenfurt on Lake Wörthersee – the vibrant city by the water,’ a lifestyle is conveyed that unites nature, urbanity, and southern flair.

Major events such as the Ironman, the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize Festival, or the Christmas market regularly generate media attention and conversations far beyond the city limits. Social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, and visually strong content reinforce the city’s modern, relatable image.

In particular, the contrast between the historic old town and the trendy lakeside creates a lasting ‘buzz’ – a mix of relaxation, adventure, and inspiration. Through targeted placement in tourism and lifestyle media, Klagenfurt manages to be perceived both as a hidden gem and an experiential city. The brand thrives on authenticity, joie de vivre, and the unique location on Lake Wörthersee.

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Photo: Tourism Region Klagenfurt

KLAGENFURT FACT SHEET

Destination population:105,000
The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms:658
The number of 4* and 5* category hotels:10
The size of the largest hall in the city (in m2):6,400
Maximum hall capacity in theatre style (the largest hall in the city)5,000
Banquet hall maximum capacity (the largest hall in the city):500
Average internet speed when organising events (Mbps):40
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Photo: Tourism Region Klagenfurt

FIND OUT MORE

Tourist Information Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Neuer Platz 5,
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria

T: +43 463 287 463
E: info@visitklagenfurt.at
W: https://www.visitklagenfurt.at/en/

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