Hotels in Klagenfurt

Klagenfurt: Carinthia's Lake Capital

Klagenfurt, documented as a market settlement from the 12th century, serves as the capital of Carinthia, Austria's southernmost federal state. The city of roughly 100,000 residents sits at the western end of Wörthersee, a 19 km lake that warms to swimable temperatures from May through September. The Lindwurm dragon fountain on Neuer Platz — cast in 1593 from a local quarry — is the city's defining monument. The Alter Platz pedestrian zone, flanked by Baroque palaces, connects the old town to the cathedral quarter in under ten minutes on foot. Summer draws Austrian and German visitors for lake holidays; winter attracts skiers using Klagenfurt as a base for the Carinthian Alps, accessible within 45 minutes by car.

Where to Stay

Hotels cluster in three zones: the Altstadt around Alter Platz and Kramergasse for walkers; the Wörthersee promenade district, 3 km south-west of the centre, for direct lake access; and the area around Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof for rail travellers. Peak rates run July and August.

Practical Tips

• By rail: ÖBB Railjet connects Klagenfurt to Vienna in 3.5 hours and Graz in 2 hours.
• Lake swimming: Strandbad Klagenfurt, 4 km from Alter Platz, opens in early May.
• Day trips: Hochosterwitz Castle stands 20 km north-east; Minimundus miniature park occupies the Wörthersee shore 4 km from the city centre.